The Year Two Thousand and Nine

How has 2009 been? This year somehow whisk past at an extremely fast pace, perhaps is due to the heavy commitments of school that somehow I lost track of time as I buried myself into schoolwork and just ride along the flow of deadlines that never seem to end.

School
As usual is pack with lots of work and late nights which often ends up in the mad rush to catch the last available ride home. Of course the SIS staying over night in school thing did not happen this year even though there were a few miss-calls. Well, lots of takeaways and memorable experience from all the projects.

Sports
Been very discipline to be down at the tennis court every Sunday to hit a few green balls, manage to change my racquet to a mid-size pro racquet. Constant drills on the basic strokes and movements have seen improvement ever since I "re-pick" up the sport again. Gym training has been ups and downs. Crazy enough to join the run team, hopefully working towards my goal of completing Stan Chart marathon. (God bless my knees).

Music
The year started off with another click to the counter for another concert at VCH. But the highest point of my music learning is to be able to perform at Sydney Opera House not once but twice (which one includes a STANDING OVATION!) and also the various venues in Sydney as part of the trip. It certainly did justice to the previous flopped attempt of performing there due national commitments. The ensemble performance was definitely something fresh from the usual. Somehow there is something lacking in the repertoire selection attempted this year, missed playing transcriptions. As I constantly search the web, clicking on links that lead me to works after works of really beautiful repertoire, only if I can attempt them.

Myself
Completed the compulsory national commitment (and was a good time to be away from all the emails and work too), something is best not to owe but well, 10 more years to go. Had good holidays in Bangkok and Sydney, three in a row would be nice. Shall leave that to next year, hopefully will be able to go somewhere far and long too! Will always work on improving myself, better control of temper and let things go easier. I rather not let the stress of competition rule the better of me. Relax and carefree life, do the things you enjoy the most!

Well, 2009 has been a rather good year and I enjoyed the entire process, many thanks to the people around me. Let 2010 be a continuation or better the year before. Happy new year to all!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Gig

Now imaging a concert band performing against the backdrop....

Auf Widersehen!

The most wonderful time of the year!

It's once again the most festive season of the year and coming close to mark the end of 2009. Well, while soaking in the carols of Andre Bochelli's My Christmas on tv pass the stroke of midnight, the brightly-lit Christmas tree sparkles catching the attention of my eyes and I can't resist the temptation of taking out my newly adopted baby to snap a few shots.

Hopefully more good shots to come from tonight's indulgence of traditional christmas treats and wine, not forgetting the presents too... Merry Christmas everyone!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Unexpected

One of the few moments in life is to have something that will catch you off-guard. Positively or negatively, savour the moment because unless you re-create it yourself, its never going to happen again. If its good, your are bless, if not, take it as a learning opportunity. For me, the surprise I received left me dumbfounded but rejoice as its something that I have dreamed and hope for a very long time except that it came in a rather unexpected manner and I guess the minimal I could do is to use it to do something in return.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Reminiscence

It's a nice feeling to once again walk through NP where I had the best 3 years of tertiary education. The place is so familiar that without thinking how, I am able to take cut across the campus even though the last time I step into that place was almost 3 years ago.

Most of it hasn't change much, even if it does, it would have just missed my eyes. Except the for the clubhouse where I witness the destruction of the building. Well, its a place where I would do horn indivduals and combine band rehearsal, a place where I will snooze out in the ICT clubhouse during long breaks and where my entire freshman camp committee would camp out just to plan and prepare game materials, talk about practically anything under the sun and other foolish stuffs. And yes, not forgetting the canteen where it houses the best western and jap food and where guys will oggle at the business school babes. lol! Sad to see it go, but it have too really...

Except for the buzzing yet relax student life, everything remain unchange for now. Brought back real deep memories. Only if I had time to explore the whole campus again especially Block 27/31, that is if you know where i am refering to. =)

Well, back in SMU to complete the last project in hand...

Auf Wiedersehen!

The team

Auf Wiedersehen!

Tannhauser - Pilgrim's Chorus

Beautiful! It will only be a dream to play in the orchestra together with the chorus. =) Enjoy!

Once more with joy O my home I may meet,

Once more ye fair, flowery meadows I greet.

My Pilgrim's staff henceforth may rest

Since Heaven's sweet peace is within my breast.

The sinners plaint on high was heard,

Accepted by the gracious Lord.

The tears I laid before His shrine

Are turned to hope and joy divine.

O Lord eternal praise be Thine!

The blessed source of Thy mercy overflowing

On souls repetant to seek Ye, all-knowing

Of hell and death, I have no fear

My gracious Lord is ever near.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Eternally, Eternally.

Auf Wiedershen!

Game of Catch up

Well, it's becoming a norm to be back in school on the weekends. I have forgot when was the last time i spent an entire saturday at home, bumming around perhaps. The past week was quite a bumpy ride actually, with all the back to back meetings in between classes and lots of guilt in missing out on some group projects because of others with a nearing deadline.

While in the mad rush out of the house today, my dad kinda commented that i have to rush to school again. Yes, home has perhaps become a place to plonk myself on the bed, charge a extremely flat battery before roaring to go again. All I can say now, its just the beginning of a mad rush to the end a.k.a Week 15.

Well, horn quartet practice later on in the day. The quartet will be doing its debut performance at a school event. I have good faith that the section will pull of the performance well. Now back to ethics... (*hmm... ethical to stop work and rant here? oh well..) =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

20 Minutes

Ever thought what you can achieve in 20mins?

I was truely blessed with an opportunity to sit in for a piano masterclass today. The clinician was going through the topic of piano peddling, sharing the various techniques to control the pedal without losing the color of the piece. Especially on parts where the tones are the key points of the passage. The piano pedal could actually make or break the piece just like how the clinician describe today. Paraphrasing what he said today, piano pedal when put use in a wrong way is like spraying a layer of high gloss varnish over a painting, as a result it could just blur away all the colors and the sharp drawing of the painting.

Well, one key point he touched on was to memorize the piece. It just give the performer the freedom to express the piece more freely rather than being bogue down with the various notations and marking on what's to be done at certain parts of the music. Without a doubt, the performer indeed showed her brilliance of the piece as the score is removed from sight. His point has re-affirm one practice i always do when comes to performance. Memorize. =) I am sure glad i did the right thing in the past.

Another key point taken away is the choice of words to describe the mood of the piece. Instead of using loud, why not use bright. Its basically using colors and light to describe things. Hmm... Interesting stuff.

Yah, all these are shared within a short span of 20 mins. Overwhelm with his thoughts and ideas but its fulfilling. =) Just a side thought during that session, i wish i could have dedicate my life to music, drop the books, forget about emails and just spend hours practicing on the piano. How wonderful can that be?

Auf Widersehen!

Rants and rumble

just went you thought that life was heading in a better direction, it just came tumbling down again. sucks yeah? Oh well, it just take some courage to get back on your feet and ready to go again. =)

Convocation was truely a blast especially hearing the keynote speaker address. Now i know how he is able to build Asia biggest budget carrier. Well, it still doesn't change my impression of flying budget. lol. Other than that, things went almost smoothly as planned except for erm... shall not mention it. =)

Nice seeing the platoon again over the weekend. Remember the last time I saw them was almost a year ago. Well, it felt like being back to where i belong, unlike that short stay back to my former unit during the summer where I totally felt out of place. The people are the same, jokes are the same, just that we moved on since then. Take away from that day, is sometimes you need to ignore crap from your highest superior and that leadership style can never be adapted to real world use.

Another event that kept me thinking. Its something that i didn't really feel happy about perhaps as a duty of a senior I would have failed to teach certain values. But seeing that newborn, it just melts you away by how cute they look but then again you will worry about what is going to happen to that kid in years to come. Argh! fustrating. Damage done, pray for the best. =(

Okay, back to studies..

Auf Wiedersehen!

DRACO 5 | The Outlaws

I think i couldn't find any other better way to end of the summer holidays. It was indeed a blast to be a part of Meta Camp again but this time round as a faciliator. =) Of course there were the shag moments during the 12 station games, food trail. Not forgetting the wet ones too, when the group splash us with pails of water, sling shot water bombs, water hose us down and throw us into the pond (God know how clean the water is!). Horror Night truly is freaky and kudos to the org comm for setting up the trail for the freshmen. Its really freaky. haha! Only facis get to have a private tour of it after all freshmen gone through the trail.

As fast as it come and goes, its one of the better camps I have been so far. It could have been better not for the underlying work well into the wee hours of the morning. Well, I just hope my group had fun and made lots of new friends. The tight bond doesn't end here. Awesome guys!

P.S. Privacy reason, I shall not upload any photos here.

Auf Wiedersehen!

communication. it can be that simple.

Many thumbs up!

A simple short film about communication. Created by Publicis Mojo and @RadicalMediaDirector: Patrick Hugheshttp://www.patrickhughes.com.au/

Auf Wiedersehen!

In love with Sydney. Part 2.

Day 4. Morning went on a harbour cruise which brought us to Manly which is on the other side of Sydney Harbour, passing by the Gap and back towards Circular Quay. Sail pass the Opera house and underneath the Harbour Bridge. Weather started off wet but soon the weather cleared up. Slightly after was a tour around The Rocks. This is where Australia began. Slight history lesson and just simply enjoy the sights of the old buildings around. Later on in the evening was our debut performance at the Opera House concert hall. Weee!!! Excited and Awe to finally be able to play in the Opera House. =D Gotta be there to know how it feels like.

This is waterfront living!!!

Day 5. Finally a free day to roam around Sydney by ourselves. Start off with a trek to the nearest explorer bus stop but end up trekking towards St Mary's Cathedral. I am simply speechless when I stepped into the building. The architecture and design of every arch and stain glass is awesome. Follow on is a trip up to King Cross where we stopped for lunch. Ordered an omelette but in the end I got a gigantic one. hahah! will never forget the experience of eating one. Soon after we continued on the Bondi Explorer route towards The Gap park where we get to view the entrance of Sydney Harbour. Okay, lots of illegal stuffs done here. Waiting for photos from other camera before uploading. hahahaha! but had lots of fun up here. Bondi Beach soon followed on. Not much surfers but just love that beach a lot.

Day 6. Quick trip to Paddy's Field Market which is a stone throw away from our hotel then onto QVB which is a very high end shopping mall in a very old building. Chanced upon which hotel SIA crew stays in Sydney. Shall not reveal. And finally wrapped up the morning free day with a trip to Sydney Aquarium. Travelled on the monorail which will take you round Darling Harbour and some part of the CBD area. Later on is an exchange with the Sacred Heart College from NZ. Well, its always fun to play with bandsmen from somewhere else and get to learn about their band culture.

Day 7. Morning weather wasn't doing us a favour so we had to call off the outdoor performance at Darling Harbour. =( In return, it was more free time for the band until at night where we had to put up with the most important performance of the whole tour. Okay, small group of us had a private tour up to Watsons Bay which is in the same area as the Gap except this time round was a harbour boat ride up there. Awesome seafood platter topped it off with white wine for lunch. Lovely! I doubt I will ever find this experience back here in Singapore. Sunday afternoon by the bay, seafood lunch, winter weather, lay back and relax. One of the reason why I feel deep in love with Sydney.

Alright, so it was a performances most wish it wouldn't have come. Command Performance where groups who are the adjudicator's choice once again perform on stage at the Opera House. I see it as a second chance to get things right. It's one night to remember in my journey as a musician to play not once but twice at the Opera House and the performance end off with a standing ovation from the audience. The thought of it now still sends shivers down my spine. But yes, Opera House + Standing Ovation = Priceless! Symphonia did well at the 20th Australian International Music Festival. I guess this is no better way to end off the tour down under. =)

Day 8. After the night's performance is a frantic rush to get all the luggages packed and double check for the morning flight back to Singapore. Had 3 hours of sleep before, so again its the wine that send me to sleep but most part of the flight is to enjoy the inflight entertainment. Sushi buffet dinner while waiting some baggage from the 2nd flight of the day to return. Lucky them to fly on the A380. =(. Never mind, I am going back to Sydney anyway. hahah!

Well, up till now, I still trying to tune my body clock 2 hours back with lots of difficulties. hahaha! Going hungry and sleepy at odd hours. And the weather! argh!!!! HOT HOT HOT! That's all for this trip. The city is awesome and beautiful. I won't rule out moving there in the near future. It suit my kind of lifestyle. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

In love with Sydney. Part 1

2 days after arriving back and still feeling tired. Anyway...

This is one of the best trip I had in my life. =D Sydney is such a beautiful city in terms of its mix of natural and urban architecture. Even though its winter and coincidentally that the trip took place during the coldest week of its winter season, the weather... Lovely! Its a city of multi-culture where you will meet people who come from all over the pacific region from the local australians, asians and any other places you can never think of.

Kicking off the trip was a simple dinner at my grandfather's place, meaning I have to lug all my bags there before heading back to school to pick up all the instruments before dashing to the airport. Well, I could barely enjoy the architecture of Terminal 3 since there is lots of baggage to be checked-in so i basically stuck at the counter getting it all weighted and tag and sent it on its way to the aircraft. Slight hiccup but it got settled out in the end. That's what matters most. =)

This is one of those time when I paid for the an expensive bed. Owing to the lack of rest, I sieze the opportunity to grab as much rest as possible on the plane. With its generous offering of wine onboard Singapore Airlines, 2 cups would send me into a slumber all the way down under. The first 2 hours we encountered some turbulence, but it became a rocking bed for me and gently coax me into dreamland. =D Occasionally waking up to get orientated with where in the world I am and how much more slumber time I have left. Food onboard was good, chocolate found amongst the meal what else can I complain for?

Upon arrival, baggage claim again was a hell of a mess. And to know that none volunteer to come forward to assist makes it messy. Thank god that baggage claim isn't lightning fast compard to Singapore, there was time to sort out procedures and soon after the first of the oversize bags appear. Soon, we were up the bus and out for a lightning quick orientation tour of Sydney, down to Mrs Macquarie Chair for a photo opp of Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. I shall skip the minor events related to the festival. The opening concert was... Spare me the pain if you could. haha! Dozed off most of the time. Just too tired la....

Day 2. Facult workshop at St Andrew's Cathedral was really really really awesome. I had lots of fun learning from our clinician. Some pointers are things that I used to practice while teaching band but gradually lost it since I stopped. A good reminder though. And what more suitable piece to play, Ave Maria, in the cathedral. One must personally visit there to awe at the architecture of the Cathedral. Thank you Lord. It was really cold that night and the rain makes it even colder. Brrr...... Very flat tuning on the horn. hahah!

Day 3. Adjudication day. Morning rehearsal at St Andrew's Cathedral Chapter House, one of the small rooms around the Cathedral. Trying to grab as much rest as possible in the afternoon and its time to put up a performance at Angel Place Concert Hall. Nerve wracking but keeping focus is more important than anything else. We did well as a band. I know personally I could have done better. =( But well.... we sounded good that night.

To be continued...

Auf Wideresehen!

memories

was looking at some old photos from the past. it just reminds me of the wonderful time i had then, even though its something that I wish i didn't want to do in the beginning. all the jokes that we crack, all that nonsensical stuffs that happen and not forgetting those ........ moments. Yes, it may be a waste of time but what I have gain from it overall its something that I won't want to replace it should I have a second chance. =)

I was gently reminded of the past today. Perhaps I should take the same approach in looking into this area. Looking at it in a positive light. That would be the memories that I would want to keep and the rest will be put in the trash bin.

Oh well, just a random thought. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

1 more week

how time flew by so quickly that i can't even take a moment to pause. This time next week will be down at the airport handling check-in procedures and board the aircraft fly down to Sydney.

Marketing materials are done and sent to the respective printers. In the midst of tying up the final logistic and program details and really hope everything will go smoothly without a glitch. Yes, the H1N1 issue is really a pain. With all the safety plans in place i also hope that nothing goes wrong, back safe and sound to continue on with post-sydney activities. Sometimes we just have to go by gut feeling and I dare say that 80% chance of being back okay but then its that remaining 20% chance that can blow everything off track. Argh...!

Yup that's life now. That is to wake up, reply emails, make phone calls and slowly check off things on the to-do list. Things was thrown into uncertainty just one and half weeks ago when the flu took a serious turn down under but yah, since the decision is to carry on. I am just all smiles. =D

Can't wait to spend that 1 week there. Weets!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Hymne an die Jungfrau

Came to learn that there is two very different lyrics that have been text to Schubert's Ave Maria. "Hymne an die Jungfrau" or known as "Hymn to the Virgin" supposed to be the original text to the Schubert's Ave Maria. Pardon me if I am wrong and please let me know too. Thank you.

Ave Maria! Jungfrau mild,
Erhöre einer Jungfrau Flehen,
Aus diesem Felsen starr und wild Soll mein Gebet zu dir hinwehen.
Wir schlafen sicher bis zum Morgen,
Ob Menschen noch so grausam sind.
O Jungfrau, sieh der Jungfrau Sorgen,
O Mutter, hör ein bittend Kind!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Unbefleckt!
Wenn wir auf diesen Fels hinsinken
Zum Schlaf, und uns dein Schutz bedeckt
Wird weich der harte Fels uns dünken.
Du lächelst, Rosendüfte wehen
In dieser dumpfen Felsenkluft,
O Mutter, höre Kindes Flehen,
O Jungfrau, eine Jungfrau ruft!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Reine Magd!
Der Erde und der Luft Dämonen,
Von deines Auges Huld verjagt,
Sie können hier nicht bei uns wohnen,
Wir woll'n uns still dem Schicksal beugen,
Da uns dein heil'ger Trost anweht;
Der Jungfrau wolle hold dich neigen,
Dem Kind, das für den Vater fleht.
Ave Maria!

Acknowledge the source of the german text from Ave Maria music and lyrics . You will be able to find out more about Ave Maria on this website too!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Ave Maria - Franz Schubert

Auf Wiedersehen!

Sawadee Thailand 2

The next two days is an all out attack on the malls. No one will be able to resist clothes that flies off the shelf at wholesale price if you buy more than 3 pieces of course. Okay, bad idea to shop with the weekend shopping crowd. BAD IDEA! Why? Because you are there for a few days and the locals can go there everyday! So there is a tendency to missed out on things if you aim to leave every stone uncovered.

What is enjoying local delicacies without eating at the roadside stores? While there is no hygiene grading (like I care) and chances of getting an upset stomach is high, there is no harm giving it a try. The food served is not fantastic but overall its the experience of eating by the road where human and motor traffic zoom by. Sounds a little noobie here but the last time round, where priority is to feed small kids with french fries and burgers and adults whose face turned sour at the idea of roadside store. Now that's partly the reason why i stopped travelling with family and relatives. =D

While in an attempt to avoid the horrible gridlock of Bangkok, I made a good effort to check out early and get a ride as quickly to the airport. Its too good an effort that i reached the airport 40mins from the moment i stepped out of my hotel room leaving about 1 hr 30mins before the check-in counters are even open! Gosh! Thank goodness for the small range of cafe to choose from, I settle into one of them, ordered a nice cup of coffee and brownie (lovin' it).

The first sign that I am heading back to Singapore comes when there is a long steady queue at the check-in counters. Yes! "Kiasuisum" rocks internationally! Mind you that there is no signage displaying TR105 to Singapore beforehand. Soon the counters open and the check-in process began. Here comes the irony of a budget carrier operating out of an international airport. The boarding pass have been painstakingly paste with passenger's name cut into strips from the flight manifest and besides the standard Tiger baggage tag, a fallback tag have been issued. Would'nt it be better if we were to stick to the industry's norm to print a decent boarding pass and issue a standard baggage tag with the barcodes? Oh well... low cost eh? Security check was a pain in the ass with my bag going through the scanner a few times because they fail to get clear picture of an overstuffed bag. opps! And the security agent stared at amazement of something which is called a mouthpiece. For what i know, it won't kill anyone unless forces of nature makes it a lethal projectile. =S

Hmmm... walking home?

Maybe not..

Its "pleasant" to reach the boarding gate to find it without a plane. Okay, bear in mind its budget carrier where profits comes when they are flying not on the ground. A special comment on the pilot of this flight who is very informative and chatty sharing lots of stuffs about himself and the flight. We were delayed a little due to some paperwork so he began crapping stuffs over the intercomm especially when comes to the no smoking rule. "This is a non-smoking flight which is a rule not enforce by me but rather a law by the international civil aviation". lol!

Once the plane is airborne, majority just dozed off. Perhaps is due to the lack of inflight entertainment or just the all out shopping experience they had. I have my inflight entertainment, the kid sitting next to me. =( With his constant fidgeting its a distraction to my reading and sleeping. "growls.." And didn't the nice lady over the speaker announce not to litter on the aircraft, why are you shredding the info card on H1N1 and throwing into the front pocket? Well, I am just glad to disappear from his sight once the plane touch down and home sweet home.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Sawadee Thailand

After 8 hours of travelling and lots of waiting, i manage to plant myself on the comforts of my own bed. =) Alrights, 3 plus days in the land of smiles was a long awaited trip after the protest that left Bangkok Int'l Airport shut in december, finally get to utilized my ticket and a good opportunity to get away from everything (or i think so).

The idea of flying alone into Bangkok arriving at night is an idea that my parents won't buy, but hey, it's rather a thrilling experience trying to break the language barrier and get the driver to the hotel. Well... we "holland" (army term for getting lost during navigation) a little and after a costly call to the hotel to direct the driver, I found myself nicely settled into the hotel room.

Flying on a low cost carrier doesn't really sell to me but yah, I am game on trying this new form of travelling. The budget terminal is really... well... BUDGET! From the check-in counter all the way to boarding gates. The boarding pass resembles receipt that one gets when we sign for a bill, simply having your name, flight, boarding gate and thank goodness assigned seats! Most traveller add a little touch of "kiasuism" by getting into queue before the check in counters are even open and desperately trying to squeeze their way to the front with their extremely large baggage to only find out that they have to pay for excess baggage. Additional weight means additional fuel required means higher air fare.

Does this remind you of a hospital corridor?

Well, on board, legroom is just right for me and since I was assigned aisle seat I could simply stretch out there if i want to. Downside is whenever the window seat passenger needs to get out, I would have to disrupt my reading or get out of my slumber just to stand up and allow them to get out. I don't like to squeeze. Food and drinks, costly. Since the flight is 2 hours I can manage to hold back my hunger till I get on the ground for more choices of food.

Part of the low cost strategy is quick turn around meaning upon arrival at Bangkok the plane is park at the furthest possible gate which is near the runway and so began a long trek down the concourse to clear custom and more walking to claim baggage.

Upon reaching the hotel, I immediately drop my luggage and head out in search for food. Since Tesco Lotus is minutes walk away and loaded with quite a number of fast food and slow food outlets, its definately a place to go! While I can't wait to taste local food, the thai written menu has left me dumbfound. Okay, plan B. There is a fast food outlet "Chester Grill" serving grill food which looks quite nice. After a few pointing here and there and Yes/No/OK, i get my order done and wait to be serve.

It drizzled and don't know where to go after that, might as well get an early night rest (my body clock is tune to Singapore GMT +8 and not +7) so in bangkok terms its an EARLY night rest. =S

To be continued...

Auf Wiedersehen!