Hi all,


After so many events, let's come down-to-earth again: this is the last week of the month-long June holidays (such a wet blanket =.=).

Haha. Recently about the National Youth Winds concert, I'm glad and thankful most of you turned up at the hall not just to support our friends and treat it like an outing, but also to spend quality time listening to a good band (though not excellent), and gain some insights and experience. I hope all of you are inspired by the performance put up, and we can aim towards the kind of music excellence and understanding as a section in time to come. Then of course, lets not forget the effort Weilin put in to organise the outing before the concert. Btw thank you for the gifts :D

Taking time a little back to the exchange @ Xinmin with the schools and Montana University... Personally I think it was an extremely fruitful learning experience with the clarinet teacher and faculty members, and of course with the orchestra. I believe all of us have learnt something from Greg, Emily and the bass clarinettist (i forgot his name, lol). Of course I hope what has been learnt will come into good use and application in your individual playing and overall improvement as a section. The performance put up by the orchestra was yet another exposure to all, given that we don't usually have such a good full orchestra in Singapore. They have a huge repertoire that I believe was a wide-opener for all, including concertos, etc. And if you noticed, they are very professional, which I think all of us should learn from. Every performance to them, no matter in which place is treated seriously, and in any rehearsal you can see them giving 100% full focus and attention, so no time is wasted. I believe the undivided attention in their music making comes from a great deal of discipline and the crave for enjoyment through their music; and this is what we must all aim towards.

And the latest happening- SECTION BBQ! It was definitely a success and I believe everyone had fun playing, bbqing, and running around barefooted. Then again, without the help of everyone, it wouldn't have been a success, especially Qianyi and Weilin, who helped out a great deal in planning the bbq and booking of the area. And of course, those who played a part in preparing the food, and eating the food (lol). However, please remember, when its time for fun, play hard; when its time to work, work hard; and when its time to study, study hard. There's a time and place for everything. The same goes for everything.

Lastly, I'm ending this post here with a countdown to school: 5 more days. Like I said, when its time to study, study hard and focus. When its time for band practice, focus on everything you should. This is the formula to success. There will be much more tougher challenges awaiting all of us. If we are able to find enjoyment and not just go through this hectic phase of band life, everyone of us will come out an even better person afterall. Think positive.


With love,
Weixiang
section leader