[58]

And look, another year has passed,
another set of repertoire put behind us.

Last year I started the entry with an Alto batch photo.
This year we didn't take any.
But well, Mel, Yan, Drea, Germ, and I sang.
HH and Leh came to support.
KERR! You're the missing link!

Before Limmy came back from overseas, our batch made up the bulk of the altos, plus we were the oldest Altos. Hahah I think we were a lil' stressed ever since Mindy and Krystal said they won't be around/singing this year, 'cause then the older altos would be gone. The stress came from us being pretty junior compared to those who've been around a lot, sung a lot, and knew a lot.

About half a year on, I see that there's really nothing much to stress about. Everyone has stuff to work on, no matter how long they've been singing. Funny how the hierachy lines get blurred in the alumni choir.

This year we haven't spent much time with the college choir, so I have to admit that I barely know them. Granted, I know the J2s. As for the J1s... I can only recognize those standing beside me.

Keeping the whole "friendship/singing WITH friends" thing in mind, I just wished I could have gotten to know them better before AEWF. It's easier/more fun to sing with people you know. (But of course, there'll be more chances to get to know them.)

Nicholas remarked that AEWF is like Chinese New Year for our choir, and I thought that was a nice analogy. It's a huge reunion for family and friends, batchmates, direct seniors/juniors, etc. It's amazing when you see for yourself the crowds milling around outside Esplanade concert hall catching up with people they've not talked to in ages.

Choir is special because the music made by a choir can never be produced by oneself.
And the reassurance of having teammates by your side, onstage... I don't think anything can ever replace that.

As have been repeated many times over, it's all about friendship and trust.

Here we close another chapter.

[09]

I screwed up my piano practical exam. 'Nuff said.
It looks like I'll have to retake it next year. (What's new?!) Besides, it ain't a big deal, except for the money. Bleagh.

Here's us (just missing Kerryn and Germaine) on 6th July 2008.

Blogging about AEWF now seems rather pointless 'cause about a fortnight has passed, but oh well. Such a big event is worth a mention.
It was an amazing night, and it was great to see many friends whom I've not met in ages and ages.
I thought the college choir was awesome. Going back regularly means that I see/hear them almost every week, and going on tour with them means that I see/hear them even more, and honestly? It was heartening to see what they've become. It's only been half a year, but the change is astounding. I am so, so proud of my juniors.

Though more events are coming up soon, we have a break for now.
Thank goodness.
Going back to school does get tiring after a while, despite all the I-love-singing thoughts in my head. I'm enjoying the free time I have on my hands right now, mainly by sleeping. (Such a pig. Yesterday, I slept the entire day and woke up only for meals. It didn't help that the weather was lovely and cool, totally conducive for sleeping. Such weather only comes by once in a long while, especially since the whole global warming thing started.)

I restarted my theory lessons. Strange how the mathematicality of music slipped my mind in the absence of theory lessons. When I do my homework, I have to count and count and count. On the bright side, it's not calculus.

Negativity annoys me a lot. Don't you just hate it when people say "Oh, that's so difficult! I think you should just give up. Look for an easier alternative."?
Why can't people be more supportive of others?
It makes me wonder, because some words can be very demoralising, especially when they come from someone who's greatly respected or someone in a position to influence others. (I.e. teachers/parents/mentors etc.) And trust me, I've met my fair share of people who tried to discourage me from doing something just because they didn't think I could do it. Quite a few of them are educators, too.
There're realistic suggestions, and then there're discouragements. The former is supportive; the latter is just plain depressing. An educator has a lot of power to influence students. Whatever he does, he just shouldn't cut students down before they even have a chance to realize their potential.
What makes me marvel all the more is that teachers are discouraging me from going into the same profession. (Nah, I don't think it's about the snatching-their-rice-bowls issue.)
There's a difference between "You want to be a teacher? That's crazy, but go ahead. Why not?" and "Teaching is very stressful, especially in schools. I think you shouldn't be one. There're many more lucrative paths to choose, why be a teacher?".

It's not blind optimism I'm advocating. Idealism won't buy you bread, it's true, but a little positivity won't hurt. Besides, it'd make people happier.