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Sunday, April 26, 2009
The countless CCA practices in TC36/Amphitheatre?
The countless times we practiced cetok for both Carousel and Zafar, to the extent of suan-ning our dearest Qimin’s hands?
The warm up of crescendo(s) almost every practice?
The times where we look forward to breaks just so we can get biscuits?
Staying inside TC36 during breaks cause we do not have any dinner while the rest went to the other room to eat?
Browsing through everyone’s angel-mortal gifts and envying people who got big presents *cough* *Christabel* *cough* *Ferrero Rocher* *cough* and smiling secretly to yourself when you find your name on one of the huge pile of food?
The n times, where n=infinity Jocelyn Senior gave looooong debriefs? (No offence Jocelyn!)
The many encouragements given by Mr. Dzul during practices?
The time where we played Carousel and the-mysterious-man-with-a-guitar who supposedly walked 4 storeys up suddenly appear and compliment us for our playing?
Mr. Dzul’s classic ‘If…touch wood’ *touches wood* ‘something happen to me that day’ *touches wood again*?
Another classic liner: ‘we try one last time, then we try one time more then we go for break'.
Mr Dzul’s many funny expressions which made playing the 2 songs much more entertaining?
The very first time we try out our blazing red blazer which nearly had all of us fried?
The surprising ‘Best outfit award’ given to us? (Until now I’m still suspicious over ‘You can never go wrong with red’)
The sound of dropped angklungs which made the whole ensemble go ‘OOOHHH!’
When we kept complaining about how hot tc36 is with 48 people inside but we still stayed there anyway?
Chai Ying’s classic ‘Try the 67176 for Zafar” *nudge* *Hwei Yee* *nudge*?
Hwei Yee’s constipated+mouth to one side face when playing angklung?
The star players of Angklung Ensemble: Wanlin, Elizabeth (Mortal!), Shi Hong J
Our love-hate relationship with the red blazer?
The morning exercises on Saturdays? Especially the part where we cheated ( 1 to 10) and both Jacob and Ilyas refused to cooperate.
Waking the NJ Boarding people up on Saturdays through our music?
All the ‘GO PEIXUAN!’ cheers before we started playing Carousel?
Smiling so hard our jaws nearly dropped.
Practising walk in and walk out WITHOUT any sound for n times, with n=a number close to infinity.
The 'angklungkia' cheer to the tune of xin nian dao, invented by the boys?
Having a member (Weijie) who has birthday(s) almost every Angklung sessions? *stares at Jacob, Yilong and Kaiwei*
And the finale: The shock we had when we realized that Weijie (no offence!) could speak more than 6 words. In fact, he can speak A LOT.
I’m sure that there are still many many Angklung memories that I have not mentioned above. And I hope that 10 years down the road, this is what you will remember from being in NJC Angklung Ensemble, the fond memories we had together.
The end result is important. Like what hwei yee told me, ‘Of course the result is important. We care about it’. Undoubtedly, this is very true. Saying that I do not care about the result, is an absolute lie.
Getting bronze equals to having lost bragging rights for 2 whole years, losing the reputation that the seniors have built up, a possible decrease in membership next year, a less than perfect testimonial…
But so what?
As the saying goes, ‘Failure is the mother of success’. Bragging rights can be regained after 2 years. Yes, it’s a long wait, but it’s certainly not forever. Likewise, reputation can be built up all over again, and those who have heard us play will know that we’re still as good as last time. Membership next year not only depends on SYF results, but also the amount of effort the juniors put in next year during CCA Day. Last but not least, shame on you if you joined Angklung just because you want ‘SYF-Gold’ to be printed on your testimonial (Which I believe none of us are).
People have been asking me on the reason for getting bronze. Though my answer is always the standard ‘we tried our best. There’s a mismatch of style between our music and the judges’, I always feel this tinge of dissatisfaction. How can our ‘best’ be pegged only at Bronze standard? Surely our hard work is more than a Bronze. Mr. Dzul’s compositions (Labyrinth, Carousel, Zafar, Rasuk, Oasis, Hayat) are certainly much much more than Bronze. They are not something any award can measure. I have heard of this quote somewhere and would like to share it with all of you ‘Just because you deserve to win, does not necessarily mean that you will win’.
How very true. While we may feel unfair and unjust, we have got to acknowledge that the judges have their own reasons for giving us a Bronze. Their reasons might not be something we can accept, but it’s definitely something that we must respect.
So people! As cliché as it may sound to you, cheer up coz there’s something to look forward to! College Day and SISC. This is a great chance for us to show to the whole school that hey! We’re certainly not Bronze standard. J
To Mr Dzul: You’re the coolest conductor (truth to be told, I only come across you haha) I’ve ever met. I really really respect you for your passion towards music and how you stand true to your own style despite setbacks. There’s always something new to learn every Angklung session, which I would not have learnt had I stayed in the classroom and mug my days away. Like what you have said before, we are learning so much more stuff that cannot be taught in lectures/tutorials. Thank you J
To the ex-co: I’m not exactly the most co-operative member around since I’m always late (but hey! I contribute to Angklung fund k!). I’m also far from the best player, but I really thank you guys for the compromise you have made for me. (Letting me go Maldives trip, and yet join SYF etc)
To the seniors (J2): I may not be close to you, but I really want to thank you for making Angklung Ensemble such a great CCA to be in. Special mention to Shi Hong who created jokes after the release of SYF results to lighten the atmosphere. It’s really really appreciated. And the pretty drawings made by Kai Teng/Sherin before SYF. I look damn hot. Haha.
Lastly, I shall end of my first ever post with a group picture!
Carousel - NJC Angklung Ensemble
Zafar - NJC Angklung Ensemble
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The following note was posted as a note on facebook by our dearest Hai Ha, dated, 22nd April, Wednesday and it moved me to tears that I just had to share it with everyone else:I am not good at writing down what i thought but the feeling inside me is so powerful that i cannot contain. i dont know how long i will take to recover from this n i dont know what how am i supposed to do to be back to normal. the feeling of disappointment just empower me that i dont feel like talking to anyone or responding to any question. i love the songs n i love the instrument i play. back a month ago i thought i would not feel for the songs at all n i thought i would just play correctly without emotions. but what i felt on stage today was overwhelming; i played with my heart n i just couldnt describe the feeling that built up in me throughout the two songs. i felt the happiness inside me n i left the stage wishing that i could be on that stage again n continue playing because to me the feeling was just too precious to let go. i was scared of the results, yes i did because i have seen people who really put in hard work and did great but received nothing in return. i have seen it before n i never forget it. i was scared that it would happen to us. at that moment i felt it was stupid of me to think that way n i believed that i was just overly scared. i never thought that it would really happen. n i cried because all the five schools under my conductor got bronze and so all the compostions by him are went discredited. i cried because we played with our hearts n the judgers really just didnt feel it. hard work may not be repaid by rewards, it's rule of life, but something that comes out from the hearts n cannot be felt by others, it just makes me feel more disappointed than ever. when my conductor said the song zafar moved him during the performance, i was elated. nothing would make me feel happier than that. we have given the two songs their credit n so there is no regret. i just prayed that we got the award that we deserve so that we could return to school with smile on our faces n pride.
to my conductor: what i want to say is i love the songs no matter what. to be able to play the kolingtung n the two songs is a blessing for me who got no music background n talent. there is not a single moment that i regret going through all of this and being in angklung. the beats are inside me all the time, i can always feel it. to me, the songs are the best ever for syf n they really deserve gold with honours. i want to say million times thank u if i can because u give me the experience i have never thought i would be able to have- the experience of creating music that touch people's hearts. to me, opening my heart is a difficult thing to do so i treasure the moment on stage today n i feel great even though the disappointment is undeniable.
to my angklung friends: i am not good at consoling people, really i am not. i felt sad n i just couldnt find a word to encourage anyone. we are the best ensemble ever, that's what i feel. i make great friends here n i hv never regreted joining angklung. i hv never said this but joining angklung is one of the best things that ever happen to me here. if i ever leave this place the memories that are imprinted in my mind is the time in angklung. these words are from deep in my heart.
yep after all today is a great day!
-Notes from Du Hai Ha-
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, like how I closed the 22nd of April with the 18 people who went to eat dinner at Bukit Timah Plaza's Pizza hut:
"Today is a..." I said in anticipation.
As if on queue, 18 people chorused in one voice,"....A GREAT DAY!" and hearty laughters resounded through the empty, but not so empty Pizza Hut.
And so, my 22nd of April ended like that, an atmosphere that was filled with mirth and joyful triumph. (:
-Jocelyn Lim -
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
take a look at the once rare but now not so rare species in angklung...
ok...hey kid watcha looking at? pandas in ur angklung? =.=
mr dzul...:)
sry there're more but im overseas and seriously nid to slp now. GOODLUCK for tomorrow and GOOD NIGHT! MUACKS!!! *leaves a gooey slime*
I am proud of all of you. Even I am no longer in NJC, I am proud to tell everyone that I was once an NJC Angklungnite and still am till now and my friends will know that weherever I go, whomever I meet, I will always lookout for opportunities and open doors for NJC Anglung to perform.
Trust in your own abilities. Trust in your friend's abilities. Come tomorrow, everything that you've worked for will be materialise. I am confident that the audience and the judges will be swaying to the songs that you will be playing and tapping their feet to each beat of the gendang. You guys gonna be AWESOME!!!
Smile. Always remember that Angklung is ultra sensitive. It reacts to your mood and feelings so, FEEL for the music that you wil be playing and the SMILE will come. ENJOY every moment that you are playing the music and the smile will come and the audience will feel the music and the mood that you are trying to project.
SYF is not about competing against others. Its not even a competition. Its about pitting against your ownself. Always remember, at the end of the day, what counts is how you feel after the performance and the experience that you've gathered and most importantly, the camaraderie and friendship that you've forged. Many have posted encouraging words and have stated their confidence in your abilities. For the seniors that had attended the practices and heard the songs, I'm sure they will agree that NJC Angklungnites will stand proud once again.
To the NJC Angklung, Mr Tan Chor Yean, Ms Rahaa and Mr Dzul, Have a great SYF tomorrow and let the audience be awed once again with the songs that we play. Let them not blink when we play the staccato....let them be reminded that NJC Angklung is one damn good Angklung Ensemble!!!
NJC Angklung, every one matters.
The guru
GANBATTE MINNA SAN! JIA YOU EVERYONE!
We're gonna ROCK the house down. (:
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Here are some totally unglam photos from the performance at NUS Bukit Timah.
More photos soon on Facebook.
We should reach TRCC by 1300 to facilitate registration, tuning and last minute attire check.
Details like what time you will be excused from lessons and you will be leaving college will be announced tomorrow.
Do look out for announcements during practice and on this blog.
To seniors who can attend: Please SMS me as I have 2 instructor passes with me. These passes guarantee entry. Those who don't have instructor pass will have to join the public entry. Frankly speaking I don't even know how many seats they allocate for the public.
Teachers (including Fuad) can enter upon flashing their CS cards.
Friday, April 17, 2009
SYF is just a few days away, i'm sure everyone are all geared up to it. Just want to say that I AM VERY PROUD with ALL OF YOU!! Wednesday's combined rehearsal was awesome... repeat that again come this wed 22/4 plus pour all that feelings into the songs, and ten minutes later we will leave the stage with no regrets. That's all that matter..no regrets. Its an honour to be able to work with a bunch of dedicated and committed people like u.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
after listening to carousel and zafar for the umpteenth time and reading jocelyn's record-breaking post, i believe everyone deserves a little 'musical' break.
I now present to you a classical Beethoven piece:
I now present to you a classical Beethoven piece:
if classical music is not your thing, have a go at this arrangement:
of course, since this is an angklung blog, the post will not be complete without having an angklung version (you might need to turn the volume up for this one):
imagine playing this song for syf (reminds me of the supposed 'flight of the bumble bee' for 2007 syf).
the song sounds a little dry as machines do not know what it means to feel the music. moral of the story: computers cannot play the angklung as well as humans do. so 3 cheers for yourselves!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Initially I had wanted to give each an individual copy of this, but because of excessive cost and a relatively broken pocket(oh dear! ): ), I decided to post it on the Angklung blog instead. (: I hope this encourages you (:
---
My dearest shakers,
I scold and reprimand not because I want to demoralise you guys but simply for the reason to bring out the best in you. I know the weather recently has been extremely unkind to us. The level of humidity is terrible! (sidetrack: The horrid weather is a bane to our lives, so we should really carry out conservation to prevent global warming from worsening). For the last few practices , everyone was restless, distracted and had beads of sweat accumulating at your temples which rolled down your sideburns to collect at your chins before dripping onto the floor. While you shook your angklung furiously, hit your rebana or kulingtan with your hands, you suddenly feel a sharp sting in your eye due to the salty water flowing down your foreheads and you miss that crucial queue from Mr Dzul as you blinked away the pain and all of a sudden you find yourself losing focus, tempo and rhythm.
I know it's hard, I know it's tiring but we've got to press on ensemble. We've got to press on. This is the period of time that Mr Dzul was talking about, where our greatest nemesis, lethargy and fatigue, poison our minds. Don't give in to that enemy! Fight back! I tell you to fight back! Remember what Mr Dzul told us, "It's all in the mind". Surely you have not forgotten what crucial teachings he has imparted to you.
Arnold Bennet once said this, "Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission".
YOU are in control of whether you choose lethargy to overcome you or to enclose your mind from this nemesis. YOU are the ones who will decide for yourselves how you want to approach each and every practice. YOU are the ones in control of what you want to think.
I am only but a person my dear shakers. I can only try to influence and persuade you guys to PRESS ON with what I say during every practice but the ultimate decision lies with YOU.
My previous conductor in secondary school used to quote Philip Dormer Stanhope who said this,
"A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things, but cannot receive great ones,"to remind us that by amplifying your own weariness you are magnifying trifle things that shows the characteristic of a weak mind. If we focus on such trifle things, how more are we even prepared to receive greater things in lives? Let's not be weak-minded people, let's be an ensemble that has developed resilient and unyielding minds that see the big picture and receive the greater things that life gives freely to us.
Take this as a training to build up strong minds for future challenges you may face which include the seniors studying for the coming A'levels and the juniors preparing for PW OP and Promotionals and even in our future working life. These fundamental teachings are crucial for us to thrive in the ever-competitive world.
We are left with 4-5 practices before the actual SYF judging. Make every single practice worthwhile for yourselves. I want everyone to take home something, learn something and benefit from every single session to the SYF. If you go home from every practice learning nothing at all, then I say, you've wasted your time.
I've said it before and I'm going to say it again:
It's not just for the gold with honours, people.
We are aiming to create music that teaches values to people, that causes people to reflect, to make an impact on each individual who hear our music. Music that touches the heart, music that enlightens, music that creates beautiful imageries for the mind, music that holds therapeutic value for the downcast and sick, music that opens the heart and mind, music that holds so much emotion that can MOVE people.
We are competing with ourselves, competing with the intrinsic and complicated nature of music itself, in the process battling with our emotions and our mind.
Stop and look deep into your heart and soul and let ALL that emotion burst like effervesence within you, out to your audience and finally to the world.
SHOUT IT OUT! LET IT OUT!
Last but not least, I want to let all of you know what great faith and belief that I hold for every single person. I know every person is capable of achieving more, all of you are created for a greater purpose, to achieve greater things in life, for all of you hold such limitless talent that never fail to surprise me. When you finally release that hidden talent in you, I bet you would be taken aback as well.
Surprise and mould yourselves, my dearest shakers. Make SYF 2009 an AWESOME one that becomes an indelible memory for you and I, especially for the seniors. For the juniors, learn all that you can and pass the legacy down.
When we walk onto the stage, know that you are going to give more than your 100% so that when you exit the stage, you leave with no regrets. The greatest misery is to regret. Don't let it happen to you.
I want to leave for you guys a song (the song is above the post area under the slide show of our blog, sing along with the song! :D) :
Just stand up by various artists
Everything will be alright, yeah
The heart is stronger
Than you think
It's like it can go
Through anything
And even when you think
It can't, it finds a way
To still push on, though
Sometimes
You want to run away
Ain't got the patience
For the pain
And if you
Don't believe it, look into your heart
The beat goes on
I'm tellin' you that
Things get better
Through whatever
If you fall
Dust it off
Don't let up
Don't you know
You can go
Be your own miracle
You need to know
[Chorus: If the mind
Keeps thinking
You've had enough
But the heart
Keeps telling you
Don't give up
Who are we to be
Questioning
Wondering what is what
Don't give up
Through it all
Just stand up]
It's like
We all have better days
Problems getting all up
In your face
Just because
You go through it
Don't mean it got
To take control, no
You ain't gotta find
No hiding place
Because the heart
Can beat the hate
Don't wanna
Let your mind
Keep playin' you
And sayin' you
Can't go on
I'm tellin' you that
Things get better
Through whatever
If you fall
Dust if off
Don't let up
Don't you know
You can go
Be your own miracle
You need to know
[Chorus]
You don't gotta be
A prisoner
In your mind
If you fall
Dust it off
You can live your life
Yeah
Let your heart
Be your guide
Yeah, yeah, yeah
And you will know
That you're good
If you trust in the good
Everything
Will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark
If you follow your heart
And it will get better
Through whatever
[Chorus]
You got it in you
Find it within
You got in now
Find it within now
You got in you
Find it within
You got in now
Find it within now
You got in you
Find it within
Find it within you
Find it within
Through it all
Just stand up
I hope the song encourages you all. (: AND AND, take care of your health! Drink lots of water, get enough sleep and don't EMO! (: Love you all (: JIA YOU! GANBATTE! WE CAN DO IT! (:
CARPE DIEM (SEIZE THE DAY)!
-Jocelyn Lim (2008-2009 president)-
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Hello all, I have to apologise for the late posting of the edited practice schedule that I promised everyone (due to my laptop crashing a week ago and I'm currently using my friend's computer).Mon(6th April): 4:45pm-9pm, Amphi.
Tues(7th April): 5:15pm-6:30pm, Amphi or outisde LT1/2. 7pm-8pm @LT1 (Full dress rehearsal)
Wed(8th April): 4:00pm-9pm, Amphi.
Sat(11th April): As usual.
Additional information-> Wed(15th April): 4pm @ Broaderick Sec (Full dress rehearsal) [Mock-syf judging]
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Sometimes you gotta create what you want to be a part of.- Geri Weitzman
I came across this quote and just felt like I had to share it with you guys. I believe that for this year's syf, we do have the ability and strength to achieve what we want, both for ourselves as individuals and for the angklung ensemble as a whole.
jia you people! let's work together to make this work k :)