Hey guys, you can check out the official SYF photos at this website: http://www.syfphotography.com/
I think there's an online order option too?
Anyway, pass the message alright!
I've also uploaded random pictures of HCGC during practice on my facebook so take a look too if you want to reminisce. XD
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
2009/2010 Exco Elections!
Dear J1s,
as announced during practice today, you can download the exco application form at:
It is due next Monday (4 May 09). You can hand it to any exco member, or come find me in A205 (i.e. HP Classroom at end of corridor on second floor) in the mornings (I'm usually in class from 7am until flag raising). Late submissions will not be accepted (duh).
Next Wednesday will be the presentations / Q&A / voting. You are reminded that each applicant has 1min to play a song and 1min to give a speech. You can only combine with somebody for the song part, and at most 2 people can combine (meaning a total of 2min for song for the pair, then 1min each for personal speech). Combining is completely optional. Voting will influence our eventual decision, but do not directly determine anything.
Next Friday onwards will be the interviews. We will inform you of your respective timeslots after we have collated the applications and votes on Wednesday. The interviews will probably last until the following week. Naturally, the interviews will be the main opportunity you have to convince us (current exco & teachers) that you deserve whatever post you applied for, apart from the impression we have from you thus far. Note: Section Leader applicants will be expected to demonstrate their musicality (either guitar-related or otherwise).
Results will be announced when we have come to a decision after these processes (duh).
Queries can be directed to any of the exco members or me. I don't want to post my MSN or H/P number on a public blog like this, but many of your batch-mates have my contact details, so you can get it from them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cheers!
I'm sure all of you would know the result by now. Anyway, I have here a piece sent to me (to post on the blog) written by Jess. So take your time to read through it. :)
SYF Results Announcer: "Hwa Chong Institution. (suspense.) Bronze."
The whole guitar ensemble sits stunned for something like 2 minutes. I feel a strange sense of calmness, then it all comes crashing down.
Its not that we played badly. On the other hand, I thought we played at 95% of our best standard. Which is super good. Neither was it due to institutional factors (ie. unforeseen circumstances), but due to the fault of the judges (and to think they call them adjudicators.)
1. Professional incompetency.
Only 1 of the 5 judges was a guitar player. They gave random comments like "You must not exaggerate dynamic contrasts" and "The bass notes were not as clear as those on the higher register". My favourite: "Many groups used tremolo. You shouldn't." (Hello, that's what the guitar is made for?)And to make matters worse, they demanded a "narrow focused sound [executed] within 1-2 milliseconds". Ms Wong says this is unachievable unless $10k guitars are used.
2. Poor acoustics.
The Republic Cultural Centre is a fantastic hall. No question about that. However, our wonderful judges chose to sit at the 2nd level. And the hall couldn't transmit lower-range notes to the 2nd level, since its more suited for vocals. Well most likely they heard a blur of bass notes (which comprise 40% of our ensemble) and didn't bother to think whether it was their problem. Oh, did I mention that the 2nd level was locked and out of bounds to everyone? Where did the transparency of judgement go to?
3. Lack of accountability.
The judges do NOT have to account for the results they give. We bore absolute faith with the SYF judging system, however we were sorely disappointed. No comments were given whatsoever, and appeals are apparently unheard of. Revealing actual scores? Not a chance.
4. Technical ineptitude.
K just before I get comments about how this is biased, I shall admit that we were technically and musically less adept than other schools, which were excellent. Cos we only practised for 4 months. (Oh, our previous conductor was rather, er, incapable.) But then of course everyone was screwed cos of factors 1 and 2.
VJC got silver, and all the groups after us got either silver/bronze. (except 1 gold the Chinese Orchestra song). And ACSI (JC) also got silver. Sounds funny? In total, there were 16 JCs. There was 1 GwH, 2 Golds, 6 Silvers, and 7 Bronzes. around there. disproportionate? You bet.
What can I say? We may have failed our expectations, but the judges failed us.
Just my humble opinion.
good luck to the other SYF groups.
--
Yup, a rather interesting piece that reminds me so much of the GP lesson I just missed today to be there for the results. And I'm sure many of us sacrificed precious studying time to be there, or for practices etc.
There wasn't much I could say today...I was rather preoccupied with the candle-lighting. And I guess I was still shocked despite refusing to admit it. I do agree with Jess about the calmness part though...I felt particularly calm, looking around and trying to read others' expressions. But on hindsight, I don't think we could've performed any much better than we did...And I was particularly glad about one thing - we were all there being shocked and upset together. Yea, we're all in this together. XD It's rather heartwarming to see the club-bonding, and having watched everyone put in so much effort for this.
I'm sure many people have said many things about what went wrong today already. I'm sure we would have all witnessed what went right today. So, I hope all of you will leave the club with the happy memories and close friendships, and especially remember today as the day HCGC attained a bronze. If you see a guitar member upset, go up and give the person a hug! Because all of us deserve it. :D
Yup, we did well today. As the cake says, we rocked.
SYF Results Announcer: "Hwa Chong Institution. (suspense.) Bronze."
The whole guitar ensemble sits stunned for something like 2 minutes. I feel a strange sense of calmness, then it all comes crashing down.
Its not that we played badly. On the other hand, I thought we played at 95% of our best standard. Which is super good. Neither was it due to institutional factors (ie. unforeseen circumstances), but due to the fault of the judges (and to think they call them adjudicators.)
1. Professional incompetency.
Only 1 of the 5 judges was a guitar player. They gave random comments like "You must not exaggerate dynamic contrasts" and "The bass notes were not as clear as those on the higher register". My favourite: "Many groups used tremolo. You shouldn't." (Hello, that's what the guitar is made for?)And to make matters worse, they demanded a "narrow focused sound [executed] within 1-2 milliseconds". Ms Wong says this is unachievable unless $10k guitars are used.
2. Poor acoustics.
The Republic Cultural Centre is a fantastic hall. No question about that. However, our wonderful judges chose to sit at the 2nd level. And the hall couldn't transmit lower-range notes to the 2nd level, since its more suited for vocals. Well most likely they heard a blur of bass notes (which comprise 40% of our ensemble) and didn't bother to think whether it was their problem. Oh, did I mention that the 2nd level was locked and out of bounds to everyone? Where did the transparency of judgement go to?
3. Lack of accountability.
The judges do NOT have to account for the results they give. We bore absolute faith with the SYF judging system, however we were sorely disappointed. No comments were given whatsoever, and appeals are apparently unheard of. Revealing actual scores? Not a chance.
4. Technical ineptitude.
K just before I get comments about how this is biased, I shall admit that we were technically and musically less adept than other schools, which were excellent. Cos we only practised for 4 months. (Oh, our previous conductor was rather, er, incapable.) But then of course everyone was screwed cos of factors 1 and 2.
VJC got silver, and all the groups after us got either silver/bronze. (except 1 gold the Chinese Orchestra song). And ACSI (JC) also got silver. Sounds funny? In total, there were 16 JCs. There was 1 GwH, 2 Golds, 6 Silvers, and 7 Bronzes. around there. disproportionate? You bet.
What can I say? We may have failed our expectations, but the judges failed us.
Just my humble opinion.
good luck to the other SYF groups.
--
Yup, a rather interesting piece that reminds me so much of the GP lesson I just missed today to be there for the results. And I'm sure many of us sacrificed precious studying time to be there, or for practices etc.
There wasn't much I could say today...I was rather preoccupied with the candle-lighting. And I guess I was still shocked despite refusing to admit it. I do agree with Jess about the calmness part though...I felt particularly calm, looking around and trying to read others' expressions. But on hindsight, I don't think we could've performed any much better than we did...And I was particularly glad about one thing - we were all there being shocked and upset together. Yea, we're all in this together. XD It's rather heartwarming to see the club-bonding, and having watched everyone put in so much effort for this.
I'm sure many people have said many things about what went wrong today already. I'm sure we would have all witnessed what went right today. So, I hope all of you will leave the club with the happy memories and close friendships, and especially remember today as the day HCGC attained a bronze. If you see a guitar member upset, go up and give the person a hug! Because all of us deserve it. :D
Yup, we did well today. As the cake says, we rock
Life goes on...
Much as I'd like to mope and mourn more, I have many other duties waiting for me to attend to. The J1 exco needs to be selected, my H3 final exams next week need to be studied for, I need to catch up on my homework etc. I'm sure all of you have your own commitments and responsibilities to uphold, and thinking about our dismal SYF results will not do anything to change them, so it's probably best to "move on" and put it behind you. Engross yourself in your school work, play some sports, or - if it isn't too painful - continue improving your guitar skills. Whatever it is, don't dwell on unfortunate (even unfair) figments of the past - once you forget them it will be as if they never happened. Ok, not really. But still, it's not the end of the world, and there are many other important things out there waiting for us. Life goes on...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Post-SYF celebrations
HEYYYY.
Well. Our batch has surely come a long way...And in two days' time, we'll be facing the final exam - SYF. After that, CCA would end, along with the tiring routine of going to practice three times a week at 3.30. (With the exception of Artsfest.) But, before we go our separate ways, there will be one last party! Post-SYF celebrations!
Yep. It's the last official practice/CCA gathering (excluding Artsfest and J2 Farewell). Sort of like an unofficial farewell gathering to hear the SYF results? So be sure to come down if you're not already going down to Republic Cultural Centre.
Venue: A305
Time: 3 to whenever - latest 7 (Results will be released at 3.15, so please be punctual.)
What are we going to do there? I'm not sure. But there will be food and other stuff to be consumed AT THE CANTEEN 'cause no food is allowed in the classroom. Also, if you can, bring along snacks and other "delicacies" as your contribution to the celebrations. We will celebrate regardless of the results of the competition, k?
All batches of Guitar club members are invited to come down for the celebrations as well to share in our joy/sorrow. :D
Finally, jiayou everyone! It's the last leg of the race, and we can't afford to let up. But I'm sure we'll exceed expectations on Tuesday, right? Afterall, it's the last MAJOR event we'll be doing together. Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys on Tuesday!
Well. Our batch has surely come a long way...And in two days' time, we'll be facing the final exam - SYF. After that, CCA would end, along with the tiring routine of going to practice three times a week at 3.30. (With the exception of Artsfest.) But, before we go our separate ways, there will be one last party! Post-SYF celebrations!
Yep. It's the last official practice/CCA gathering (excluding Artsfest and J2 Farewell). Sort of like an unofficial farewell gathering to hear the SYF results? So be sure to come down if you're not already going down to Republic Cultural Centre.
Venue: A305
Time: 3 to whenever - latest 7 (Results will be released at 3.15, so please be punctual.)
What are we going to do there? I'm not sure. But there will be food and other stuff to be consumed AT THE CANTEEN 'cause no food is allowed in the classroom. Also, if you can, bring along snacks and other "delicacies" as your contribution to the celebrations. We will celebrate regardless of the results of the competition, k?
All batches of Guitar club members are invited to come down for the celebrations as well to share in our joy/sorrow. :D
Finally, jiayou everyone! It's the last leg of the race, and we can't afford to let up. But I'm sure we'll exceed expectations on Tuesday, right? Afterall, it's the last MAJOR event we'll be doing together. Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys on Tuesday!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
tuners on sale (:
Hi dear all,
for those who haven't gotten urself a tuner (I'm referring to the juniors), pls come n look for me. For seniors (J2) who like to get new tuners, feel free to look for me too. Thanks! (:
yisan(:
for those who haven't gotten urself a tuner (I'm referring to the juniors), pls come n look for me. For seniors (J2) who like to get new tuners, feel free to look for me too. Thanks! (:
yisan(:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
New Seating Arrangement (tentative)
Hi,
this will be the new seating arrangement. Please follow it from tomorrow onwards, unless we change it again. Pardon the unaesthetic layout; it was created using Microsoft Excel.
P.S. ARGH WE CAN'T GET SILVER!!! CAN EVERYBODY PLEASE PRACTISE HARDER AND PAY ATTENTION TO MS WONG DURING PRACTICES! ONLY 10 MORE DAYS! NOOooo...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Training Days
Hi all,
Please note that training on Friday afternoons has been changed to Saturday mornings, because almost everyone can make it on Sat mornings. Time is from 9am-12nn, venue at LT3.
This takes place with effect from today. See you guys on Sat (:
Tricia
Please note that training on Friday afternoons has been changed to Saturday mornings, because almost everyone can make it on Sat mornings. Time is from 9am-12nn, venue at LT3.
This takes place with effect from today. See you guys on Sat (:
Tricia
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