Thoughts from Huzaimi

Dearest Band,

I sincerely apologized for not saying this earlier because I simply did not have enough time to write my thoughts down due to some business I had to attend to that night.

There are a few people I would like to thank in broadening my knowledge of music and love for it but also, how to lead ones life. I personally feel that this people have not just thought me to aim for the skies and dream big, but also the true meaning of friendship, appreciation, and determination, not just in band, but as a human being.

Firstly I would like to thank our wonderful band director Mr. Terry Lee for helping the band grow from a no band to an elastic rubber band. Not only Mr. Lee has taught us the wonderful world of music but at the same time, values of life which individuals have to take responsibilities in the near future. I have always looked and see Mr. Lee as the father I wish I had however he is rather too young to be my father, hahaha. He whose horoscope is the great Leo is known to be the King of the jungle, the lion. A lion will protect his cub and family at all times and that is what Mr. lee is. He is and will always be the man who protects us and pay his devotion towards the band. For all of that Mr. lee, I Huzaimi would like to extent my sincere thanks for bringing my fellow band members and myself this wonderful journey in my life. I am very grateful for what you have done for the band and me.

Secondly, I would like to thank Mdm. Tan for joining in the band due to the fact of her interest and passion for music. She has taken the band to new heights in terms of discipline and organization within the band itself. A woman with and iron fist should not be a force to reckon with. For she, would smite anyone who dares disobey her. However no matter how strong a human being is, everyone has a soft heart in them. For that Mdm Tan I shall never forget the time we had a very in depth conversation during the trip to the SYF competition. She is in fact the teacher who had taught me the value of being strong, and firm into leading a section. For that Mdm Tan You shall not be forgotten.

Thirdly I would like to thank Mdm Teo Lin and Miss pan for everything they have helped on organizing events, issuing funds and taking care of all the paperwork of the band. Is it this people that we as band members do not see much in action, but they are the ones who played roles just as important. The only time I remember me having a conversation with Mdm Teo Lin was when she was marking Chinese essays. Hahaha.

As for Miss Pan, I will not forget the night when you brought all the alumni’s outside the AVA room to have a little chat. You shall not be forgotten as well.

Lastly, I would like to thank the following. I would like to thank Rui Xiang for hanging around with me just to lend a ear to listen too, thanks man, Fikri for always asking me for opinions and thoughts, you remind me of myself when I was your age, sometimes everyone needs time to reflect back and you Fikri provided me with that so thank you. I would like to thank my percussion section for going through all the Ups and Downs we faced and giving me a hell of a time cracking my head and brain to lead you, on top of that none of you thank me so sad hahaha. But still it was a great ride. I would like to thank Christina, Tomimi, Faiz, Nikhil, Nizam and anyone who have at least talked to me once haha. You guys sure as hell know how to have fun and make me crack. But keep it in controlled, hahaha Lastly I would like to thank Mac Donald’s restaurant for opening 24 hours, without it, conversations with my shy but determine follower, Ridwan would not be possible. Remember what I have taught you young squire and never be afraid to challenge yourself.

As My last note, I thank every single band member, including the irritating Sharon, for sharing his or her experience with the band. Without you guys, I could have not found my true calling.

Love you all and none shall be forgotten.

With love,

The passionate musician, Huzaimi

A letter from Wei Teck

To my dearest Band Members

I am so sorry that I could not attend the Band Farewell Party as I’m right now in Taiwan with my family. Anyway, I really love to attend this party but since I’m overseas, I have written this speech on how I feel about the Band and the people who I really want to thank.

In the past, the Band was a very small family. The achievements made by the Band were not as outstanding as NPCC or ELDDS. However, these achievements did give us the pride and the spirit that inspired us to go further towards another goal.

From the mini performances in the school to the participation in the SYF, the Band is progressing gradually each and every week. Without this person, the Band would not be like now, playing harmonious music and interesting musical pieces. Without this person, I would not be able to be a good sectional leader and a better Tuba player. This man gives his 101% to the Band, with all his heart and soul. To my dearest Mr. Lee, I thank you for what you have done for the Band and for what you’re still doing, as well as the encouraging words that you have told me during the Band Camp. You make me realize that music is my life, my soul and the tuba is just like my dearest wife, always with me forever to play the wonderful pieces that you have given to us. You will always be remembered right in the bottom of my heart.

Not to forget about the teachers, Ms Pan, Mdm Teo and Mdm Tan. They are the ones who make sure that the Band is improving. In the school, there are just like any ordinary teachers, but in the Band room, they are like our “nagging” mothers. They would scold us, nag at us, just to make sure that we play well and be punctual for our practices. However, behind the nagging and scolding, they are trying to encourage us to play better, as well as developing our mindset to be more responsible. Without these teachers, I wouldn’t be what I am today. I thank all the teachers, for what they have done for the Band. More importantly, I want to thank Mdm Tan for guiding me to be a responsible sectional leader and building up my leadership qualities in the Band. Thank you.

Last but not least, I want to thank each and every Band member for his or her contribution to the Band. I really want to thank all those who attended this year’s Band Camp. The days in the camp might be short but these special memories would last forever in my mind. All of you make me feel that I’m back to my second home, my second family. I would never forget the fun and laughter that we shared during the past three days. While for the seniors, I really want to thank all of you in helping me to be a better person. Like Huzaimi, Yan Miao and the rest, you have made me realize the importance of Music and be mature enough in dealing the different problems faced in our lives. I thank all of you for being my friends, my brothers and sisters in this school. Most of all, I wish all the best to all the Band members. And continue to work hard for the SYF, getting the Gold Award that all of you had desired for, with these words bear in mind; One Band, One Sound, One Spirit.

Yours truly,

Wei Teck

SYF 2005 - The Aftermath

17/07/05

Time indeed files. As I stare at my table calendar, with a big 'X' on the date of April 13, I realised that it has been 3 months and 4 days since we last marched forward as one united entity.

This was part of what I wrote in my personal blog on 17th April :

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"It's really strange how little pple talk about sucess and good feelings and they go on and on about the negatives. The kids are like this and I think I 'm going to be the same too. I guess it's just the emotional relief and the lethargy of getting started to talk about it again... afterall it's over and do you have the emotional energy to start all again? at this point in time.. I don't think I have it :)

alright... BRONZE... disappointed? u bet. Proud? u bet too. It's strange huh, how these two apparrent contradicting feelings can co-exist together. I MUST say.. they did well, I thought we deserve a silver... I really feel that they enjoyed their playing... the hall was with us... hearts in mouths when he did the fermata, nope? stone mountain fantasy... they got what I mean.. brilliant... til now it still rings in my head.."

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That was then. Real busy now, don't even to have time to relish the memories of SYF 2005. I certainly will and want to, after the Ns. The memories and feelings are still fresh in my mind. There are so many learning points that I have taken away with me. One pertinent point - have faith in my band. They can do it, just that they will give you a heart attack before they do so!

How about you, my dear band member? How did you feel when you heard this "Canberra Secondary School, Bronze"? What learning points have you taken away with you from this experience?

Posted by yytan