Hwa Chong Guitar Ensemble

When all words fail, let music do the talking.

2011-09-24T21:47:00.000+08:00

A test post from HCGExco '11-'12!

The Legend of Niibori Guitars

2011-05-17T20:50:00.001+08:00

"Alto guitars portray butterflies fluttering delicately over ripe blossoms;
Cembalo guitars reflect the mystery and drama of the constellations shining in the evening sky;
Prime guitars are best suited to express the sweet pathos of lost love;
Bass guitars surpass other instruments in describing the swell of the ocean"

These are the unique characteristics of each type of Niibori Guitar,
the brainchild of Hiroki Niibori.
With their distinct builds and exclusive tones,
they have brought the realm of Guitar Ensemble music into new dimensions.
With Niibori Guitars, tuned to different tunings (mostly Perfect Fifths from the Prime Guitar [aka Classical/Spanish Guitar]),
Guitar Ensembles can now expand their reach of music into octaves never possible with solely the Prime Guitar.
Their different sizes and construct also allowed for the use of the "Niibori Rhythm Method",
which involves using the Guitar as a percussion to express different emotions and feelings.

GENUS (Guitar Ensemble NUS) is the most representative body for Niibori instruments,
being one of the biggest and most reputable Niibori Ensemble in Singapore.
In fact, most of the school-based Guitar Ensembles in Singapore, most notably Dunman High School, Victoria JC, Temasek JC etc.,
have long acquired and mastered Niibori Guitars, having various overseas trips to the Niibori Institutes in Japan to learn the Niibori Method.
Hwa Chong Institution, on the other hand, has lived up to her reputation as a school that respects tradition,
still resisting the change and probably even acceptance of her Guitar Ensemble as a full-fledged Performing Arts group,
and has yet to provide sufficient support for her Guitar Ensemble for her evolution into a highly respectable Niibori-based Guitar Ensemble.

I believe we have all witnessed the capabilities of Niibori Guitars from the outstanding performances of various Guitar Ensembles.
May we work towards a better future by patching up our technical inefficiencies and innate logistical limitations,
and live up to our true potential as Hwa Chong Guitar Ensemble.

HCGExco '10-'11,
- Jin Jian

Paco de Lucia

2011-05-07T13:10:00.002+08:00

Hey all,

Its been quite a long time since there was a new post,

so I figured I'll intro you'all to another guitar legend,
Paco de Lucia.

He's famous for his Flamenco style, especially his blinding runs and unique improvisations.

Its kinda hard to put in words, so check out the two videos of his performances below XD

Tico-tico (Guitar solo, percussion accompaniment)

Rumba Improvisada (Guitar duet, improvisation)

A true master of the spanish guitar.
*Flamenco guitars are slightly different from classical guitars, in terms of build and material.

Classical/Concert Guitar:

Slightly higher action (~3mm)
Usually made from "denser" and thicker wood i.e. rosewood
More "depth" i.e. thicker when viewed from the side
Absence of Golpeador

Flamenco Guitar:

Slightly lower action (~2mm)
Usually made from "less dense" and thinner wood i.e. cypress
Less "depth" i.e. thinner when viewed from the side
Prescence of Golpeador (tapping board)

These account for the differences in tone and technique between classical and flamenco guitar.
I'll post an update to this in another post.

Enjoy!
- Jin Jian

SYF rehearsal videos

2011-04-30T23:07:00.000+08:00

Hi all, here are our SYF rehearsal videos XD
I've written a short writeup for each piece to guide those who have not heard them before.

1st piece: The Days of Wine and Roses / Moon River
With a subtle chord, the piece sets itself in the comfortable rhythm of foxtrot.
The melody then switches over and pronounces itself with strong low notes, accompanied by the gentle undertone of melodious quavers.
Following a distinctive transition in meter at the end of the stanza, the melody eases itself into light waltz steps.
Harmonic chords now drive the strong rhythmic beats, with underlying quavers expressing the flow of emotions along a river.
The piece then comes to a resounding coda, followed by a decending melody and closing with a beautiful chord.

2nd Piece: Asturias

Initiating with a rhythmic spanish melody, the piece brings to one the picture of a solemn palace.
A unique bongo/tabla rhythm then enters the picture and the excitement mounts with a driving cresendo and flaming rasgueados.
The climax then diffuses into subtle pizzicatos and a unanimous harmonic E.
The piece then takes a breather and slips into a conversing phrase between melody and chords, utilising the full expressivity of the guitar.
Suspense then builds with a intoxicating melody,
thereafter plunging the music right into an exciting arena of strong melody, flamenco-style cassanets and authoritative bass.
Following a short bridge of calmness, the music erupts into a grand fanfare of the theme, leaving echoes in the air.
A familiar tune then returns as the piece reimmerses in clear memory, right back to the distinctive harmonic E.
A feeling of emptiness is then felt with the swelling bass and lethargic melody, as the initial melody is repeated for the very last time.
With a force of two successively repeated quaver chords and a harmonic note, the piece explodes with a resounding E chord into finality.

Enjoy XD

- Jin Jian

Windy Hills

2011-04-17T10:47:00.000+08:00

Haha, hope you'all like this song XD
Preview, maybe?

Cheers,
- Jin Jian

Cat Music

2011-04-09T22:35:00.001+08:00

Joe Hisaishi is simply amazing!
The joy of the performers simply flows~

Cheers,
- Jin Jian

Super Cool Conducting Prowers

2011-03-15T19:07:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone,

Check this out!
Notice the conductor. (Its hard not to actually)

This is true directional conducting man!
Someone should go learn, especially you J1s for your concert.
If only our conductor can conduct like this XP

Cheers,
- Jin Jian

J1 Orientation!!!

2011-03-06T21:56:00.000+08:00

Hey all J1s,

Get ready for HCGE Orientation 2011!
Venue: A305
Time: 4pm

Tune yourself up for a day of fun with your new HCGE family and guitar mates!

- Jin Jian

Calling all potential J1 juniors!

2011-02-12T17:29:00.000+08:00

Hey juniors!

Having being orientated into Hwa Chong, now is the time where you have to choose your CCA! And i'm sure HCGE will be an excellent choice for anyone!

What to do to enter HCGE:

Date: Monday 14 feb (4pm to 6pm)

Wednesday 16 feb (3pm to 6pm)
Please come anytime from the timeslots stated above for a very brief interview.
Venue will be A305 for monday and A303 for wednesday.

Thank you and see you soon!

Simply Amazing Stuff

2011-01-28T22:53:00.001+08:00

Nothing much to say, just see for yourself.

- Jin Jian

Training timings and days

2011-01-18T22:04:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody!

For the new year 2011, we will have trainings 3 days a week for j2s. Monday - 4pm to 6pm. Wednesday - 3pm to 5pm. Friday - 4pm to 7pm. Miss Wong will be coming every friday.

For prospective juniors in the j1 2011 batch, you guys will have trainings twice a week! Wednesdays and Fridays at the same time slots as above.

Venues will be at A300 or A301.

SYF will be held in late April. Exact date has not been confirmed. Lets work hard towards getting our GOLD with honours!!!

Revamp (slight)

2011-01-01T21:26:00.001+08:00

Revamped the blog design a little.
(Changelog:
- Header changed
- Sidebar bg changed
- Shoutbox colours changed
- Post area design edited
- Very slight change in overall layout)
Kinda strange if we keep using the Il Bacio 1....
Hope it isn't too messy though.
Comments welcome XD

Cheers,
- Jin Jian

Epic Chalet XD (Part 1)

2010-12-28T16:09:00.001+08:00

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the fun time at the Chalet!
I'm sure we all had lots of fun XD
Aiya, so sad we forgot to take photos XP
For those who didn't come, let me fill you up on what we did, ya?

I arrived @ arnd 5+, when Sheng Hong was lighting the fire (emoing alone)
and the rest were playing cards inside.
Amanda was probably cheating as her cards were SOOOO GOOOOD ~_~

People present are
Sheng Hong, Amelia, Ernest, Amanda, Jeraldine, Viet Son, Xin Ying, Yijia and Me.

Then when the fire was done,
we decided to crowd outside to BBQ all the random food
while "listening" to WHEEL OF FORTUNE on the TV.
We were all going like "BIG MONEY! BIG MONEY!" XP

The joke thing is that no one brought SCISSORS, so two ppl (guess who?)
have to use fingernials to PIERCE through the PLASTIC wrapping... >.<
Hahaz and when "爱" started, ppl started rushing back inside to watch,
leaving a few poor souls to cook O-_-O

The food was pretty ok la,
but we had a WHOLE BUNCH OF OTAH and 20(0)PAX BEEHOON,
is like eat untill die oso cannot finish 1...
The girls + Ernest were all really good at cooking,
so the three guys left were just sitting inside and EATING like mad #.#
Amelia was going "Cannot trust the guys on cooking one la!"
Yijia and Xin Ying kept bringing in the food,
then the guys went like "Thanks ar, later got tip XP"
However, some of the satay is like really Chao Tar,
and Jeraldine was like "The Satay very CRISPY (*swallow*)" o.O

When "爱" ended, the SENIORS (Ivan, Li Qin and Zheng Rui) came!
Hahaz, they actually found their way there,
so we had to call Ernest (who went looking for them) back @_@
We had a fun time together talking, eating, watching Indiana Jones,
and trying to poison each other with burnt food XD
Zheng Rui couldn't stop calling the Satay, "Otah" and the Otah, "Satay"... ^.^

By arnd 10, many people had to leave, leaving only Ernest, Viet Son and Me XS

And thats the end of part 1...

Epic Chalet XD (Part 2)

2010-12-28T16:09:00.000+08:00

When the three of us left (Ernest, Viet Son and Me)
thought we had nothing to do,
guess what, Claire, Marie, Si Min, Sze Yuan and Yu Han came XD
Hahaz, we were so HAPPY to see them, ya ^.^

We wanted to go KBox, but WTL it was like 25++/person (festive charges)...
so we went to the beach instead.

It was super low tide and the breeze was VERY STRONG,
so Ernest decided to do Yoga while STANDING IN THE WATER. o.O
We were all sitting on the beach talking abt random stuff,
then Yu Han was going "Is Ernest going to jump into the water?"
Son was uber busy on his phone
with "you know who"... (Btw it was like 2-3am...)
As we walked back,
Sze Yuan was like "Aiya, now I got sand in my shoes already la"
and Marie was like "Ya lor" XP

When we got back, Viet Son and I tried to relight the flame to reheat some of the food, and used like 10+ FIRESTARTERS... o>O
Then, we got bored, so we decided to play Monopoly Deal.

It was REALLY FUN Hahaz.
We all sounded like rich ppl,
and Si Min was like "Got so much money also no use!" Lolz
Viet Son was SUPER PRO and owned all of us lor,
until Claire went "You 欺压百姓ar?"
and he went blur XD

We played until around 4, till Ernest was like
"I have to sleep so I wouldn't add the wrong reagents during my lab tomorrow.",
and we all went to sleep.
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Disclaimer: 80% of Part 2 is 纯属虚构.
Hahaz, am I not a talented playwright XP
Infer what really happened from the photo below:

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-24T21:09:00.000+08:00

Hey all,

Happy Christmas XD
It's been a really hectic year
and I hope that you'all had a good rest during the hols ya?
Below are some really nice songs to keep your Christmas spirits up!

Cheers,
- Jin Jian

p.s. Remember to turn up for the chalet!

希望能看到，《晴天》^-^

2010-11-24T20:49:00.000+08:00

嗨！

希望第二吉他的成员们从今天的《弹唱时间》学到了一些有用的知识，
也玩得开心 XD
以下是我们今天学的《晴天》。

希望大家会喜欢 *^-^*

------

和弦图表(chords)：

Em     G      C      D      B(简化)
0      3      0      2      2
0      0      1      3      4
0      0      0      2      4
2      0      2      0      4
2      2      3      0      0
0      3      0      0      0

------

前奏:

e|--------------------------|--------------------------|
B|--------3------------3----|--------3--------3-----3--|
G|-----0-----0------------0-|-----------0--------------|
D|--2-------------0h2-------|-----0--------------------|
A|--------------3-----------|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|--3-----------3-----2-----|

e|--------------------------|---------------------------|
B|--------3------------3----|--------3---------3------3-|
G|-----0-----0------------0-|-----------0---------------|
D|--2-------------0h2-------|-----0---------------------|
A|--------------3-----------|---------------------------|
E|--------------------------|--3-----------3------2-----|


  |Em      Em  |G        D |

  |Em      Em  |G        D |

  Em   C          G            D
   故事的小黄花　  从出生那年就飘著

  Em   C          G           D
   童年的荡鞦韆　  随记忆一直晃到现在

  Em                  C          
  ㄖㄨㄟ　ㄙㄡ　ㄙㄡ　ㄒ一　ㄉㄡ　ㄒ一 ㄌㄚ　ㄙㄡ　ㄌㄚ

  G                                         D
  ㄒ一　ㄒ一　ㄒ一　ㄒ一　ㄌㄚ　ㄒ一　ㄌㄚ　ㄙㄡ

  Em    C               G             D
  吹著前奏望著天空我    想起花瓣试著掉落   

     Em          C                 G                  D 
 ＊為妳翘课的那一天　花落的那一天 　教室的那一间我怎麼看不见  

  Em         C                G       D
   消失的下雨天　我好想再淋一遍       没想到失

  Em    C         G             D
  去的勇气我还留著      好想再问一遍

  Em    C       D          D
  妳会等待还是离开＊

     G               Em
   ＃刮风这天　我试过握著妳手

       C       D         G
   但偏偏　雨渐渐　大到我看妳不见

   B               Em     D
   还要多久　我才能在妳身边

   C                   G       D
   等待放晴的那天　也许我会比较好一点

   G               Em
   从前从前　有个人爱妳很久

         C      D         G
   但偏偏　风渐渐　把距离吹得好远

   B               Em    D
   好不容易　又能再多爱一天

    C               G      D    
  但故事的最后妳好像还是说了（拜拜）＃

-谨键 (Jin Jian)

To Vibrato or Not To Vibrato

2010-11-21T21:43:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone,

With all the talk (mostly from Miss Wong) about vibrato and how it makes the music sound different, I figured you might want to hear it for yourself.
Both guitarists play "Romance D'Amour", a rather well-known classical guitar piece, albiet a little differently.

Let's watch the videos first, shall we?

As you might hear (or rather, see), the former is playing what I would call "robotically" while the later uses the vibrato technique with much more emotion.
We can also notice that the later has included much dynamics in this piece, including subtle changes in tempo and volume (spare me the technical terms),
while the later is playing maybe slightly better then the midi file on my computer.

As I like to put it,

Music is Liquified Emotions flowing into the soul.

I'm sure you can tell, if not FEEL,

the difference between the two pieces.

Just my two cents worth.
- Jin Jian

Love Story Tabs (Long Post)

2010-10-22T21:05:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

The chords for Love Story (edited by me) can be found here.
Note: Alternative Chords are not actual chords, but they can sorta easier and fits, so I included them XD
If you have any questions, feel free to put it on the tagboard or ask any of the SLs.
Some FAQs attached below.
Please notify me for any errors.
Have fun learning!
- Jin Jian

Chords Used:
              Alternative Chords
D   000232   or    000230
G   320033   or    300230
Bm  024432   or    024430
A   002220   or    002230
E   022100   or    079900
B   223332   or    024400
C#m 446654   or    046600

Intro:
                
E||-------0-----0-----------|-------0-----0-----------|
B||----------3-----3-----3--|----------3-----3-----3--|
G||-----2-------------2-----|-----2-------------2-----|
D||--4----------------------|--4----------------------| 
A||-------------------------|-------------------------| 
E||-------------------------|-------------------------|  

                                      
--------0-----0-----------|--------0-----0-----------|
-----------3-----3-----3--|-----------3-----3-----3--| 
-----2--------------2-----|-----2--------------2-----|
--2-----------------------|--2-----------------------|
--------------------------|--------------------------| 
--------------------------|--------------------------|
 
                                    
--------0-----0-----------|--------0-----0-----------|
-----------3-----3-----3--|-----------3-----3-----3--|
-----4--------------4-----|-----4--------------4-----|
--4-----------------------|--4-----------------------|
--------------------------|--------------------------|
--------------------------|--------------------------|

              
--------0-----0-----------|--------0-----0-----------|
-----------3-----3-----3--|-----------3-----3-----3--|
-(0)-2--------------2-----|-----2--------------2-----|
--5-----------------------|--5-----------------------|
--------------------------|--------------------------|
--------------------------|--------------------------|



Verse:

D
We were both young when i first saw you 
A 
I close my eyes and the flashback starts 
Bm                       G               
Im standing there on a balcony of summer air 

D
See the lights, See the party the ball gowns 
       A
I see you make your way through the crowd 
          Bm
You say hello 
              A
Little did i know 


           G                      A
That you were romeo you were throwing pebbles 
          Bm                       D
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet 
            G
And i was crying on the staircase 
  A                      Bm         D
Begging you please don't go, and i said 




Chorus:

 D
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone 
 A
I'll be waiting all theres left to do is run 
 Bm
You'll be the prince and i'll be the princess 
 G                A                 D
Its a love story baby just say yes 



Repeat Intro

Verse 2

 D
So i sneak out to the garden to see you 
 G
We keep quite because we're dead if they know 
 Bm
So close your eyes 
        A
Let’s keep this down for a little while 
            G                   A
Cause you were Romeo I was a scarlet letter 


         Bm                        D
and my daddy said stay away from Juliet 
         G
But you were everything to me 
            A                      Bm             D
and i was begging you please don't go and i said 


Chorus:

 D
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone 
 A
I'll be waiting all theres left to do is run 
 Bm
You be the prince i'll be the princess 
 G                A                 D
Its a love story baby just say yes 

  D
Romeo save me, try to tell me how it is 
  A
This love is difficult, but its real, 
  Bm
Save me from the breakdown, make it out of this mess 
 G                A 
Its a love story baby just say yes, oh


D  A  Bm  G


                Bm     G               D              A
I got tired of waiting,   wondering if you were ever coming around 
             Bm        G
My faith in you was fading
                         D           A
Then i met you on the outskirts of town and i said 
 

 D
Romeo save me i've been feeling so alone 
   A
I keep waiting for you but you never come 
    Bm
Is this in my head, i don't know what to think 
    G                       A
He nelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said
  



  E
Marry me Juliet you'll never have to be alone 
   B
I love you and thats all I really know 
   C#m
I talked to your dad go pick out a white dress
 A                 B            E
Its a love story baby just say yes 
E   B   C#m
Oh, oh, yes 
         A                           E
We were very young when i first saw you

FAQ:
1) How to read the chords?
The "chord diagrams" are included at "Chords Used:".
The 6th string (i.e. the low e string) is the first digit.
The zeros mean open string while numbers represent fret no.

2) How to "sync" the song with the lyrics?
The chord used is written on top of the word that it is supposed to be strummed at.
Most of them are 4 beats, but some are two.
Try to guage it yourself!

3) How to STRUM?
Strumming is freestyle!
Alternatively, try youtubing "taylor swift acoustic" or
come up with your own strumming style.
You can also ask any of the SLs or your peers for their style.

The start of a new Era

2010-10-15T22:58:00.002+08:00

Hey everybody,

We're back!
Hope you have enjoyed your promos! (yeah rite...)
CCA will start soon on 10th October, Monday.
More details will be posted soon by our President.

Anywayz, here's one song you might enjoy, called "A Passion Melancholic" by Depapepe (same duo that played wedding bells).
It was introduced to me by one of your peers, and I really liked it.
So, here it is.

"If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived?" ~ T. Alan Armstrong.
Think about it XD

Btw, remember Miss Wong mentioned about castanets with Asturias?
Listen to it here:

- Jin Jian

Time for Espana Cani!

2010-08-20T22:29:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,

I know that the exams are coming and exam stress is setting in.
Here is a new song, Espana Cani, to give you an adrenaline rush!

Main part starts at 0:53
Hope you will enjoy it.

- Jin Jian

p.s. Attached the solo version for this song for all those great aspiring guitar players out there.
http://www.4shared.com/document/9srJ_BS6/Espana_Cani.html (Sorry for bad image quality as this was exported frm .gp4)

Voice Out Success!

2010-08-13T23:32:00.001+08:00

Hey everyone,

Good job for the Voice Out! concert today.
We were a little low on manpower but managed to give an almost perfect performance.
With a little more practice, I'm sure we can be even better.

Fruits of our labour include a cert. of appreciation + Merci CHOCOLATES!

We can enjoy them next Wednesday during practice!

Have a good weekend!

- Jin Jian

p.s. Can someone artistically talented create a new blogskin? We can't have like the Il Bacio one forever rite?

Incredible Guitar

2010-08-06T17:17:00.001+08:00

Heyz,

Most of us have heard of 4 hands piano, anyone in for 4 hands guitar?
"BRAZILIAN MUSIC INSTITUTE 2009 - TICO TICO"

Notice they are even fretting and playing harmonics for each other at some parts :D
For clearer video and audio, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcsSPzr7ays (Embedding disabled).

Another one, Classical Mozart.

Enjoy XD

- Jin Jian

Dragon Gate Guitar Ensemble

2010-07-31T21:44:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,

This time, I'll share with you a performance
by the Dragon Gate Guitar Ensemble .
They use the whole range of nibori guitars, from alto guitars to the guitarron.
More videos of them can be found on youtube.
Enjoy.

- Jin Jian

p.s. Here is another performance by them performing in a style you don't see everyday.
Listen to the "Dragon Gate Drum Beat" XD

Let's talk about Music

2010-07-27T21:36:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,

Just want to share this talk by one of the world's most famous conductors, Leonard Bernstein, about music. Very profound and interesting.

- Jin Jian

PLEASE READ (: and PRACTISE!!

2010-07-07T21:57:00.002+08:00

Hello everyone!!

Hope you all are looking forward to the farewell party next week! ^^

With regards to today's practice, the attendance rate was really good (except for the ares people), and we should continue to maintain this attendance rate if we wants to get a gold for our next year syf and not some cop (certificate of participation) or bronze. BUT, please practise asturias and entertainer at home!! so that we do not waste time during CCA doing section by section and if worst come to worst, we will make you all play one by one (: and i am sure you all dont really like the idea of that right. Please familiarise yourself with the notes, so you can play them even at a slow speed (the speed we went at today was really slow). I am sure devoting around 45 mins or even 30 mins of your time everyday to practise is not very hard right? On days when you all have alot of homework, tired, feel like slacking, you all can just make it up on another day (: You all can treat these practices like study breaks, you cant possibly be studying all day or just rotting infront of facebook or some other websites or games. If you all practise consistently, i am sure all of you will improve. For those who think that they have no hope in their guitar skills, you all can just practise at home regularly and if you really dont know how to play you can ask your section leaders or me to teach you, we wont scold you lol.

Pleaseee practise, think of the gold for syf next year! i assure all of you that practising is not pointless, and you will not want to regret it next year, if you hear the results "Hwachong institution ... bronze" . For those of you who think that it's still early, trust me it will be too late to start end of this year or even next year because everyone will be chionging their studies and homework because next year is when we take our a levels. So.. we should start early and be assured that we will get a good result for syf next year! Also, i am sure none of you want to hea lousy results being announced during morning assembly, and every other performing arts cca gets gold or even gold with honours. It's a once in a jc life thing, please do everything that you can, do not leave next year's syf with any regrets, and persevere on!

Please practise asturias and entertainer!! and also the other song (... moon river song as it may be our syf song)! (: Unless you all want to play colours of the wind for teachers day, and make everyone else think that guitar ensemble is confirmed going to get bronze or cop next year..

JIAYOUS!

marie

ps. please pack up stands and footstools before you leave! (:

Song for Teachers' Day

2010-06-25T00:22:00.009+08:00

Hi everyone,

Hope all of you are alright studying for the block tests. Regarding the email we sent out on Sunday asking for replies for choice of song for Teachers' Day, here are the replies.

Asturias: 9 people

The Entertainer: 18

Colours of the Wind: 2

No reply (assumed to choose Colours of the Wind): 10

Since the most popular song is The Entertainer, we shall be playing it for Teachers' Day, unless by the August 13 Friday's practice, Marie and I feel that the ensemble is not up to standard and hence have to revert to the simpler "Colours of the Wind". I hope that all of you will put in effort to practice the song, which I will send to your emails soon.

Also, Marie and I strongly encourage all of you to learn how to sight read the notes, as it is not in the spirit of learning music to simply read off tabs. So I have scanned one of my books and uploaded the file showing the music notes and the corresponding guitar frets for everyone including all seniors to refer to.

Also, I have also scanned and uploaded a file with some of the common guitar chords, so you can strum and sing along with your friends too! (:

Also, since many of the J2s indicated they can make it, the J2 farewell party will be on 14th July Wednesday during official CCA time! The details will be confirmed and information disseminated after the block tests! Hope all the J2s are feeling excited! (:

Guitar practices will resume on the Wednesday after block tests, 7th July, 2.30pm at A300. Please turn up on time and remind your friends too! You can easily refer to the right hand side column for details. We have to practice The Entertainer full force to put up a good performance for everyone on Teachers' Day. Remember, if you are unable to make it, please get the leave forms signed and given to YingTing before the day you are away.

Finally, this is the standard we should be aiming to achieve for next year's SYF! Look at the video below.

Ernest

Important Issues

2010-06-20T12:46:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone,

Important Agenda:

Attendance - Quoted from an email from our asst. conductor, Ernest:

"(18 June) only 15 people turned out of our list of 38 J1 students. If this goes on ... we will just have to ready to get Bronze, or even Certificate of Participation ... Those who miss must only be because of valid reasons, and not excuses such as "I didn't know" ... For those with reasons ... you need to look for Mr Chan and explain your reason to him, if he approves it, the leave forms should be signed and submitted to your SLs or the secretary before the day you are away ... If not your attendance will be absent without valid reason ... ours is the SYF batch, so we have to be even stricter ..."

So please, be responsible for your attendance.

Self-practice -
It has been noted, by the Exco and Miss Wong, that some of you are not yet familar with "Asturias", mainly due to lack of practice. Like Miss Wong said, other schools are already practicing full force for SYF next year. The reason why we did not have that much practice in the June Holidays is because we expect you to at least try your best to practice at home along with the Sibelius score. Ensemble sessions are not for individual practices, but for coordination purposes. We understand that some of you wants to study, but spending around 0.5 hours practicing does not take up much time. So, please find some time at home to practice and at least familiarise yourself with the song. Any queries or difficulties can be directed to your SLs or section mates.

That's all for now.

- Jin Jian

p.s. Attached two videos of "Asturias", one by the founding father of classical guitar, Andres Segovia, and another by one of the best classical guitarists of our time, Yang Xue-Fei. One song, two different interpretations.

p.p.s. To those that actually check the blog, please remind your guitar mates to also check the blog frequently for announcements, updates etc.

Hi All!

2010-06-07T22:00:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone,

I was just thinking that it is about time that someone updated the blog...

Some more important stuff:

Guitar Fund - Please hand in asap. We don't want to end up poor and compromising welfare...
Holiday trainings reminder - Remember that there will be sessions on Monday and Friday of Week 3.
Anyone who cannot attend please inform the secretary and your SLs, and get the leave forms done.

- Jin Jian

P.s. Nothing much to say, just want to share with you guys the song that almost every other ensemble/orchestra in our school has played, "Por Una Cabeza", Guitar Ensemble Style.

Enjoy :D

New EXCO

2010-06-01T08:54:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, this is your new EXCO for the batch 2010/2011!

President & Section Leader: Lo Sheng Hong
Vice-President & Section Leader: Tran Viet Son
Student Conductor: Marie Lim
Assistant Student Conductor & Section Leader: Ernest Chen
Secretary: Zhu Ying Ting
Treasurer: Ho Sze Yuan
Quartermistress: Jeraldine Yap
Welfare Representative: Amanda Pan
Section Leader: Amelia Chua
Section Leader: Chong Jin Jian

The senior EXCO has officially stepped down from now on, I believe they have done their very best for the guitar ensemble and they deserve a final round of applause (: they are:

Ex-President & Section Leader: Zheng Rui
Ex-Vice-President & Section Leader: Tran Ha Duong
Ex-Student Conductor & Section Leader: Shena Lim
Ex-Secretary: Jean Tan
Ex-Treasurer & Quartermistress: Clara Lim
Ex-Welfare Representative: Kuah Li Qin
Ex-Section Leader: Juliana Ng
Ex-Section Leader: Lu Jun

On behalf of the ex-exco, we really hope that you guys will soar to even greater heights under the new leadership, you must respect them like how you respected us. We will probably drop by once in a while, go for the gold next year!

With best wishes,
Zheng Rui

Tickets

2010-03-17T22:22:00.000+08:00

To seniors/other visitors:

The tickets for our concert are up for sale! Details are as follows:

Name of concert: Il Bacio
Date: 7th May 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: College Auditorium
Ticket price: $6

Please contact any current member of the guitar ensemble to get your tickets (:

To J1s/J2s:

As tickets have been allocated to each of you to sell, please take note of the following:

1) When you sell the ticket, tear off the stub and pass it to clara together with the money for accounting purposes.
2) Please keep the tickets in good condition before you sell them, e.g. put them in a proper file rather than your wallet.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

J1s list

2010-03-07T22:00:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,

This is the list of J1s that are in our guitar ensemble, pls inform us if there is any discrepancy (:

Ang Kah Hwee
Amanda Pan
Amelia Chua
Andrea Ong Shu Yi
Ang Yijia
Chang Xiaomeng
Clarkson Chang
Chen ZhengKai Ernest
Chia Wan Ying Michelle
Chong Jin Jian
Clarence Shen Xuan Yi
Crystal Tee
Daniel Chan
Eu Juan Lih
Brian Ho
Ho Sze Yuan
Jeraldine Yap
Janice Yeo
Jiang Yin
Kock Si Min
Liu YuQi
Lo Sheng Hong
Loh Pei Yu
Low Yu Ting
Low Yu Xuan
Delwen Nah
Neo Hui Ying
Ng Qi Hui Michelle
Cheryl Ong
Pan Yimeng Claire
Pek Jun Peng Alfred
Rebekah Tan
Teo Li Ting
Timothy Ng Yi Ming
Timothy Tan Lai Tian
Toh Yi Ting
Toh Yu Han
Tran Viet Son
Yang Bohan
Yip Xin Ying
Yow See Wei
Yuan Yi Di
Zhu Ying Ting

Cheers,
Zheng Rui

Purchase of guitars

2010-03-03T22:36:00.000+08:00

To both J1s and J2s, the updated training schedules and venues are available on the right-hand column.

To J1s:

Hope you guys got to know each other through the orientation today. There will be a booth set up by the guitar vendor at A310 on friday 5th March from about 4pm.
Please assemble as usual at 4.15pm immediately after your CT session at A309, and wait in the room for instructions before proceeding to the guitar vendor next door. There will be no need to bring money along yet.

For those who already have a classical guitar at home, please bring it along on friday and our conductor will decide if the guitar can be used.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Practice schedule

2010-02-27T20:28:00.000+08:00

To J2s:

As mentioned on wednesday, we would be having practices during the March Holidays.

These are the details:
15th March Monday 9am-12pm, A300.
17th March Wednesday 9am-12pm, A300.

We would have practice on the last day of blocks (26th March Friday). After block tests, we would be having practice 3 times per week as mentioned. As most of you can make it on Mondays, we have proposed to the teachers to have extra practices on Mondays, will update you guys when its confirmed.

To J1s:
Your first CCA session will be on wednesday 3rd March 2.30pm at A302, you would have received an email and sms if you got into the CCA with the details of the CCA session. After the ISP has confirmed your membership, we will put up the list of J1s on this blog as well.
CCA days for J1s will be wednesdays and fridays. Wednesdays from 2.30pm - 6pm++, fridays from 4.15pm to 6.30pm++. We will brief you in detail on wednesday 3rd of March (:

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

J1 Member Registration

2010-02-03T21:15:00.000+08:00

Hello prospective juniors!

We hope that y'all have enjoyed our sweets :) If you have not indicated your interest in the name list today, please feel free to leave your FULL NAME, EMAIL and CONTACT via the chatbox on the left side.
We will contact you when there is information regarding admission.

Cheers
HCGC

Schedule for CCA Fair

2010-01-30T21:20:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

The CCA Fair for J1s will be held on 3rd February (the coming wednesday). Lessons will be as usual for J2s on that day, so we will end at 2pm.

Meeting time: 2.30pm as usual at A300
What to bring: Your guitar, a pair of jeans, and guitar tee.

The performances start at 3pm, and we are the 5th performance. Below is the order of the performances.

1. Concert Band
2. Malay Dance
3. Harmonica
4. Chinese Dance
5. Guitar Ensemble
6. MAD – Hiphop
7. Taekwondo
8. MAD – Modern Dance
9. Wushu

For the selected people (Duong, jean, ivan, serene, peiying, juliana), you guys have to be at the CCA booth by 2.30pm, so pls meet earlier at 2.10pm at A300. You will still be performing, so remember to bring your jeans and guitar tee (:

-Zheng Rui.

Asian Folktales and Legends Concert organised by the NUS Guitar Ensemble

2010-01-23T23:23:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, below is the details regarding the NUS guitar ensemble's latest concert on 7th March sunday. Tickets are priced at $12 each (excluding $1 SISTIC fee). Please sms me if you are interested in going for the concert. Ill convey this again during the next practice.

Asian Folktales and Legends Concert organised by the NUS Guitar Ensemble

NUS Guitar Ensemble (GENUS) is proud to present GENUS 2010: Asian Folktales and Legends, a part of Asia Alive, NUS Arts Festival 2010.

This year, GENUS and collaborating artists, NUS Choir and NUS Wind Symphony, go on a journey to explore the different facets of Asia with a potpourri of songs representing Asia’s musical diversity and cultural fusion.
We are excited to invite Hwa Chong Guitar Club to join us in this unprecedented collaboration of unique sounds from the Japanese Niibori guitars and western instruments with the vocals of NUS Choir. This is an exciting opportunity for you and your students to rediscover familiar Asian songs as we promise a whole new concert experience, for all guitar aficionados and amateur players alike, involving everything from new arrangements of familiar traditional folksongs to catchy tunes from Asia’s popular culture.

Details of the concert are as follows:
GENUS 2010: Asian Folktales and Legends
7 March 2010
University Cultural Centre Concert Hall, NUS
Time: 8pm
Ticket price: $12 each (excluding $1 SISTIC Fee)

There will be a pre show talk by our music director and conductor, Dr Robert Casteels, at 7pm. For more information on Asian Folktales and Legends and GENUS, visit our website, www.guitar-ensemble-nus.com.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Final Seating Arrangements

2010-01-21T23:06:00.001+08:00

hello!
This is the final one...

So..
Second Row:
Ernest ZhiQing NianTee Joanne Charis Clara Stefanie PeiYing WanEr LiuKun Jocelyn HanYong Jasmine WeiJie Randy

First Row:
Shena Serene LiQin YingLing Jean Juliana ZR Ivan Duong LuJun

Jiayou
Goulain
Shena

Edited Seating Arrangements

2010-01-17T17:15:00.002+08:00

Hello! these are the edited seating arrangements, please take note!

Second Row:
Ernest ZhiQing NianTee Joanne Charis Clara Stephanie WanEr LiuKun HanYong Jasmine WeiJie Randy

First Row:
Shena Serene LiQin YingLing Jean Juliana ZR Ivan Duong LuJun

Remember to practise!
and don't forget to do your tutorials too! :P
JiaYou!
Shena

Timeline for 25th January

2010-01-16T10:23:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, here's the schedule for our performance on 25th January (Monday):

3.30pm: Assemble at A300, change into performance attire, practice. Some members to buy food and bring it onto the bus later.
4.30PM: Boarding of chartered bus at tennis court area to marina mandarin hotel
5.10PM: Reach holding area of marina mandarin hotel, members to eat the packed dinner together
5.40PM - 6.40PM: Practice time, buffer time
6.45PM - 7PM: Setting up of chairs/mikes in vander ballroom
7PM-7.50PM: Final rehearsal at holding room
8PM - 8.40PM: Performance, followed by debrief
8.40PM: Dismissal from marina mandarin hotel.

- Zheng Rui

2010-01-10T22:34:00.001+08:00

Hi guys,

Schedule for this year:

Wednesdays 3pm to 6pm
Fridays 3.15pm to 6pm

This will be the practice schedule for this year, Ms Wong will come down on fridays. Nearing our concert date (30th April), we may have to increase the number of practices.

Openhouse:

The openhouse fair will be on 13th january which is the coming wednesday. We will have a 1-hr preparation time from 9am - 10am, afterwhich the openhouse will be from 10am to 4pm. Please assemble at A300 (tentative) at 9am.

Remember to bring your guitars and scores and stuff, because we may be able to use some time to practice. After openhouse, we will continue to have normal practice until 6pm (our performance is in 2 weeks!)

And don't forget that black file (:

Cheers,
Zheng Rui

Seating Arrangements for 25th January Performance

2010-01-05T21:39:00.000+08:00

Win already lah, liqin, why you make me look like the evil one? while people happily preparing for chalet, i am the one who come along and remind you all of work..*sigh*
but ANYWAY, aren't you excited? haha.
Here are the seating arrangements.

2nd Row:
Ernest ZhiQing Niantee Joanne Charis Clara Stephanie PeiYing WanEr HanYong Jasmine Edwin

1st Row
Shena Serene LiQin YingLing Jean Juliana ZhengRui Ivan Duong LuJun WeiJie Randy

Please take note of who is on your left and who is on your right. :)
If you are unsure, you can ask me again BEFORE we enter the function room on Saturday.

Ok Jiayou k! i'll see you all tomorrow :)

Guitar Chalet Timeline

2009-12-23T23:54:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!

Here's the rough timeline for the chalet coming up!:

FIRST DAY

11.30am Meet at Tampines MRT for lunch

1.30 / 2.30pm Take shuttle bus to safra change from tanah merah mrt

SLACK: pool/arcade/bowling

4.00pm Captain’s Ball!

6.00pm BBQ

NIGHT mahjong/movie/cards

SECOND DAY

Morning sleep/pool/arcade/bowling/etc

Afternoon cycling

Bball/captain’s ball/Frisbee/swim?!(got swimming pool, so can swim if you wantJ)

Night up to us to decide:D

LAST DAY

9 to 10am CHECK OUT

Heh heh and we will need YOU to help bring some stuff for the chalet! Like that then can save money! Yup there will be an email (on what to bring) coming soon after christmas, so be sure to check your mail=)

See you there!

Li Qin & the Chalet Committee

Guitar Chalet

2009-12-15T22:40:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone!

Next year guitar chalet is confirmed:

@ Safra Changi (NSRCC)
Date: 6 to 8 January 2010

Yall can refer to this website:

http://www.esrcc.com.sg/contact/location.html
for information on the shuttle bus timing and the map of the place! More details coming later!

Cya!

Li Qin & the Chalet Committee

Important dates

2009-12-07T07:20:00.007+08:00

Hi guys, a few important announcements:

Rehearsal date for 25th January performance:
Date: 9th January Saturday
Time: 8am-10am
Venue: Marina Mandarin Singapore Function Room, nearest MRT City Hall.
Attire: Full-dress, Black long pants, White long sleeved shirt, Black Tie, Court shoes/ Black leather shoes

Dates for extra practice during the holidays:
In preparation for the above performance and the concert next year, we need to have a few more practices with near-full attendance. As we are having our chalet on 6-8th Jan, we will be shifting our practice backwards to monday and tuesday. Below are the dates and times when we will have extra practice:

19th December (Saturday), in addition the normal practices that week: 9am-12pm
4th January (Monday): 9am-12pm
5th January (Tuesday): 2pm-5pm (time is tentative)

Venue: E201 and E202

Guitar Riot:
Date & Time: 12 Dec (Sat) at 9.30am
Venue: NUS CFA Studios, opposite NUS Yusof Ishak House
What to prepare: $5, guitar, extra clothes

For the piece we are performing (Lagrima Y Sonrisas), we will need to rehearse it a few times before the workshop. The 10 people below, please stay back for a short while after practice this coming week (wednesday and thursday) to practice the song together, and inform me if you are unable to make it.

Zheng Rui
Chaw Han Sheng Edwin
Kuah Li Qin
Joanne Chua Li Ping
Lim Yun Chun Shena
Lim Xuan Qi Clara
Randy Chua Phua Wang
Yeo Yun Jie Serene
Tran Ha Duong
Juliana Ng Zhi Yuan

Practice the coming week:
Practice will be on 9th and 10th december, wednesday and thursday from 9am-12pm. It will be on wednesday and thursday for the subsequent weeks as well unless there are further notifications. Venue will be at E201 and E202.

Selection test for 25th January performance:

Date: 4th and 5th January, Monday and Tuesday.
Venue: E201 and E202

Songs to be tested:
Please memorize Lagrima Y Sonrisas, Romance de Amour and Kiss the rain.
You can refer to the scores for Tong Hua and Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin.
Groupings will be released at a later date, please practice hard for this performance.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Holiday Schedule and Guitar Riot

2009-11-18T01:06:00.003+08:00

Hi guys,

The holiday practice schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 9am - 12pm: Sectionals
Thursdays 9am - 12.10pm: Session with Ms Wong

Venue for all holiday practices will be at LT1 unless told otherwise.

Remember that we have a performance at a hotel on 25th January next year (: if you have to miss any sessions, please make sure you find out what we practised and catch up at home. We will need to carry out another skill test for the performance (something like the last allocation test), either at the end of the year or very early next year (details will be announced at a later date).

Also, I understand that many of you will have various commitments during the holidays, thus please remember to submit your leave forms to jean before your actual day of absence.

Guitar riot:
Here is the updated list of members going for the guitar workshop on 12th december:
Zheng Rui
Chaw Han Sheng Edwin
Kuah Li Qin
Joanne Chua Li Ping
Lim Yun Chun Shena
Lim Xuan Qi Clara
Randy Chua Phua Wang
Yeo Yun Jie Serene
Tran Ha Duong
Juliana Ng Zhi Yuan

We will most likely be performing lagrima y sonrisas, we may have to arrange for a date to practice it together before the actual event.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Award

2009-10-27T21:57:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,

Our guitar ensemble has been awarded the P Serv cultural award 2009 and won a sum of $250!

Mr Quek congratulates us and wants us to keep up the good work (:

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Performance at Marina Mandarin hotel

2009-10-17T09:31:00.004+08:00

Hi guys,

We have been given a chance to perform at the Marina Mandarin hotel early next year, we will have to practice really hard for it (:

Details:

Name: Herbal Medicine Conference Banquet‏
Venue: Marina Mandarin hotel -- Vanda Ballroom at Level 5
Date: 25th January 2010
Time: Around 8pm

Also, here's the list of people attending the NUS guitar workshop (see previous posts for details) as reference:
Zheng Rui
Chaw Han Sheng Edwin
Eng Zhiqing
Joanne Chua Li Ping
Lim Yun Chun Shena
Png Han Yong
Randy Chua Phua Wang
Shi Cheng Zi Jing
Tran Ha Duong
Juliana Ng Zhi Yuan

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

2009-10-14T02:04:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,

Promos are over and now its time for guitar (:

1st CCA date: 23rd October Friday
Time: 5.00pm - 6.30pm ++
Venue: A300 (tentative)

We will only have practice once per week until after our PW oral presentation, afterwhich we will resume 2 practices per week.

Remember to practice the 3 songs, especially romance de amour which we will be going through on friday.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

NUS guitar workshop

2009-09-15T19:58:00.002+08:00

Hi guys, we will be extending the deadline for registration for this event to this saturday, 19th september. Please sms/email your name and meal preference to Zheng Rui or Duong as soon as possible before the deadline (:

Event: Guitar Riot, a 1-day workshop for all JC guitar ensembles in Singapore to interact, perform and have fun. There will be games, learning some skills and show off your flair!
Date: 12 Dec 2009
Venue: NUS, CFA Studios
Time: 0930 – 1700
Require: 10 people from each Ensemble

What to prepare:
1. $5 paid on the day
2. Guitar
3. A short ensemble piece (for the 10 people to perform as 1 small ensemble)
4. Extra clothes

What will happen:
1. Orientation + bonding games (morning)
2. Lunch (provided)
3. Workshop with NUS Guitar Ensemble (afternoon)
4. Random performance (potluck to choose which ensemble)

Cheers,

Thank you everyone!

2009-08-31T19:25:00.000+08:00

Dear Mr Quek, Mr Chan and Guitar Ensemble,

It was the first performance of Guitar Ensemble today - also the opening performance of today's Teacher's Day celebration. The urge of making a good first impression no doubt made all of us a little nervous. However, as I have said to you a moment before the curtain opened "This is your show - your performance!" , I believe the we - the whole ensemble have put more than 100% of your feelings and dedication on every note that we played today.
And owned the stage we have. From many encouraging comments that we have received from our teachers and friends today, I truly believe that our music has reached the audience's hearts and minds, our preparation effort in the last few weeks has certainly been recognised. While there are still much improvement that we need to work on, let this be the baptism by fire - a propitious beginning of our journey towards greater heights as one HCGC!
And certainly we cannot forget all the care and support that our teachers-in-charge, Mr Quek and Mr Chan, as well as Ms Wong, have given us throughout the entire process. Without whom this performance would have been impossible. Thank you so much for everything and happy Teacher's Day!
Lastly, to the Guitar Ensemble, I wish you all the best for your promos, PW & see you soon!

Best regards
Tran Ha Duong, on behalf of the HCGC EXCO 09-10

Thank you letter from Mr Quek!

2009-08-31T19:24:00.000+08:00

Dear Guitar ensemble
Thank you for the wonderful card and flowers:)
I really really think you all played outstandingly today and I was there at the front row seats listening to every note you all played:)
My colleagues commented on how you all improved so much:)
I sincerely feel so proud of you all and I am honored to be your teacher in charge. I have requested to continue being your teacher in charge and I really hope we can bring the guitar ensemble to greater heights together. Thanks!

matthew quek

Teacher's day performance

2009-08-29T23:24:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, the coming monday will be our first performance as the whole ensemble (:

Please be at A300 fully dressed by 7.00am. You will not have to go for flag raising or assembly. Time is rather tight on that day, we will have to be at the backstage by 8.00am and our performance will be approximately at 8.40am.

Don't forget to bring any attire, practice hard, and we will do well (:

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Schedule for next week

2009-08-23T08:56:00.001+08:00

EDIT: For the teacher's day rehearsal on thursday, please report at A300 at 3.15pm as we will need to be at the auditorium in full dress by 3.50pm. From past experience we will need quite alot of time to change and tie our ties, so please dont be late (: for those whose lessons end later than 3pm, i have asked mr quek to request leave for you guys. He will need to confirm this with me again later though.

Hi guys,

TEACHER'S DAY REHEARSAL:
The organizers are still unable to confirm the timing for the rehearsal yet, but it will be on the coming thursday 27th August after school. Please bring your full attire on that day. Guys, remember to bring your black socks and a black belt (if you need one) because i know its easy to forget. After the rehearsal, we will have our final practice as an ensemble before the teachers' day celebrations.

FRIDAY (28th August):
There will be no practice on this day for those not performing for the charity concert. Those performing for the charity concert, please be at A300 at 4.30pm and we will have our final practice before the actual performance. Dinner will be provided for us by the organizing committee. Please dont forget to bring anything (: bring extra if possible to lend those who forget to bring.

There will be no practice on wednesday.

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Seating Arrangements

2009-08-16T14:53:00.007+08:00

EDIT: Please report at 3pm at A302 instead of A300 on wednesday 19th august. Also, here is a direct link to the picture in case you all dont have a facebook account. I finally sorted out the HTML so that you guys can select the text now.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/photoray123/6052_236678510275_764095275_8282747.jpg

Hello!

Please check for your seat allocation at Hwa Chong Guitar Club '09 10! Facebook Group and check the photos, I have uploaded the image there.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8282747&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=83542436272&aid=-1&id=764095275&oid=83542436272

The one labeled as
"1." is for the CHARITY CONCERT
"2." is for TEACHER'S DAY.

I know the image is a bit...blur and...small. haha but you may check again on wednesday, I'll bring a hardcopy down. yep.

P.S. these seating arrangements are for these 2 events only. It is subjected to change for the subsequent performances in future.

Please be Punctual!!

Thank you!
enjoy the last of the weekend!

:)
Shena

Performances

2009-08-16T13:49:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

There will be pre-event rehearsals for both the teacher's day concert and soultimate charity concert.

TEACHERS DAY PERFORMANCE:

First rehearsal: It is on the coming wednesday, 19th August. It will not be a full-dress rehearsal, so just come in school uniform for this rehearsal. We need to be at the auditorium at 3.50pm for our rehearsal, so everyone please gather at A300 by 3.00pm (3.10pm if your lessons end at 3).
We will go through the songs first before proceeding to the auditorium together. The seating arrangement will be uploaded onto this blog soon, pls check it regularly over the next few days for updates. I don't think we will be bringing music stands along, so please memorize your scores by the coming wednesday.

2nd full-dress rehearsal: It will be held on 27th august, thursday. However the time has not been confirmed. We will need to be in full attire on that day however, please keep that day free.

SOULTIMATE CHARITY PERFORMANCE:

Members involved:
Guitar 1: Shena, LiQin, Serene, Zhiqing, Joanne
Guitar 2: Duong, Zheng Rui, Clara, Peiying
Guitar 3: Liukun, Lujun, Ivan, Edwin
Guitarron: Randy

Rehearsal: I believe you guys have received the email from Lu Jun, there will be a full-dress rehearsal for charity concert performance on 22nd Aug next saturday starting from 1pm at Chengyi Auditorium.

Performance Training: There was originally scheduled to be a training session for the 14 of us on the coming wednesday, but since there is the teachers day rehearsal on that day, we will postpone the timing to after the rehearsal. Please stay back after the rehearsal and we will practice the 2 songs together.

There will still be practice on the coming friday, it may well be one of the last practices we have before the performances. Remember to bring your full attire for checking on that day. This is our final rush, practice hard and we will make our first performances a success!

Cheers,
Zheng Rui.

Performance attire reminders

2009-08-15T10:38:00.001+08:00

Hi guys,

Remember to purchase your attire by this weekend, and bring the full attire (including court shoes for girls and leather shoes for guys) next friday, august 21st.

For girls, the white long sleeved shirt should be the tucked-out type.

The tie colour has been decided as black, we will batch- order for everyone (even those who already have a black tie) so that the tie will be standardized in terms of length, width colour etc.

Cheers (:

2009-08-12T23:25:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

Performance attire:

Pleaase purchase or borrow the needed attire by this weekend, the performances are coming in 2 weeks time (:

For guys: Wear a white long sleeved shirt, black formal pants, with a broad tie.
For girls: White long-sleeved shirt with black formal pants with a skinny tie.
Tie colour will be decided again.

Practice

2009-08-10T09:13:00.001+08:00

Hi guys,

Practice will be as usual for this week, but Ms Wong will be coming down for both days.

Wednesday (12/8): 3.30pm - 6pm++.

Friday (14/8): 4.25pm - 6.30pm.

Cheers!

2009-08-03T22:31:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

For the asturias song i taught last wednesday, you can go to the link below to access the full version if you are interested.

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/i/isaac_albeniz/leyenda_tab.htm

Cheers,

2009-08-01T22:27:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

There will be no practice on friday, 7th august because of the national day celebrations (:

For practice on wednesday (5th august):
As Ms Wong is only able to come down from 5pm on wednesday, the CCA session will end at 7pm. We will push our starting time backwards to 4pm for this day. Please report to A300 by 4.00pm sharp.

For future friday practices:
Please report to A300 by 4.25pm so that we will be ready when Ms Wong comes at 4.30pm. Anyone who is later than 4.30pm will be marked as late.

Cheers,

2009-07-29T21:40:00.000+08:00

Hey long time no post (:

Glad to see training has resumed and everything is back to normal, so we can make announcements to you guys directly from now on.

However, there are still a few issues:

1)
Charity concert on 28th August:
Venue: Auditorium
Time: 7.30 to 9.30 pm (we will only be performing for around 15 minutes)
Attire: CCA costume, T-shirt and jeans are OK.
Main rehearsal: 22 August
Songs played: Vera's theme, Lagrima Y Sonsiras

The student-in-charge will be coming down some time next week to see how we perform, before we confirm our performance on that day.

2)
Punctuality: During every session (especially friday sessions), you must be ready (in ensemble formation) by 3.30pm on wednesdays and 4.30pm on fridays. For fridays, i believe you have to come over immediately after CT session and not linger at the class benches to be on time. Ohterwise, Ms Wong may have to wait for us to settle down and it will be a waste of our time and money.

Cheers (:

Practice/ Allocation test

2009-07-07T22:28:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,

There has been an unlucky turn of events again, because our practice on 10th July is cancelled again because of H1N1.

Therefore, our allocation test originally scheduled on 10th July friday will be postponed to wednesday next week, 15th july. If nothing crops up (hopefully), official practice will resume from 3.30pm to approximately 6pm on wednesday.

For the allocation test, we may be testing you guys on the chords for the farewell song too so please try to memorize the 8 repeating chords (:

Please check this blog frequently for the next few days for important announcements (e.g. outing, farewell etc.)

Our batch may have struck an unlucky patch, but we will pull through it together!

CCA session + Allocation test

2009-07-04T20:33:00.003+08:00

Hi guys,

Farewell party:
20th July (Monday)

Guitar practice session:
The long awaited end-of-blocks is finally here, and the long awaited guitar practice will finally resume (:

Date: 10th July (Friday)
Time: 4.45pm - 6.45pm++ (CT session ends at 4.30pm on that day)
Venue: A300
What to anticipate: Your allocation test. It will be an individual test and you will be judged, please practice well for it and refer to the post below for details.

Please be prepared to bring approximately $15-20 dollars (tentative) on that day for the farewell party. Excess money will go into our guitar fund(: The confirmed amount will be announced again at a later date.

On the next practice after your sections have been decided, be prepared to learn new song(s). Name will be kept secret for now.

Also in case you guys have forgotten, CCA practices will be held on wednesdays and fridays and Ms Wong will come down on fridays.

See you there!

Award presentation day volunteers:
Please be reminded to go for the briefing at the canteen from 4.30pm to approximately 5pm, on 10th July. You will go for guitar practice immediately after the briefing. The actual event is on the 18th of July, Saturday.

Lim Yun Chun Shena
Joanne Chua Li Ping
Zheng Rui
Tran Ha Duong
Lee Wan Er
Eng Zhi Qing
Juliana Ng
Png Han Yong
Kuah Li Qin
Wong Nian Tee
Tan Wei Jie

Cheers! (:

2009-06-24T08:55:00.002+08:00

Farewell party: 20th July

There is a CIP activity you guys may be interested in (:

Details:

A service-learning group (By melissa and yeam cheng teng) is requesting for performers from the guitar ensemble. It aims to recruit groups of performers (2-4 per group due to space constraints in the dialysis centres) to put up short performances for the patients undergoing dialysis at NKF.

This program lasts for 2 months from after blocks to september, volunteers have to go down every week or once per 2 weeks. Volunteers must commit for every session unless they have an official reason. The exact days and times have not been confirmed. Note that this is not a CCA CIP, if you volunteer its on a personal basis (:

If you guys are interested, please form groups of 2-4 and email Zheng Rui the names and classes of the group members. I will forward it to the organizers. Thank you.

2009-06-12T21:43:00.004+08:00

Hi guys, hope you all are resting (and mugging) well! However, there are a few issues that require your attention (:

J2 Farewell Party:
The date of farewell has been confirmed to be on the 20th of July, Monday after school from 4pm onwards.

Allocation of members in each section:
We need a balanced number of guitar players in each section. Ms Wong has suggested more guitar 1 and 2 players relative to guitar 3 players. The ideal strength in each section would be 10 guitar 1s, 10 guitar 2s, 7 guitar 3s (including 1 guitarron backup player), 1 guitarron, and 1 contrabass. However, we have now 12 guitar 3s, 7 guitar 2s, 1 guitarron, no contrabass, no guitarron backup, and 9 guitar 1s.

Therefore to allocate members to each section fairly based on the individual's strength, we will be conducting an allocation test (as mentioned in the previous post) on the first practice after blocks:

Allocation test:

Date: 10th July 2009, Friday (tentative)

Aim: To allocate members to sections according to their suitability. A rough guage of standard of each member will also be given.

Criteria:
Melody section: Guitar 1s and 2s (in professional ensembles, the stronger players are usually in this section)
Good in expression, musicality, articulation, dynamics, intonation and tone.
Guitar 1s: Main melody
Guitar 2s: Counter melody

Bass section: Guitar 3s, (4s), Contrabass, Guitarron
Good in rhythm, dynamics, and chords.

Contents of test: You will be asked to play one of the two songs (lagrima v sonsiras and vera's theme) at random. Memorizing the score will be an advantage. There will also be short chord and technique tests.

Note: You guys will be sticking to your current sections for the Vera's Theme and Lagrima V Sonsiras, as it would take time for some to relearn a new section from scratch. However, the allocation test will determine your sections for all future songs.

Thats all for now, thanks!(:

Cheers!

Next year concert

2009-06-08T23:04:00.002+08:00

Yo everyone!

How was the NUS concert last Saturday? Fabulous, wonderful? Or "discouraging" when you think of the concert next year :)? I hope not, coz I believe we are all inspired and determined to put up the best concert ever next year all ritte! However, ahead of us lie numerous challenges that we are not allowed to falter at.
Right now, we need around 15 songs to prepare for the concert. That's a rather huge number given the amount of time left. Besides practicing to the best you can, we need your help to brainstorm together with us nice songs, with nice melodies, can be popular but it's not the most important point, songs of which melody can be recomposed to fit for ENSEMBLE.
All suggestions can be made known to EXCO through emails, msn, sms. We greatly appreciate your help!

Cheers.

P.S: Oh, and don't forget about the GUITAR TEE and YOUR BIRTHDAY! Reply our email asap all rite!

2009-05-29T23:50:00.003+08:00

Edited on 30th May:
A reminder for the NUS guitar ensemble concert:
Date: 6th June (next saturday)
Venue: NUS university cultural center concert hall
Time: 8pm

We will be having a dinner and fun session before the concert! (: so everyone pls meet at Boon Lay MRT at 4.30pm, afterwhich we can go for the concert together.

Hi guys,

In the light of the increased cases of H1N1 virus carriers (confirmed as 4 now) in Singapore, the teachers have decided to temporarily suspend practices for the June period till the end of block test. They will continue to monitor the situation to see if things will improve.

However, we have to use the time in the holidays to brush up our guitar skills and get ready for performances (there will be many performing opportunities). Also, we have to start preparing at least fifteen songs from now on for the concert next year (which is a really short time). Therefore, all of you have to bring your guitars and scores back to practice. We will test you on your performance-readiness when school re opens.

Cheers (:

hey!

2009-05-28T21:17:00.004+08:00

hello J1s!
would just like to inform you all on some stuff.

1. tuners are for sale at $22! haha so for those who havent purchased tuners yet, you can ask me!
2. If you would like to change string(s) on your guitar because they are spoilt/old etc, you can also tell me and I'll give you the right one, and I can help you restring, or maybe teach you =D another alternative is that you can purchase a set of high-tension strings! for $13.90 per box (:
3. Is there anyone else who want/can now make it for the NUS concert but hasnt purchased a ticket yet? (:

yep! see u guys tmr!

-clara

2009-05-27T23:53:00.003+08:00

Updated on 28th May:
Holiday practices:
3rd June wednesday, 10.00am to 12.30pm
5th June Friday, 1.30pm to 4.00pm
10th June Wednesday, 10.00am to 12.30pm
12th June Friday, 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

Venues will be confirmed at a later date, pls check this blog regularly for updates.
If you have official commitments on these days, please get your leave forms from jean.
From the third week of the june holidays onwards, there will be no practices until further notice so that everyone can mug for blocks (:

Award Presentation Day:
It will be on 18th July from 9.30am to 4.00pm, which is a saturday. It is not an official school day (:
Therefore, here are the volunteers:
Lim Yun Chun Shena
Joanne Chua Li Ping
Zheng Rui
Tran Ha Duong
Lee Wan Er
Eng Zhi Qing
Juliana Ng
Png Han Yong
Kuah Li Qin
Wong Nian Tee
Tan Wei Jie

Hi all J1s, a few important issues:

There will be guitar training on friday, 29th May after CT session. Please be ready and prepared at A300 by 4.15pm because Ms Wong will be arriving at 4.30pm. The session will last until approximately 6.40pm.

Usual trainings (will come into effect after block tests)

Wednesdays 3.20 to 6.00 pm
Fridays 4.15 to 6.30pm

Ms Wong will come down on fridays, while we will have sectionals and self-practice on wednesdays.

NUS concert tickets:
People who have paid but have not collected their concert tickets, please contact clara for it.

Cheers(:

To both J1s and Seniors

2009-05-25T01:15:00.003+08:00

Hi.

Can those who are unable to attend trainings due to official reasons get the leave forms and approval from Mr Quek asap.

To the seniors: can we get the administrator account of this blog, so that we can change the layout of the blog and other stuffs when deemed necessary? This account's functions are only limited to posting and editing posts.

EXCO 09-10

2009-05-24T00:03:00.006+08:00

Hi all J1s, a few important issues:

There will be no practice on 25th of May, Monday. Please report to A300 on wednesday 27th May at 3.30 pm.

Awards presentation day:

The school has requested for student helpers who can offer their time and expertise for the annual APD prize presentation on 18th July. It is a very important annual event where Hwa Chong gives out awards to students who have achieved outstanding results in various fields.

The approximate time for which volunteers need to commit is from 9.30a.m to 4p.m.

They need students who can:

a) Interact well with VIPs

b) Give clear instructions in directing VIPs to allocated car park lots

c) Be responsible and punctual

These students will be given CIP points for their service to the school. They are looking for about 15 students, so please either sms or email your name and class to Zheng Rui by Monday 25th May evening if you are interested.

NUS guitar ensemble concert:
Date: 6th June
Time: 8pm
Venue: NUS UCC concert hall
Tickets are priced at $15 each, free seating.

The people who have not yet submitted your $15, please submit it to clara by Monday 25th May latest.

The people who are unable to go for the NUS concert, please submit your leave forms to Jean by Wednesday 27th May, 2.30pm

Usual school-day practice timings:
Further notice will be given

Holiday practice days/timings:
Further notice will be given

Thats all for now, thanks!

New Exco results!

2009-05-20T23:23:00.002+08:00

Sorry, sorry...I know this is a bit lag since the new Exco already posted. It's just that I got home barely in time to catch American Idol and it ended about...20 minutes ago? The time lag is due to various reasons. XD J1s, please read the post below this! And J2s, read the post below the J1s' post.

Great.

This post is actually just to inform those who did not come and those who have forgotten (if that's possible).

President/SL: Zheng Rui
Vice President/SL: Tran Ha Duong
Student Conductor/SL: Shena Lim
Secretary: Jean Tan
Treasurer cum QM: Clara Lim
Welfare Rep!: Kuah Li Qin
SLs: Lu Jun, Juliana

Respect your 8 Exco members ok!

To all who ran, I applaud your bravery for running, whether you got in or not. This election has been rather interesting (though hurried). I think I'll start missing guitar soon, 'cause I suddenly have nothing to do. Ah well.

New Exco: Jiayou ok!
Juniors: Like I said, don't disappoint your seniors during concert! XD
Seniors: MUST REMEMBER TO SUPPORT YOUR JUNIORS. And support the senior Exco's finalfinal event, Artsfest. First and last event, right? Lol. Monday training's compulsory.

Also, to the seniors who weren't there today, the NUS Guitar Ensemble (GENUS) came down to promote their concert today. For more information, check with Jonathan.

That's all...No more blogging here le...Ahhhhhhhhh.

Friday 22 May training for J1s

2009-05-20T21:18:00.004+08:00

Time: 4:15 pm to 6 pm, be fully ready for practice by 4.30
Date: Friday 22 May
Venue: A300 (tentative, will confirm with Mr Quek)

Besides normal training session, the new EXCO will debut with important as well as exciting information pertaining to all of us ( well a lot :).
Attendance is, therefore, strictly compulsory; it will be taken @ 4:30 pm sharp by the Secretary. So, we are to be ready for training (e.g having taken guitars, footstools and other necessary stuff from the guitar room) by 4:30 pm.

See you then :)

EXCO 09-10, (not Jia Jun, we are just temporarily using his account haha)

J1 Exco Election Results Tmr and Training on Friday

2009-05-19T21:16:00.004+08:00

Hi all!

I don't know how many of us are going to read this but here are some important updates!

J1 EXCO Election Results tmr
The J1 EXCO Election results would be out tomorrow, followed by the exco handover ceremony. Please gather at LT4 at 3pm. All J1s should be present and attendance is optional for the J2s.

Some representatives from the NUS Guitar Ensemble (GENUS) would also be there tmr to tell us more about their concert on 6 June, Sat. Do look out for them if you're interested!!

Training for J2s on Friday
Also, for the J2s, there will be training on Friday (22 May) for us to brush up a little before Arts Fest on next Wednesday night. Time and venue would be confirmed at a later date, most likely thru the relay system. Please note that attendance is compulsory.

That's about all (:

Tricia

Mr Quek's album launch!

2009-05-09T18:14:00.001+08:00

Hello! As all of you may know, Mr Quek's a singer...And he's launching his new album soon! This is his invitation to the ensemble to attend the launch. :D

"Hello dear Ensemble

I would like to invite all of you for the official album launch performance of my newest album "My Romance" this Sunday (10th May) at the Love the World Soul Bistro (2nd Floor) @Singapore Flyer. The event begins at 6p.m and should end around 7p.m. Also since it is Mother's Day I would be choosing songs that are appropriate for the occasion too:) Hope you all can make it for the event. Thanks!

Mr matthew quek"

If you can make it, go down and support our teacher ic!

2009/10 Exco Elections Presentations

2009-05-03T22:17:00.004+08:00

Dear J1s,

Please note that due to your NE trip this Wednesday, the presentations (+Q&A +Voting) will be postponed to Friday instead.

There will be NO practice on Wednesday.

SYF photos

2009-04-30T22:45:00.002+08:00

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

2009/2010 Exco Elections!

2009-04-29T22:18:00.002+08:00

Dear J1s,

as announced during practice today, you can download the exco application form at:

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/2/16/1762157/EXCO%202009-2010%20Application%20Form.doc

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.

Cheers!

2009-04-28T23:13:00.002+08:00

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.

Life goes on...

2009-04-28T21:09:00.002+08:00

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...

Post-SYF celebrations

2009-04-26T19:04:00.003+08:00

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!

tuners on sale (:

2009-04-22T22:28:00.002+08:00

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(:

New Seating Arrangement (tentative)

2009-04-18T17:36:00.004+08:00

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...

Training Days

2009-04-01T23:35:00.003+08:00

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

Consent Forms for 19 April Rehearsal

2009-03-27T23:38:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone,

Just for the benefit of those who have not been around these few trainings, you'll need to get the consent form for the 19 April rehearsal from me and get it signed as soon as possible. By Monday or latest Tuesday of next week.

Get the consent forms from me on Monday if you have not already gotten it. Thanks (:

Tricia

let's pay our debt!

2009-03-24T23:19:00.002+08:00

Hi dear all. yes it's me here again. ANW PLS PASS ME UR MONEY TMR, 13 bucks!! URGENT PLUS COMPULSORY. coz guess wad? last min changes..we have to pay e money tmr. so if u dun pass me money tmr n i have to borrow for u.. im gonna charge extra le! haha. oh so pls pass me best in e morning..if not, ASAP after school. sry for this late msg. hope ppl can read it on time. haha. see ya tmr! (:

Post-orientation...

2009-03-20T21:09:00.002+08:00

Lol, JJobsession. So to fuel it more...Here's the winning entry for the song competition from the group JJsir.

(Sing to the tune of 'Lemon tree')

We're sitting around in the LT room
It's just another cloudy Monday afternoon
We're wasting our time, got nothing to do
We're sitting around, we're waiting for you (point to JJ)
But nothing ever happens and we wonder

Chorus:
I wonder how, I wonder why
Jiajun is taking such a long long time
And all that we can hear, is just his guitar with our ears
We're spinning our heads round and round,
We're searching for him, but he's nowhere to be found
And all that we can do, is sing this song for you

Bridge:
Isolation is no good for you
Isolation, please stop mugging in the LT3

We're just kidding don't take it too hard
We actually love you very very much
See we even named our group after you
This shows how much we really love you
So every time you walk past we say JJsir!

Yep, just a joke. =) Haha, GC people love their pres...Thanks for the fun during orientation everyone!

Paying for strings!

2009-03-18T08:50:00.001+08:00

Dear all,

kindly look for me next week n make ur payment of 13 bucks for e string before thurs (which is e day i must hand over e $..) if u haven! yupp. thanks! (:

JC2 BT1: Break from practices

2009-03-08T10:56:00.003+08:00

Hi, this post is to answer all your queries regarding practices during Block Test period. There will be NO practice for the next 3 weeks or so due to Block Tests, except that you will all be required to come down and help with J1 Orientation on the Monday of March Hols. Practice will only resume on 25th or 27th March (will be confirmed once we find out what J2s are doing on Founder's Day).

As you may have realised, this means that we're effectively stopping for 3 weeks almost right before SYF, which is extremely worrying, so you have to practice really hard at home. You should be able to play both songs blindfolded when we resume practice.

- Jia Jun

ORIENTATION!

2009-03-08T02:02:00.003+08:00

Awesome performance today everyone! It doesn't matter that no one could hear us, or that we screwed up a bit, but I'm sure everyone had fun (and was amazed by Mr. Quek and Ms. Wong). Now, the next big event is the J1 orientation! Our juniors are quite zihigh so you guys should zihigh with them. :D

Anyway, j2s please take note of this too because j2s are required to come down to help out from 1200 to 1400 hours in one of the games. I will brief you guys on your duties when you arrive, and don't be late. Also, if you cannot make it, please sms me (96663823 for those who still don't know) and inform me BEFORE THE DAY ITSELF that you cannot make it due to whatever reason. But I think all of you should try to go and have some fun with your juniors since we wouldn't be practising with them and all.

J1s! The details of the orientation are below:

Date: 16th March 2009 (Monday of March hols)
Time: Assemble at 0830 hours, end at 1415 hours
Attire: PE shirt/school t-shirt and whatever bottoms...I wouldn't recommend school uniform.
Venue: LT 3

If any of you (J1s) cannot make it, you'll have to tell me too before the day itself.

Thank you, and hope to see all of you on the 16th! To the J2s, good luck for blocks...I'm going to need it.

-Gloria

Footstools for sat performance

2009-03-06T00:10:00.002+08:00

Hi all, pls rmb to bring home a footstool each for sat's performance. As for those who didn't come for wed's trng and have not gotten ur footstool..PLS get them by tmr!! yupp. thanks. all e best for sat's performance. :D

Toa Payoh Performance

2009-03-04T22:49:00.002+08:00

Hi all,

Here are things to note for the Toa Payoh Performance:

1. It's at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_12999/travel_site_40135/

2. Attire: Guitar Shirt + Blue Jeans

3. Bring your Guitar and foot stool.

4. Reach there by 6pm.

5. Practise the pieces at home! Remember to look up at Ms Wong.

that's all I can think of for now.

Wei Han

Training Times + Punctuality Issues

2009-02-22T21:14:00.002+08:00

Hello people!

This is a repeat of my announcement on Monday, for the benefit of those who weren't there due to H3 and other commitments. For those who were there, just bear with me for a while. Thanks (:

TRAINING TIMES
Trainings are on the following days of the week, time as follow:
MONDAYS: 3.30-6.30pm
WEDNESDAYS: 4.30-7.30pm
FRIDAYS: 3.30-6.30pm

Please DO NOT be late! Try your best to be punctual as much as possible, because it is quite important for us to start on time and get everything ready, especially on the days that Ms Wong comes down (Mondays and Wednesdays). Please note that you will be marked as late (half attendance) if you are more than 15 minutes late.

Moreover, we might be able to end a little earlier if we start earlier (though it is quite unlikely for this to happen on Mondays and Wednesdays, haha).

By the way, thanks everyone for automatically helping to keep the footstools and music stands after every training. Saves Yisan a lot of trouble. THANKS EVERYONE! (: Let's keep up the good work (:

Anyway yeah that's all. See you guys tomorrow! Jiayou for school.

Tricia

Guitar J1s!

2009-02-16T21:49:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone...I bet you're all really excited to know who will be your new juniors after a week of auditions. Well, the results are out! Here's the namelist, in no order of preference whatsoever:

1. Toh Pei Ying
2. Liu Yi
3. Jocelyn Koh
4. Than Ha Duong
5. Wong Nian Tee
6. Yeo Yun Jie, Serene
7. Lim Xiao Hui
8. Liu Ming Yue
9. Shi Cheng Zi Jing
10. Wu Po Cheng
11. Shena Lim
12. Chan Ying Ling
13. Stefanie Hsu
14. Charis Tan Min
15. Ivan Lim
16. Pan Yunyi
17. Wei Siying
18. Wu Liu Kun
19. Lu Jun
20. Nicole Yeo
21. Eng Zhiqing
22. Juliana Ng
23. Wee lay Kit Jasmine
24. Xia Xing Yu
25. Lee Wan Er
26. Clara Lim
27. Han Yong
28. Edwin Chaw
29. Kuah Li Qin
30. Joanna Chua
31. Vanessa Phang
32. Tan Wei Jie
33. Jasmin Ng
34. Randy Chua
35. Zheng Rui

Remember to welcome them when they come in one/two weeks later! And during orientation on 16th March.

And to all the J1s who got in, congrats!

Rules and regulations & loan/renewal of guitars

2009-02-07T12:33:00.004+08:00

Hi all. :)

RULES AND REGULATIONS

This is for the benefit of those who are not around when i made the announcement that day. Pls be informed that from today onwards (actually is that day onwards but nvm), everyone can leave their guitars in school on mon and wed. This is because we realised that many people may not be able to practise much during the weekdays due to our overloading schoolwork. Hence we hope that by doing so, we may indirectly encourage our fellow members to practise more diligently over the weekends. and of coz, if you want to bring home your guitar during the weekdays to practise, it will be highly encouraged. :) This brings me to the next rule...everyone, with guitar at home or not (to be fair to all) die die also must bring hm their guitars over the weekend to practise. SYF is coming. so everyone pls practise hard kay. :)

LOAN/RENEWAL OF GUITAR(S)

For those who are currently loaning guitar(s) from the club, pls be reminded that your previous loan has expired and you will need to sign another form (similar to that of last year) to renew your loan. Kindly get the form from me during trng. thanks. :)

For those who has yet to and is thinking of loaning guitar(s) from the club, kindly get a form from me during trng as well. Thanks. :)

PS: if you have any strong objections or suggestions to e rules and regulations or loaning of guitars above, pls feel free to discuss w me or any other exco members. thx. :)

yisan:)

New Practice Schedule

2009-01-29T23:05:00.003+08:00

Hi.

After a short vote/discussion thingy during practice today, the club has decided to change practice henceforth to Mondays (3-6pm), Wednesdays (4-7pm) and Fridays (3-6pm). The later timing for Wednesdays is to accomodate Ms Wong's schedule. The choice of days is to ensure that everybody can come for at least 2 practices a week, and see Ms Wong at least once a week.

This practice schedule will take effect from next week onwards, until further notice.

Auditions results

2009-01-29T22:30:00.003+08:00

Hi. After conducting auditions today, the SLs held a short discussion, and decided to divide all of you into 4 groups. They are: "most likely in", "maybe in", "maybe out" and "a bit GG". This is to avoid making anyone too confident or condemning anyone too soon. However, it should serve as a rough gauge of your current standard, so treat it as such. Those in "most likely in", keep up the good work; those in "maybe in" you need to improve some more, but you show some promise; those in "maybe out" and "a bit GG"... well duh, practise MUCH MUCH more. And, almost everybody needs to work on the following-conductor's-directions aspect, though some more than others. Without further ado, here are the groupings.

"Most likely in"
Jia Jun
Kanzy
Winnie
Wei Han
Sheena
Jeremy
Jonathan
Yu Lin
Zheng Rui
Cheyenne

"Maybe in"
Gloria
Zheng Shan
Tzin Wai
Tricia
Chan Yi
Huan Ting
Libo
Lisa
Elissa
Charlotte
Zhi Ying
Kyna
Yu Lei

"Maybe out"
Yi San
Jia Yi
Tuan Ahn
Kewei
Zhao Rui

"A bit GG"
Desiree
Su Xiang
Randy
Yan Jun
Jess

*Those who did not come for practice today, please arrange a make-up audition slot with Sheena ASAP.

2009-01-28T09:22:00.001+08:00

Auditions Grouping- Salut d'amour

G1- Gloria
G2- Melissa
G3- Jia Jun
G4- Zi Yang
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Winnie
G2- Desiree
G3- Wei Han
G4- Tzin Wai
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Zheng Shan
G2- Cheyenne
G3- Jonathan
G4- Yu Lei
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1- Tricia
G2- Chan Yi
G3- Huan Ting
G4- Li Bo
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1- Lisa
G2- Elissa
G3- Sheena
G4- Jeremy
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Yi San
G2- Jia Yi
G3- Sheena
G4- Tuan Ahn
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Charlotte
G2- Su Xiang
G3- Huan Ting
G4- Jess
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1- Yu Han
G2- Zhi Ying
G3-Jonathan
G4- Zi Yang
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1-Kyna
G2- Yan Jun
G3- Wei Han
G4- Tzin Wai
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Kewei
G2- Yu Lin
G3- Jia Jun
G4- Yu Lei
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Feng Lin
G2- Melissa
G3- Wei Han
G4- Li Bo
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1- Zhao Rui
G2- Desiree
G3- Jonathan
G4- Jeremy
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

G1- Zheng Rui
G2- Cheyenne
G3- Jia Jun
G4- Tuan Ahn
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Nikki

G1- Randy
G2- Chan Yi
G3- Huan Ting
G4- Jess
Guitarron/ Contrabass: Lowell

Groupings are subjected to changes

Auditions / Practice Schedule

2009-01-14T22:23:00.002+08:00

Hi. This is a repeat of my announcement during practice today, posted for the benefit of those who were not present or were not listening.

Practice in 2009

As Ms Wong is only able to come down on Mon and Thu afternoons, we have no choice but to hold practices on these 2 days to accomodate her schedule. The third day of self-practice will be held on Wednesday. Hence, there will be 3 compulsory sessions per week for now.

We will also hold make-up sessions on Fridays, as we understand that with various commitments (esp. H3s), some of you may not be able to make it on all 3 aforementioned days. If you miss any of the 3 main practices, then you must come on Friday so that we can update you on Ms Wong's instructions and make sure your standard remains on par with the rest of the ensemble. This session will be optional for those who can make it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

All practices will begin promptly at 1500hrs and end at 1800hrs (unless Ms Wong feels the need to extend a little past that - then too bad).

All practices will be held in the third floor classrooms in the left wing of block A.

SYF Auditions

We have decided to push the auditions back one week to immediately after Chinese New Year. It will be held on the Thursday and/or Friday of the CNY week (i.e. 29th/30th Jan 2009). This is to allow Ms Wong more time to work with us to improve our playing in aspects other than merely getting the notes and timing right, as well as to let you all capitalise on the long CNY break to practice hard. However, that means that the standards expected for the auditions are consequently higher than before.

The audition groups have already been posted by Sheena. In case this wasn't made clear before: the groupings are to ensure that there is one player of each guitar part for Salut D Amor; for La Chanson you will just play whatever part you're supposed to play, and it Doesn't Matter that there will be 2 of certain parts in a group. If by any chance we have misallocated you such that your group does not have at least one player of each part of La Chanson, do let Sheena know ASAP.

We will assess all of you according to the SYF judging rubrics, which are as follows:

50% Technique

- Articulation
- Dynamics
- Intonation
- Rhythm
- Tone

50% Musicianship

- Balance
- Blend
- Expression
- Group Dynamics
- Interpretation
- Phrasing Style

Sleep-deprived people.

2009-01-13T00:02:00.004+08:00

Uh yea. Two things will be posted here...Firstly, the namelist for orientation and cca exhibition subcomms. After that, I'm putting up pictures of the designs that Zheng just drew up for SYF attire for girls.

As the people who stayed back know, the concert subcomm people will be merged with the openhouse subcomm people then split into the CCA exhibition and Orientation subcomms this year. I'm randomly allocating groupings. Weihan and I will tell you what you have to do later...Just take note for now.

CCA Exhibition Subcomm

Weihan - In charge

Jonathan

Winnie

Tuan Anh

Jeremy

Fenglin

Kyna

Kewei

Zhao Rui

Meng Yuan

Orientation Subcomm

Gloria

Charlotte

Desiree

Suxiang

Elissa

Yulei

Yanjun

Lisa

Lowell

Chanyi
Jess
Yulin
Yuhan

I hope I didn't miss out any names. Tell me if I did, ok?

CCA Exhibition subcomm handles the upcoming CCA exhibition after the official arrival of our juniors on 2 Feb. I think it's like 1st/2nd week of Feb. You have to do banner painting, roster duties, come up with gimmicks, etc....Anything to attract J1s to our CCA.

Orientation subcomm basically plans out the orientation programme for the J1s. Specifically, the day camp orientation in the March hols and other J1-J2/J1-J1 bonding activities. I will need to meet those people in this subcomm on Wednesday at 2.30 at guitar room, after CT and before CCA begins.

Next....SYF ATTIRE.

Zheng was lazy. So anyway, she just drew these two diagrams and sent them to me.

So the first (on the left) is basically with butterfly sleeves, the second(on the right) is with straight sleeves.

The material will be georgia black chiffon over like...a lining (maybe satin) of say, maroon or dark gold. So the dotted part represents the cutting of the inside, which is the lining. Georgia black chiffon is semi-transparent if I'm not wrong. It's somewhat like a softer version of organza. The dresses are both long (floor-length) and there's no choice there.

So please take note of this because we'll be voting on Wednesday for the colour of the lining (dark maroon or dark gold) and style of sleeves (butterfly or straight). Guys too. For the colour, that is...Because your shirt colour will be dependent on whether we choose maroon or gold. If maroon, your shirt colour will either be pink or light red. If gold, your shirt colour will be a pale yellow if I'm not mistaken.

That's all, folks. I'm sleepy. Good night.