erm, hi?
well, since felicia has mentioned something abt syf being only 30 days away, i might as well comment on the stuff you guys need to work on. all this is according to last friday's practice, March6, when i was there to witness your practice.
firstly, like what felicia has mentioned, is your attitude towards syf. this competition is not easy. band members from secondary schools all over singapore are anticipating this event - representing their schools in a national level, showing off what they can do; what they have learned and experienced in their years in the band. it took 4 years to build hgv band to the silver medal standard in 2005, and just one year for it to deteriorate to a bronze medal in 2007.
from what i see from the practice, you guys dont have that drive - the look of aggression in your eyes, the face that tells me that you WANT this. you have to have that kind of mentality in you. if not you'd just be wasting your time. dont cry when you found out that hgv band once again received a bronze medal, when you know you havent put in your best effort. theres absolutely no point in doing that. hence, this is my advice to you: do your best. if you have put in your 100% in this competition - now being only 30 days away - then you have nothing to worry abt. the silver medal is inevitably yours. i know you guys have potential. so work to it, together!
here're some pointers:
1) make full use of your sectionals.
sectionals are rare in your case. mr ong wants to make sure everyone knows their part well and he feels that it's his responsibility for your progress. so, if you guys have the time, especially on saturdays, have sectionals. section leaders, pls do your part by making sure that EVERY ONE of your section members know how to play. doesnt matter the dynamics and all first - you can do that another time - but emphasise more on your fingerings and tone. seriously, i was shocked to find out that till now, some of you guys dont know your fingerings. esp the running notes. make every note is distinct and dont make it sound messy. after that, coordinate with your section mates. some parts may be different like, clarinet1 plays what &clarinet2 plays what. know when to come in and play as a whole. and most importantly, play confidently. dont hide. youll just lose out in the end.
2) do proper warm-ups before playing any piece
warm-ups are important, dont neglect it. if your realise, after playing a piece without doing your warm-ups before that, your lips (arms for percs) will feel extremely strained. furthermore, youll feel tired halfway through the song, which is, well, not good. it's like running your 2.4km. you dont do stretches = lactic acid produced in your muscles. in layman terms: you'll have muscle aches. so, do warm-ups! long notes are good. and, your tounging exercise and all of that. you'll realise that you'll sound better, in a way, and that you're less tired and able to complete the piece more confidently. now that's an accomplishment.
3) bring home your instrument if you can
since common test is over, might as well you spend some time practising. know your mistakes and work on them to improve. like what mr ong said, there's no point practicing the wrong stuff all over again. so yes, do something! take yingsuean for example. the running notes on xylo for your choice piece is not easy. it takes alot of practice to master that. she's a good example because i and i think all of you were impressed on her improvement. that amount of improvement is enough for me, and perhaps mr ong. i know, its only 30days right, what can you do? PRACTICE. youve free time, so, just do it!
4) respect those who have came back, be it alumni or tutors
okay. you know what happened. so i shant elaborate. nonetheless, you should at most show your respect to those who are willing to take their time to come back and teach you guys. we know your problems and we're here to help. dont waste our time listening to you guys whining abt how tough it is, cos reality bites. if you are not better then your tutor, then at least listen to what he/she has to say, then perhaps youll learn a thing or two. think back the past few months: what have you learnt in this period of syf. is your playing the same/similar standard as when youve started off? if it is, then you need to work doubly hard. cos you'll be the one suffering from multiple 'pokes' from your SL or Mr Ong. appreciate what you have. dont regret later.
5) presentation
like what felicia said, presentation matters. first row girls, pls sit properly. do not slouch. look confident. that implies to everyone else as well. if your playing aint that good, at least you have points for your presentation. that includes uniform. shirts tucked in. girls skirts should be of appropriate length (if not how to sit properly?) percs, stand straight - dont look like an ah-beng on stage. show some style! sway with the music. think pro. if you look smart, you play smart.
so, thats my advice overall. if i return and find out more stuff, ill update it here. nonetheless, if youve just browsed through what ive just said and not take all that into consideration, then you're really being unfair for those who really WANT to get their desired medal. youre a band. youre supposed to work together as a team. same goal. no one gets left behind. and only one medal. you guys decide on what you want.
i wish you all well! :D
april 8th. i await that day.
hurhurhur.
Tasya Vadya Sarira
Acting Treasurer
Hillgrove Band Alumni
