Royal South Street Competition
Yesterday (29th August), I set off on a bus trip to Ballarat (2 hours away) with my mates from Blackburn High’s Senior Strings Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. We were going for the annual Royal South Street music competition, held at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat every year. It starts in July and ends in October. The competition has all sorts of categories – anything to do with the arts. Various bands, music ensembles, orchestras and dance groups from schools all over Victoria participate in the South Street competition every year.
If anyone’s wondering, the difference between the Symphony and Senior Strings Orchestra is that Symphony includes all orchestra instruments – the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion – whereas Senior Strings comprises only string instruments – violin, cello, viola and double bass.
We competed first on Senior Strings in the afternoon, and were followed by 6 other school ensembles. Mrs. Robyn Carrington was our conductor and we played 2 items: A Gaelic Overture by David O’ Fallon and Mantras by Richard Meyer. Our school won second place, by the way! Balwyn High School came first and they well deserved it – they had splendid intonation and were so tight in playing as an ensemble!
Later in the evening, we prepared for the Symphony Orchestra competition. The Symphony Orchestra is probably the biggest and best one to watch. Blackburn High’s Symphony Orchestra is privileged to have Mr. Andrew Wailes as our conductor. He is really good cause’ he has his own style and he’s professional in not just conducting, but in leading the entire orchestra with a clear direction each time we are presented with new repertoire to master.
Mr. Wailes often gives us really difficult and professional level pieces that are usually meant for professional orchestras to play. But thankfully we’re most likely always able to achieve a commendable standard (considering we’re only a school orchestra) because Mr. Wailes knows what he wants to achieve with the piece. When we go off track, he’ll spend precious rehearsal time to explain (always with a tad bit of humour) the direction and nature of that particular part. Music isn’t just a bunch of notes or tunes! It’s a mix of emotion, passion, expression, style – we gotta’ achieve that each time.
On the competition night, we hoped to land ourselves in the top three. But before performing, we weren’t so sure – we were in a tense situation. Firstly, we didn’t have a proper warm up room, plus the weather was rainy and the temperature below 10 degrees. They rented a place for us to warm up in, but it was really risky because we had to walk out on the dark, slippery road with all our instruments. And with the drastic temperature change, the tuning was bound to go berserk (especially woodwinds). When getting organized in the squashy room, Mr. Wailes warned us “At this very moment, any of you might accidentally wreck your instruments if you’re not careful!”
We performed 3 repertoires that went on for 20 minutes: Starflight Overture by Rex Mitchell, Klarinette Concerto (Andante movement) by Mozart, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. I could barely hear myself in the theatre cause’ it is meant to project to the audience, and the heavy red curtains soaked up the sound on the stage. I probably didn’t play my best. But I hoped that as a whole, we sounded impressive enough; given that our pieces were all meant to be pretty showy. Haha.
We competed against 7 other school Symphony Orchestras. At the end of the night, we were all at the edge of our seats as they announced the top three. Winning first for Symphony Orchestra would be such an awesome achievement cause’ it’s the hardest one! So it went, third was Melbourne High School, second place was Ballarat High, and the first place went to… Blackburn High School!!! WAHOO! We were cheering, hugging and high fiving each other. It sure felt great. :D
It was a good experience. Music in school has given me all the opportunities in the world – to get to know new people, to hear all the orchestra instruments that are rarely taught in M’sia, to learn under dedicated and fun music teachers, and to make music with others on such a big scale. Really thank God for answering my prayer. A year ago I couldn’t imagine experiencing all this!
I thank God so much for giving me another memorable musical escapade. =)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Melbourne Strings Festival
The latest music event that I was involved in was the annual Melbourne Strings Festival. I was part of the II Violin group in the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Wailes and the Senior Strings Orchestra, conducted by Robyn Carrington – my current violin teacher.
The Blackburn High School Symphony Orchestra played three repertoires: Starflight Overture, Mozart’s Andante movement for the Clarinet, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. Man oh man, the Overture Festivo was truly a tough one to perform! There were so many running notes and big chords. I’m still struggling to keep up at some parts!
And then there’s the Mozart piece, which is fairly simple-looking, but in actual fact, a tough one to master. It is one of the most well-known movements in Mozart’s day and the entire orchestra is actually accompanying a solo clarinet player. Many orchestras find it difficult to play cause’ it requires tip-top intonation and tone. That makes it a very “exposed” piece – a little mistake by one person and the overall sound is ruined. We are still attempting to master these pieces as a whole.
For the Symphony Orchestra, we practice 2 hours a week, and 1 hour extra for our separate section. Even so, it is not enough. I have so many things to work on that sometimes I just have no choice but to neglect the orchestra work (unfortunately)!
I always find it amazing that such beautiful music can be produced when all these complex instruments are played together. And not just playing any sound, but something that flows together. As much as it sounds so beautiful, I must also come back to reality when it comes to “practice makes perfect”. No repertoire can be beautiful unless practice and real effort is put into it. Sometimes I wonder why oh why I am doing all this. Why don’t I just settle with listening to music?
I guess I’m just not meant to settle for listening to music. I need to make some of my own noise. I need to make music!!!
Here is a video my dad took of the Overture Festivo at the Robert Blackwood Hall – the largest music hall in Monash University, Clayton. Like Mr. Wailes said, “It’s a really showy piece.” Loud, brassy, fast and vigorous strings, animated flutes and all that.
The latest music event that I was involved in was the annual Melbourne Strings Festival. I was part of the II Violin group in the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Wailes and the Senior Strings Orchestra, conducted by Robyn Carrington – my current violin teacher.
The Blackburn High School Symphony Orchestra played three repertoires: Starflight Overture, Mozart’s Andante movement for the Clarinet, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. Man oh man, the Overture Festivo was truly a tough one to perform! There were so many running notes and big chords. I’m still struggling to keep up at some parts!
And then there’s the Mozart piece, which is fairly simple-looking, but in actual fact, a tough one to master. It is one of the most well-known movements in Mozart’s day and the entire orchestra is actually accompanying a solo clarinet player. Many orchestras find it difficult to play cause’ it requires tip-top intonation and tone. That makes it a very “exposed” piece – a little mistake by one person and the overall sound is ruined. We are still attempting to master these pieces as a whole.
For the Symphony Orchestra, we practice 2 hours a week, and 1 hour extra for our separate section. Even so, it is not enough. I have so many things to work on that sometimes I just have no choice but to neglect the orchestra work (unfortunately)!
I always find it amazing that such beautiful music can be produced when all these complex instruments are played together. And not just playing any sound, but something that flows together. As much as it sounds so beautiful, I must also come back to reality when it comes to “practice makes perfect”. No repertoire can be beautiful unless practice and real effort is put into it. Sometimes I wonder why oh why I am doing all this. Why don’t I just settle with listening to music?
I guess I’m just not meant to settle for listening to music. I need to make some of my own noise. I need to make music!!!
Here is a video my dad took of the Overture Festivo at the Robert Blackwood Hall – the largest music hall in Monash University, Clayton. Like Mr. Wailes said, “It’s a really showy piece.” Loud, brassy, fast and vigorous strings, animated flutes and all that.
Our next performance would be next Saturday’s Southstreet competition in Ballarat, about an hour away. It’s an annual competition between the various school bands and orchestras around Melbourne. Hopefully I’ll be able to bring my camera. Hear from me soon. Have a jolly weekend! ;)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My First Real Beginner!
A few weeks ago, before my two piano students Camilla and Amelie returned to their home countries Germany and Denmark, I prayed for God to open another opportunity for me to continue teaching piano. I had asked around if anyone from school or church wanted to learn piano, but nothing came through. I remember asking God to provide for me a new piano student before Camilla leaves.
A week before Camilla left, I believe God reminded me of a friend who had once told me that her parents are planning to send her sister for piano lessons. At that time I did not consider it. But now I remembered her, so I texted her that I’m teaching piano. I did not expect her to say yes though, cause’ they live an hour away from my place.
To my delight, she replied saying her parents were keen to send their 5 year-old daughter, Jen Vee, for lessons! However, the only problem was transport, since we live an hour away. I asked my parents if there was any way we could arrange it, but they didn’t think it’ll work out. Instead of leaving it as that, I somehow felt there’s gonna’ be a way to it, so I just committed it to God and prayed that this opportunity wouldn’t pass me by.
Amazingly, we agreed on a Sunday afternoon for Jen Vee to come to my house cause’ their church is round the corner! Man, I really thanked God for blessing me with yet another opportunity! This time, it’ll be different cause’ for the first time, I’ll be teaching a real, genuine beginner. Jen Vee is five years old and she doesn’t know a single thing about reading music notes whatsoever.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous. People often think that teaching a beginner is an easy job. Yes, it kinda’ is. But I prefer teaching those who already have a music background cause’ they already know the basics. Now I see that the hardest thing about teaching is laying the foundation and teaching the fundamentals. Man, I have a heavy responsibility!
As much as I’m teaching, I am learning more. That’s why I’m making it a point to write it in my online journal lest I forget. Which I will. Haha. Today we had our second lesson. Jen Vee is a fast learner! I have to hit myself for underestimating little people. I am reminded of how timid I was when I first started out at 7. I wish I had dared to ask questions and give my opinion. Ah well, you can’t compare, Aussie kids are certainly more outspoken.
One thing that I’ll want to teach my students is to play using not only our hands, but our ears. That’s one thing I never really learned. If you don’t use your ears as you ought to, playing music becomes a boring repetition of tones that is translated from the recognition of music notes. That’s what happened in the music center I went to in M’sia. I hope I can help my students to make melodies both with and without music notes.
I find that with every new thing I’m discovering, my interest in teaching is increasing. Certainly this is only the beginning. I’m committing every opportunity to God so that He can help me squeeze the most out of it. When God hands me lemons, I make lemonade. ;)
A few weeks ago, before my two piano students Camilla and Amelie returned to their home countries Germany and Denmark, I prayed for God to open another opportunity for me to continue teaching piano. I had asked around if anyone from school or church wanted to learn piano, but nothing came through. I remember asking God to provide for me a new piano student before Camilla leaves.
A week before Camilla left, I believe God reminded me of a friend who had once told me that her parents are planning to send her sister for piano lessons. At that time I did not consider it. But now I remembered her, so I texted her that I’m teaching piano. I did not expect her to say yes though, cause’ they live an hour away from my place.
To my delight, she replied saying her parents were keen to send their 5 year-old daughter, Jen Vee, for lessons! However, the only problem was transport, since we live an hour away. I asked my parents if there was any way we could arrange it, but they didn’t think it’ll work out. Instead of leaving it as that, I somehow felt there’s gonna’ be a way to it, so I just committed it to God and prayed that this opportunity wouldn’t pass me by.
Amazingly, we agreed on a Sunday afternoon for Jen Vee to come to my house cause’ their church is round the corner! Man, I really thanked God for blessing me with yet another opportunity! This time, it’ll be different cause’ for the first time, I’ll be teaching a real, genuine beginner. Jen Vee is five years old and she doesn’t know a single thing about reading music notes whatsoever.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous. People often think that teaching a beginner is an easy job. Yes, it kinda’ is. But I prefer teaching those who already have a music background cause’ they already know the basics. Now I see that the hardest thing about teaching is laying the foundation and teaching the fundamentals. Man, I have a heavy responsibility!
As much as I’m teaching, I am learning more. That’s why I’m making it a point to write it in my online journal lest I forget. Which I will. Haha. Today we had our second lesson. Jen Vee is a fast learner! I have to hit myself for underestimating little people. I am reminded of how timid I was when I first started out at 7. I wish I had dared to ask questions and give my opinion. Ah well, you can’t compare, Aussie kids are certainly more outspoken.
One thing that I’ll want to teach my students is to play using not only our hands, but our ears. That’s one thing I never really learned. If you don’t use your ears as you ought to, playing music becomes a boring repetition of tones that is translated from the recognition of music notes. That’s what happened in the music center I went to in M’sia. I hope I can help my students to make melodies both with and without music notes.
I find that with every new thing I’m discovering, my interest in teaching is increasing. Certainly this is only the beginning. I’m committing every opportunity to God so that He can help me squeeze the most out of it. When God hands me lemons, I make lemonade. ;)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Musical Escapades
Musical Escapades is a chronicle of my progress in my musical endeavours in piano, violin, oboe and a tad bit of guitar. The idea to create such a “music blog” came to me when I was playing Chopin’s Impromptu No. 1 at the piano on August 12th. Nothing fancy, but I did think it was a good idea!
Musical Escapades is an avenue for me to write about the never-ending hidden melodies and secret musical treasures that I sometimes happen to divulge in the music pieces I play. I do not want these instances of “enlightenment” to be forgotten! Another purpose is for me to keep a record of the pieces that I am learning from 2009 onwards. I will write a special on those that make a unique impression to me.
Here, I also will take into account the struggles and frustrations that I always face in trying to understand and perfect the music I play. I want to always be reminded of the tough parts (which are probably more than the rewarding experiences) and I do not want to achieve anything if I will end up taking pride in myself.
Apart from my main site For A Purpose, here’s another avenue for me to post videos of my performances in music events from school or in competitions (whether solo, in bands, or in orchestras) and write about my experiences. I will also post videos of my compositions, my sisters, Janna & Jirene, and music students.
Musical Escapades is a place where I can look back and reflect on the inspirational lessons I have learned over time and by patience and practice. And of course, by God’s grace and guidance. I want to also write about the people whom God has and will send along my path to equip and mentor me in pursuing my music aspirations. All these are worth remembering!
In all, I hope this will someday be a “memoir” of the significant leaps and falls that I make in the musical side of my life. 2009 marks my first year having leaped past Grade 8, the grade where many people think is the end of the journey. But hey, I have just discovered that the completion of grade 8 is only the BEGINNING of this musical roller coaster ride!
So till then, I look forward to my next entry! Have a great weekend!
Musical Escapades is a chronicle of my progress in my musical endeavours in piano, violin, oboe and a tad bit of guitar. The idea to create such a “music blog” came to me when I was playing Chopin’s Impromptu No. 1 at the piano on August 12th. Nothing fancy, but I did think it was a good idea!
Musical Escapades is an avenue for me to write about the never-ending hidden melodies and secret musical treasures that I sometimes happen to divulge in the music pieces I play. I do not want these instances of “enlightenment” to be forgotten! Another purpose is for me to keep a record of the pieces that I am learning from 2009 onwards. I will write a special on those that make a unique impression to me.
Here, I also will take into account the struggles and frustrations that I always face in trying to understand and perfect the music I play. I want to always be reminded of the tough parts (which are probably more than the rewarding experiences) and I do not want to achieve anything if I will end up taking pride in myself.
Apart from my main site For A Purpose, here’s another avenue for me to post videos of my performances in music events from school or in competitions (whether solo, in bands, or in orchestras) and write about my experiences. I will also post videos of my compositions, my sisters, Janna & Jirene, and music students.
Musical Escapades is a place where I can look back and reflect on the inspirational lessons I have learned over time and by patience and practice. And of course, by God’s grace and guidance. I want to also write about the people whom God has and will send along my path to equip and mentor me in pursuing my music aspirations. All these are worth remembering!
In all, I hope this will someday be a “memoir” of the significant leaps and falls that I make in the musical side of my life. 2009 marks my first year having leaped past Grade 8, the grade where many people think is the end of the journey. But hey, I have just discovered that the completion of grade 8 is only the BEGINNING of this musical roller coaster ride!
So till then, I look forward to my next entry! Have a great weekend!
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