January 9th, 2006» Buck Up!

- 10:28 pm

I went back to HSCBand today. While I’m there, I realised that I have become relatively patient compared to before. I would have shouted at my section if they were to give me that type of attitude a year back.

There are supposed to have sectionals today but the SL is not around. Since I thought he is a very responsible person, I assumed he was absent or attending some extended lesson and, hence, did not press on to find out where he was. Qiyun was not there too. They told me that they did not know why she did not turn up, which I later found out that she went to celebrate her birthday. It’s fine not playing for concert for being oversea. But this? It’s ridiculous.

I was observing how they had their sectionals (even while I’m eating the muffins). Candice, being the most “senior” there, did not take the initiative to conduct the sectionals. She even declared that she’s not playing for the concert this coming June and hence need not practise(or not as hard). Of those present, at least 4 of them had musical background and I’m disappointed that no one suggested for the section to play together. They should be self-sufficient enough or even more qualified than me to figure out the notes and study the rhythms.

Also, instead of practising hard for their new song, El Camino Real, I heard the section(namely Jermaine whom I remembered distinctly and some others I can’t recall exactly) playing excerpts and parts from “Postcard”. I do not mind if they are good players. Apparently, none in our section, at this moment, is anywhere near that standard.

I kept my cool, threw away the residues of the muffins, rinsed my mouth and washed my hands. Hopping to at least cover the first page of “El Camino Real”, I called for sectionals. The response was unanimous. They feel that it’s already 5 p.m. and they should be going down already. I insisted on continuing anyway.

As expected, they played rubbish. Even the first set of running notes(and the easiest set) is nowhere near decent. NO ONE(and I really mean it) followed tempo. Tone quality wasn’t exactly there. And I havn’t even bothered about tunning. And you guys sure you still want to learn Noah’s Ark?

Oh, and the SL, whom I thought was not in band, came up and informed the section that they have to go down. Reason being the teachers wanting to close the band room. I did not pursue the matter as I have no wish to know where he went. Also, I feel, personally, that the new band teachers-in-charge really do not have the attachment and passion for the band and they are there only to do their job well.

Down in the band room, the trombone sections are having their sectionals. I must say what they played was the most unimpressive opening of El Camino Real I’ve ever heard in my whole life. Sabrina thinks that I’m somewhat being fussy as they are still practising. I, however, think otherwise as the opening aren’t really that difficult and good sound quality don’t go away once acquired, not even when one is unfamiliar with the piece. Nevertheless, at least they are making good effort to practise unlike my section.

The only decent thing I heard just now was from the clarinet section when a few of them are practising their parts in the band room. They played it slowly but steadily. I wish my section is as hardworking as some of the clarinetists.

The concert is 5 months from now. The band is going to play El Camino Real. It is a very challenging piece. They are still unable to even play the first few bars of the song properly. And I sensed no urgency for the cause.

In my opinion, I do feel that the current band members lack this “musical” thing in them. When they first heard the recording of El Camino Real, there were many responses such as the song being too difficult and too fast. That was the first time they heard of the song El Camino Real in their entire life. Infact, they must be the only band who don’t even know it exists till then. I really wonder if they actually enjoy listening to band musics or attending concerts. I also wonder what’s their purpose of joining band. And what’s the point of joining band when they are satisfied with playing “Sponge Bob Square Pants” for the rest of their band days.

Comments

1. haix. gor. dun angry abt hsc band lar. coz my band havin concert in march but we stil duno wat we’re playin lar. at least ur band’s startin 2 practice el camino real liao or at least they shd b lar. beta den my band ma. so smilex. dun angry. n. when’s their concert ar. muz rmb ask mi go ar… =)

   By my.passion.my.life on January 11th, 2006 at 11:33 am
   
   

2. hello… el camino real for trombone opening got high notes leh… very high!!

   By suky on January 20th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
   
   

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