What a nice way to start off my 300th post. I only have limited pictures and if I were to wait for more till I start writing this entry, it will probably take me years to finish it. So just have to make do with what I have now.
My journey in The Philharmonic Youth Winds have been vastly enriching in so many ways. There were times when there were only less than 20 people attending band practice. There were also times when I started talking to people that I was not socializing with weeks back. When we began talking to each other, it seems like we have known each other for years. Participating in a group conversation on MSN realising that I do not have their contact in my list.
No doubt that I have learn so much from every practice. It will probably take me a while longer to type down every single knowledge earned here. So anyway, allow me to rewind a week prior before Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF) 2008.
As practices passed, the music got better. I have to thank Mr Leonard Tan million times over because if it was not for him, our music would have painted only a colour or two. After that night, I could feel that there were more colours on our palette. A month before the competition, I was worried that we were not able to make it. But as the countdown draws near, I got less worried.
The two pieces we played under the baton of Mr Adrian Chiang
This is the adjudicator's cover page score that I designed for PHILyouth.On 24th of July 2008, The Philharmonic Youth Winds went up on stage in Republic Cultural Centre (Republic Polytechnic) and gave it our best. One thing for sure, I did not like the sound of the band due to the acoustics of the hall. We felt super weird. Heard from Tse Wei that we sounded good from the audience's point of view.
Sat through the whole competition and waited for results. The wait was long but it was worth it. The wait made us bond much more and that was when it felt like I have known them for years.
Results were announced and as each band's score was projected onto the screen in order of appearance, members from PHILyouth began sinking into their seats. Then, "The Philharmonic Youth Winds" was shown on screen and as each table appears with the judges' score, all I see was figures above 90%. The moment I saw 3 boxes filled with figures above 90%, I knew it was a Gold for us. And yes it was, the word GOLD appeared and all we felt was tremendous joy! Every judge gave us above 90%. We springed up from our seats and began clapping and cheering. The atmosphere for us PHILyouth could have been better if everyone was there to feel it. The feeling, can never be constructed with words. Every Gold I have received (from whichever band) embeds itself with different memories. This tops my list as second best.
As the last band results were projected onto the screen, PHILyouth realised that we were the only Gold band in Division I.
That means we are the Top Band in Division I! Woooohooooo!!!
We will be performing on the awards night at The Esplanade Concert Hall!
At the end of the day....
Sat through the whole competition and waited for results. The wait was long but it was worth it. The wait made us bond much more and that was when it felt like I have known them for years.
Results were announced and as each band's score was projected onto the screen in order of appearance, members from PHILyouth began sinking into their seats. Then, "The Philharmonic Youth Winds" was shown on screen and as each table appears with the judges' score, all I see was figures above 90%. The moment I saw 3 boxes filled with figures above 90%, I knew it was a Gold for us. And yes it was, the word GOLD appeared and all we felt was tremendous joy! Every judge gave us above 90%. We springed up from our seats and began clapping and cheering. The atmosphere for us PHILyouth could have been better if everyone was there to feel it. The feeling, can never be constructed with words. Every Gold I have received (from whichever band) embeds itself with different memories. This tops my list as second best.
As the last band results were projected onto the screen, PHILyouth realised that we were the only Gold band in Division I.
That means we are the Top Band in Division I! Woooohooooo!!!
We will be performing on the awards night at The Esplanade Concert Hall!
At the end of the day....
The Philharmonic Youth Winds
clinched a Gold award with a score of 93.43%
and received the Top Band Award for Division I
in the inaugural Singapore International Band Festival 2008!!
Some of us who were there to wait for the results.
Who says Philharmonic Youth Winds can't make it?
We just did!
The President of The Philharmonic Winds was there to share the joy.
clinched a Gold award with a score of 93.43%
and received the Top Band Award for Division I
in the inaugural Singapore International Band Festival 2008!!
Some of us who were there to wait for the results.
Who says Philharmonic Youth Winds can't make it?We just did!
The President of The Philharmonic Winds was there to share the joy.And by the way, we pulled this through with less than 4 FULL BAND rehearsals. The only time EVERYONE was present was when we were in the tuning room. Yes!
Before heading to The Esplanade on Saturday, Mr Chiang read a sms which contained a comment from Maestro Douglas Boustock [one of the adjudicators]. Maestro said that PHILyouth was the only band in that division that he was able to listen to with ease.
Anyway, I had fun that night. It was rather orgasmic. Hahaha! Symphonic Overture sounded much better compared to the competition day because the hall acoustics in The Esplanade Concert Hall was way better. Oh oh! We are the ONLY band in Singapore that played Symphonic Overture with 3 double basses, 3 cellos, a Contra Alto Clarinet and a Harp.
Waited for Ralph to come back with the trophy and as he approached us, we clapped and cheered like there isn't tomorrow. We received S$3,000 too! Took tonnes of pictures here and there. (I am still waiting for the pictures! Any PHILyouth peeps reading this holding on onto the group photo we took backstage please add me up on MSN and send it to me! Hah! Thanks!
Last but not least, I can never thank these people enough.
1. Valerie's blog
2. Suky of the trombone section
Before heading to The Esplanade on Saturday, Mr Chiang read a sms which contained a comment from Maestro Douglas Boustock [one of the adjudicators]. Maestro said that PHILyouth was the only band in that division that he was able to listen to with ease.
Anyway, I had fun that night. It was rather orgasmic. Hahaha! Symphonic Overture sounded much better compared to the competition day because the hall acoustics in The Esplanade Concert Hall was way better. Oh oh! We are the ONLY band in Singapore that played Symphonic Overture with 3 double basses, 3 cellos, a Contra Alto Clarinet and a Harp.
Waited for Ralph to come back with the trophy and as he approached us, we clapped and cheered like there isn't tomorrow. We received S$3,000 too! Took tonnes of pictures here and there. (I am still waiting for the pictures! Any PHILyouth peeps reading this holding on onto the group photo we took backstage please add me up on MSN and send it to me! Hah! Thanks!Last but not least, I can never thank these people enough.
- Ah Fatt for taking the saxophone section for sectionals from the beginning till the last one before competition.
- Mr Leonard Tan for that inspiring night!
- And last but not least, a huge THANK YOU to Mr Adrian Chiang! We would have never done it without you. Mr Chiang, you are the best!
Mr Lim too! :)
Before I end off, just wish to say something:Photos (credits to):
PHILyouth! Hope all of us will stay on and move forward as a band. This is just a competition, the award is nothing now. It will stay as memories. What is important now is that we should continue building the strong passion we have for music and create stronger bonds within us. It can get frustrating at times that I keep seeing new faces after every project is completed. You get my drift don't you? We succeeded in proving everybody that PHILyouth CAN make it. Let's not let that be gone to waste because it was our effort. Cheers to all and hope to see you peeps soon!
1. Valerie's blog
2. Suky of the trombone section
"Finally, I have found another place that I can belong comfortably."