Firstly, I would like to say that the NBC 08 recording isn’t exactly how you should aim to play. I believe that the band should be stronger than it was 2 years ago, and there’s really no reason for comparison. However, it is good to know how your seniors did 2 years ago and learn from the small little mistakes here and there.
Before I dropped by for the elections last Friday, all I’ve heard from random people about the band was rather disheartening. But last Friday I was surprised to hear that despite having rehearsed for less than a month, the standard isn’t THAT bad, or not as bad as others made it seem. However, there are the chronic problems with the band, passed down from one generation to the next- not being together, not following Mr Leng, not having near perfect intonation. Anyone can play the notes and rhythm correctly. What sets a band apart from the rest is refinement. One other problem that the band might face is the dynamic contrast and phrasing. I hope the band will follow Mr Leng’s musical directions obediently and not hesitate to give MORE when he asks for it. Enough on technicality.
I hope that the band will not take for granted our previous glories. Those Gold awards would not have been possible without sheer hard work and I admit, luck, to a certain extent. (Karma points for working hard) To repeat this success, not only must you do what we did to get the Gold, you must do MORE. There is never enough you can do to reach perfection. Every single detail matters! 2 years ago, we lost the Gold with Distinction mark by 0.83%. I hope this time there will be no such regrets; I hope nobody has to blame himself for cracking that note or having made a squeak or having missed his part, which could’ve cost the band that 0.83%.
That nervousness that hits everyone at that moment before entering the stage can be replaced with an appropriate amount confidence- if you’re sure you’ve done your part. That annoying bugging sickening regret that might hit you after you leave the stage can be replaced with even more confidence- if you’re sure you haven’t left anything to chances.
Lastly, I want to congratulate the newly elected ExCo. You guys are a really strong batch and I’m confident that you will lead HCIBand to much greater heights. To the rest of the band, trust your leaders. Without them, you’re nothing but a headless chicken.
For the band, and for ourselves,
Nothing feels better than performing your best.
Huiyao,
SC ’08-‘09
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