Scale TEST II

Dear all main band members,



I hope all of you are studying very hard for exam.


IF you are not and too free to come to visit this blog during this SA period.


Congratulations!!


There is one very very GOOD NEWS to all of you (if not only you!).


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THE GOOD NEWS IS..........................














AFTER SUCH A LONG WAIT, I AM FINALLY UPDATING THIS BLOG!!

~clap~

I am updating this blog for the sake of everyone! After the much awaited 2nd retest of the scale test. I will now post the "Wonderful" result achieved by our various sections.

Firstly, I want to congratulate A LOT OF SECTIONS because the have actually "IMPROVED" since the last test! That's a VERY VERY PERFECT reflection of the band scales ability.

Like what Mr Chiang has stated (yesh, I will need to nag the same old thing AGAIN!) earlier on (before your exam break), scales are important to all band members and he hopes that everyone in this band can leave this school with such an important knowledge!

SO Moral of the story: SCALES ARE IMPORTANT!

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Secondly, this second test aren't that difficult!! So I don't see why SO MANY people "walking down the stairs" (some are just SUICIDING! jump off from building) instead of "climbing up to another level".

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Thirdly, those who has yet to take OR fail the Scale Practical and Scale Written, PLEASE make sure you ARE PRESENT and look for Mr Chiang for the test!

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Fourthly, I guess members who failed the SCALE (both written and practical) will need to ....................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
......................... TAKE THE TEST ONE MORE TIME! ..........................................................
and go through some lessons!....................................................................................................

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now... I shall announce the SECTION results!

*** please take note some alumni members has helped their own section (ONLY alumni one per section) to PULL up the section marks. Thus it won't look THAT bad for that particular section (uh hmm... hm.. u all know which sections)

Those sections that scored badly for this scale test will be asked to do "contribute their energy and effort" for the band.

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Section Results

(all results are tabulated with section members results divided with number of people)

1. Trombone > 132.5 points (RAW score) **** (133.33 Alumni help)

2. Flute > 93.57 points (RAW score) **** (100.625 Alumni help)

3. Tuba + Double Bass > 96.25 points (RAW score)

4. Oboe > 80 points (RAW score)

5. Bassoon > 55 points (RAW score)

6. Clarinet > 45 points (RAW score)

7. Horn > 37.5 points (RAW score)

8. Saxophone > 37 points (RAW score)

9. Percussion > 36.11 points (RAW score) **** (47.5 Alumni help)

10. Euphonium > 26.25 points (RAW score) **** (47 Alumni help)

LAST but NOT VERY GOOD...

11. Trumpet > 15 points (RAW score) **** (32.14 Alumni help)

PS:

* Percussion section, good luck to all of you! Please WELCOME the "ultimate EXCITEMENT" when band resumes! ^^

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Below is your INDIVIDUAL results!

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That's the end of the 2nd Scale test report!

I hope it is FUN to see how well you all score for the 2nd test! I would like to praise some of you who has actually dropped in points for the 2nd test! It is an unbelievable truth! Some of you are just jumping off from a building, all the way to the ground floor.

30th OCTOBER! When band resumes! Please GET READY for A RETEST for those who have failed! And please I don't want to see ANYMORE BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG SMILY FACE (0/150) on your badly written or drawn scale test paper. I would like to see 2 digits (99 pts passing marks!) from some of you!

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NOW....

go back and study for your SA (for those who read this entry during SA period). Good luck and work hard! Score well too!!

OR

GOOD LUCK when taking the results, dun get below C6! (for those who read this entry after SA)

OR

for those who are not having anything, just read this for fun, ^^. Thank you for reading and this is the life in maristbands. ^^

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Fredy

Advisory team
Head of Projects and Repertoire

maris stella symphonic band alumni

~the legacy continues~

scale test results

Dear All,

After the "EXCITING" scale test, both practical and written test.

FINALLY WE WILL PUBLISH OUR RESULTS HERE!!

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Before that, please remember what Mr Chiang has told you while you all in the Old band room. It is important. ^^

Those who never pass the test, please work hard. We aren't going to give up on you so you don't give up so fast too! ^^

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** PLEASE TAKE NOTE, MARK AND LUCAS ARE BOTH DISQUALIFIED AND NEED TO RETAKE THE WRITTEN PAPER (BECAUSE BOTH OF THEM JUST COPY! CHEATING!)**

Those who have yet to take the test, please take note that you are supposed to take them in the next band pract.

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I will announce the Overall Section result first.

From the best to the worst. Total 150 points


1. Trombone section > 132.5 points

2. Tuba > 95 points

3. Oboe > 80 points

4. Flute > 60 Points

5. Horn > 43.33 Points

6. Euphonium > 35 Points

7. Clarinet > 35 Points

8. Saxophone > 28.75 Points

9. Percussion > 25.83 Points (exclude the 2 retakers, original points > 46.875)

10. Bassoon > 25 Points

11. Trumpet > 24 points

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Individual results.





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So Guys! WORK HARD!!

I hope to see better marks from all of u!!!

Practice well and Study Well at the same time. ^^

---

Fredy
President
maris stella symphonic band alumni
~the legacy continues~

Please be reminded the next Band prac is : THIS Wednesday. (29th August)

-And that there will be a Scales Test on that day.
-ALL 12 Major scales will be tested.
-Please practice harder and don't disappoint Mr Chiang and yourself.

For those sec 2's who are involved in sec 2 camp and those sec 2 camp helpers, please do not think that you can get away with it because of the camp and that you don't need to memorize your scales anymore, Mr Chiang will be testing you guys some other day

It may be a little late for this, but I like to extend my thanks to the whole band on a good job well done during Founder's Day/RealMusic Concert and National Day performance. You guys did quite a good job inspite of the lack of practices that we had. But don't get too high-headed yet, we still have to prepare the songs for POP concert, other events and of course, train our juniors for the 2009 SYF Central Judging!

Everyone please remember to practice while you have your instruments at home, don't leave it collecting dust at one corner which I know most of you usually do. Practice hard not for our own individual selves, but for the band.

The next Band practice resumes on the 29th of August, until then, everyone make sure you practice hard and also, study hard for the upcoming Common Test! In other words, don't neglect both your studies and your playing. Manage your time well!

Study Hard! Play Hard!

We only have 2 more weeks to our concert.
And you guys know our own standard.
I really hope you guys are not going to sit down there and stone. If you know you suck, do something about it.
Don't just rust in one corner and keep believing that you are not able to do anything about your own standard.

2 more weeks, the sec 1's. You better bring home your instruments and practice.
You may think you are very good but you are not. I shall tell you that now.
Seniors, some of you aren't up to standard as well.
We can not depend on the sec 4's all the time, some of us are sec 3's, some sec 2's. You guys are seniors and should take more initiative to conduct sectionals/teach your juniors etc.

I really hope you guys would wake up.

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Announcements.

Last Wednesday's practice has been shifted to this Tuesday.
So practices for this week are:

Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday

Some of you may have the NAPFA 2.4 km run on Tuesday.
There are a few days in which the 2.4 run would be tested.
You guys are excuses for the Tuesday's run but you are expected to go for the run on Thursday in the same week.

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On Friday, the Band room would be open up for sectionals after school,
SL's, do your jobs and call down your section for sectionals please.
I have no need to say further about this

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I really hope to see all of you working hard to make this concert a big success.
Do not let down all the fans and people who are coming for the concert, most of all, do not let MSSB down or let yourself down.

Practice hard!

Hello band, it has been awhile.
How are your holidays, I hope you enjoy and make the best out of it!

Anyways, I just have a couple of annoucenments here that need to be made known to you guys.

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1)
The next band practice is on Saturday, 2nd of June. Starts sharply at 8.00 am. Please report to the band room at least 15 minutes before time.



2)
From now onwards, attendance for band would be taken very seriously. We would not accept any non-committed members in the band.

If you are going overseas or have any medical or valid reasons. Please inform your Section Leader or any band member beforehand. So that we would know where you have gone to.

On the next band practice, you must be able to produce a Medical Certificate of a parent's letter to prove your absence on the day of practice. Please hand it to Albert.

Or if you have any reasons to be absent before any band practice. There will be a file near the Conductor's stand. Inside the file are 'leave applications'. Your applications will be looked through by Mr Chiang and may or may not be approved.

Going AWOL ( Absence without leave ) is not accepted. You must have a valid reason for not attending band practices. If not you will be given a NIL attendance for that day and if you do not fill the attendance quota, you would be kicked out from Band. In addition, you would have to face the punishments that will be carried out by the TIC and the exco.


3)
On Saturday, those who had ordered their SYF photos, please bring the money. We need to clear the payments ASAP.


4)
For ticket sales, those who had not collected their tickets. Please approach Shawn or Albert for the ticket booklets to sell. Everyone should sell as much tickets as possible! We have limited time to clear the ticket sales. So I hope everyone would cooperate. :)


5)
Those who are still holding on to Original scores of Clari-funkey, Carnival of Venice & In Times of Triumph. Please return these original scores to Hui Xiong or Russell. If you need the scores. Get the photocopied version from them.


6)
This announcement only applies to the Sec 1's.

There will be a scales test for you guys soon.
The scales tested will be :

Concert Bb Major
Concert C Major
Concert D Major
Concert Eb Major


Sec 1's work hard! Let us put on a good show on the 29th of July. If you have any doubts about music, you can always ask your seniors, do not hesistate to ask them. Seniors also should help your juniors along, and let us be one band.

maristbands ~realM~ Series concert

Dear all, Please start promoting for our concert.



these are our concert details!



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realMusic



date; 29th July 2007, Sunday



time: 1700 hours



venue: Victoria Concert Hall



Ticket price:

$12 (stall)

$15 (circle)



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Featuring bands:



maris stella primary

band maris stella symphonic band

maris stella symphonic band alumni



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Programme:



With heart and voice

Carnival of Venice (Solo Flute: Goh Chien Teng)

Clari-Fun-Key (Solo Clarinet: Stanley Chua)



aerodynamics (Singapore Premiere)

New york

Cavetown "Cappadocia"

Suite on Celtic Folk Song



and many more!!



FIRST HAND NEWS! ( LOOK OUT FOR THIS! Will update anytime!)



1. 3 more Singapore premiere pieces in the programme! come for the concert to know which are the 3s!!



2. There will be a piece in the programme that will showcase the Alumni Band Flute Section! Don't miss it!



3. -------------------------------------



All interested Bands/individuals, you can purchase your ticket from any maristbands members or

email mssbalumni@gmail.com for tickets (please put Subject as "ticket purchasing")



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Please take note that this concert is a FUNDRAISING concert for the Primary School to continue their deeds.



So please try to get a FULL HOUSE CONCERT!!!!



Jia you!!!



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fredy chia

president

maris stella symphonic band alumni

~Announcements~

Please be noted that the next band practice will be on the 23rd of May, which is on a Wednesday at 2.30 pm.

To all MSSB-ers:

Good luck for your SA1! Work hard and get good results!
And good luck to the sec 4's for their prelims too,

Again, Wishing all of you good luck for exams and get the best of results!

Do not interfere

This is just a gentle reminder to all MSSB-ers.

Do NOT respond to what others say on their blog, do not interfere or care about what they say. Do not go around blogs bad-mouthing other bands either.
If others say MSSB is a sucky band, we shall prove to them through our music that we are a Gold standard band.
Do not care about what others say about our band, do not bad-mouth them.

Sec 3 SL's

Our sec 4's have unofficially passed out.
And now our band has decided on the sec 3 SL's for each section

Section Leaders

Flute: Wang Liang
Clarinet: Albert
Saxophone: Guo Jin
Double Reeds: Nicholas & Fabian
Percussion: Hui Xiong
Horns: Cleon
Trumpets SL: Jun Xiang
Trumpets ASL: Nicholas Chew
Trombones: Justin
Euphoniums: Sean
Bass: Xing Hao

And of course, your sec 3 exco

Sec 3 executive committee

Welfare Officer: Fabian
Treasurer: Guo Jin
Librarian 1: Russell
Librarian 2: Hui Xiong
Quartermaster 1: Chang Jun
Quartermaster 2: Sean
Secetary: Albert
Band Major: Shawn Teo
Drum Major: Xing Hao

This are your seniors, which are now, the leaders of your band.
The Maris Stella Symphonic Band
Please cooperate with them and listen to them, do not get into any trouble with them, or purposely make things difficult or you will be dealt with.

A reminder to exco/SL's, your punishment will be multiplied for whatsoever reasons.
SL's : x2
Exco : x3

Announcements

Next Band Practice

The next band practice will be postponed from tomorrow's Wednesday practice to the day after tomorrow, which is on Thursday.
I Hope to see good attendance, we are currently preparing for Sports Day which is on the Friday.

post-SYF

YES!
MSSB, WE GOT OUR GOLD THAT WE WORKED SO HARD FOR!
I love you guys in MSSB, you really made my day.
We are a GOLD BAND STANDARD now.
Now i would like to thank certain people.

First and Foremost,
I would like to thank : The teachers-in-charge of band, Mrs Justina Tey, Ms Joanna Lee, Mr Wu Yao Quan, MR LIN! For coming down of his own accord to help us with our intonation problems. And of course, our sec 4's who would be passing out soon, Especially to the excos of sec 4, and our sec 4 Band Major and Drum Major : Chien Teng & Garrett! And the alumni who was supporting us all this while.

AND ALL OF MSSB!

And of course, how could we forget...
Our dear,

MR ADRIAN CHIANG!
Who took time off this period of time to spend all his time in MSSB, patiently teaching us and leading us to our Gold Standard.



Now, I would like to emphasize a few points.

Today, when I went for band, i only saw like 70% attendance.
We are a Gold Band now, Would you want other people to say that Maris Stella High, a GOLD STANDARD band, has poor attendance.
Don't give me excuses that SYF is over, I want to have a break,
Don't you think its very selfish to the others in the band, especially Mr Chiang?
We come down all the way to school for you,
Only to realize that the attendance sucks?
You are really being selfish to the rest of the rest of the band who sacrificed their time and who really WANT to play and do something for the band.
And for those who came late today, was oversleeping a really good reason? Do you know what time people who opened the Band Room came today? Ren Xian and Mrs Tey came at 7 am you know? If they could make the sacrifice to come early, why not you? Furthurmore, we extended todays practice starting time by an hour.

Band, im not really scolding you guys, I just want you to know that,
We are really a GOLD BAND now, i don't really like to emphasize on that, but if not, you guys would not realise that as a Gold Band, our responsibilities has increased, We want to maintain our GOLD standard in 2009 too.

So guys, I really appeal to you all, please listen to Mr Chiang, and try to cooperate along with the band and everyone else.

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We are currently preparing for next Friday's Sports Day.
We are playing Rainbow Breeze March, Best Friend's March and Pomp & Circumstance.
Please cooperate with everyone.

The next band practice is Wednesday, I really hope to see everyone there.

Remember band! We are a gold standard, lets do what a gold band does!
I love you all.

MSSB, Good Job for SYF! Maristband ROX!!!

Dear all Juniors (members of MSSB),

A very well done and good job for the SYF yesterday!

I think it is one of the best performance you all had played so far. Although alot of screw ups here and there and bad intonation but overall a very nice sound.

To be frank, that was the one and only time I thought u all had played up to a Gold standard! ^^ Very nice and controlled sound. Beautiful.

As usual I will still tell you all your mistakes (ya although it is over!) so you all can improve and perfect it and of course play well for the upcoming concert!

Before I list down all the bad points, I want to praise certain people and sections.

1st up on the list: Chien Teng!
Amazing solo! I love them, emotional and nice! Beautiful sound of course! All of you must thank him for the additional points that he has added on for this band! ^^

2nd: Sean Teh!
Yes very nice solo too! That G note although abit risky and almost mispitch but very well done coz u did it nicely! A light and good sound! ^^

3rd: Garrett!
Timpani solo and all those nice timpani parts that give constant beat to the band. A steady and good performance! Although your solo part tuning is rather out but very nice, don'tt worry! ^^

4th: Percussion Section
To say the truth, percussion is the section that has the least mistakes and played quite well yesterday! That was the VERY first time I saw my section moved together! Also practically did what I asked them to do. Proud of you guys! Good joB! We still have quite a number of mistakes but never mind. We shall corrected it and play well during concert!! Also, I will make sure Percussion wun be so tame and controlled during concert. ^^. For competition it is vital that we control every single thing but concert, we shall show the whole Singapore what maris stella percussion can do. ^^

5th: Clarinet Section
Quite well done yesterday. Rather out of tune during the INTENSE part of With Heart and Voice but overall it was nice! At least there are some parts like 199, you all played lightly and and much better. Very nice sounding clar section. I DARE TO SAY THAT WAS THE 1st TIME I HEARD SUCH AN IN TUNE CLAR SECTION! ^^ Except for some parts (so you all should know how bad you all are normally.)

6th: Eupho and Tuba
These 2 sections please give them a round of applause!! Tuba and Eupho was practically 2 of the MOST in tune sections in the whole band! No other sections can beat them! Very nice tuning! I Love it! Tuba has done their job in holding up the whole band! Eupho GOOD TUNING and your pitching yesterday was WAY WAY better than usual! I am so proud of you all!

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ok now...

the things to take note and correct THEM!

1st: TRUMPET!

This is nothing to show off! Our trumpet section is really really bad! The worst Intonation section in th Entire band! Luckily we tone u all down and did something, if not we could have gotten a Silver becoz of all of you! trumpet section has the worst articulations and sense of dynamics too! Balance within the section are bad! Pitching Bad! VERY BAD!! When you know your 3rd tpt has more members and 1st has lesser, it is very obvious for you all in 1st to play louder and 3rd to play softer! It is a very common and obvious things to do in Band! Everything must come out! Balance wise, Mr Chiang has told u all.

Trumpet section has ALOT ALOT ALOT to do and improve for the UPCOMING concert performance. Too many bad stuffs to clear! SL and ASL of TRUMPET! Please do something, I want whole trumpet to clear all these problems before Concert!! MSSB is a Gold band now, you got to maintain standard and play well! I don't wish to hear such a bad section in the band. I know you all can make it! Please do not push the blame to anybody! ALL THESE PROBLEMS are ALL OVER the section! Even 1st trumpet and 2nd have it! Not entirely 3rd! So Please Don't Push BLAME to anybody! CLEAR all these problems as a section!


2nd: HORN!

VERY BAD INTONATION ON HORN SECTION! Please DO TUNE AND LISTEN TO EACH OTHER!! It is almost inaudible in Sunrise! At least in With heart and voice, you all did something good for 199. Also TAKE NOTE OF THE DYNAMIC! Don't need to play too loud!! We can hear you! Play what is stated or we asked you to! Bar 119, Horn was WAY TOO MUCH! Tone down abit please! We want to hear the SOLOS and not so much of that background music. The whole brass play so nicely down there as a background and suddenly Horn play so loud! Spoil music! Take note of that! You are NOT the main character down there!

There are some places that Horn section played well BUT majority was bad!

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The rest of the sections have done well too! Although not as good or as bad until I listed them out BUT you all ready did a good job!

All the alumni members are very happy and proud of you guys! Alumni members will always be there to support you guys!! ^^

We are one BIG FAMILY of Maristband remember? ^^

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Just to wrap up everything.


MSSB is now OFFICIALLY A GOLD STANDARD BAND of the SYF 2007! One of the TOP 20 Bands in Singapore that has achieved Gold and Gold with Honours!

I am sure you all are proud of this band and yourself! All of us, Alumnus are very proud of you all too!

Truly, I am very proud of Marisbands (both Alumni and Main), I think Maristbands have created a lot of Miracles! Now, we as Maristband members shall maintain this Legacy and continue to pursue for better results and create more Miracles!

Let's all work hard together as ONE maristband for the upcoming July Concert!! Let us all give the BEST and MOST ENTERTAINING performance to all the audience that is coming!!

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Maristband results (2005 - 2007)

MSSB > SYF Central Judging, 2005 (Singapore) - GOLD!

mssba > World Music Contest, 2005 (The Netherlands) - GOLD, 7th in category!

mssba > 1st National Band Competition, 2006 (Singapore) - GOLD, 1st, TOP BAND!

MSSB > SYF Central Judging, 2007 (Singapore) - Gold, TOP 20 Bands!


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JIA YOU ALL MARISTBAND MEMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

** anyway, those who wants SYF recording, can get from me. ^^

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Fredy Chia
president
maris stella symphonic band alumni
~ the legacy continues ~

3

Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


SYF




3 more days, lets do it.

Well guys, it's the final week before our SYF. Nervous? Excited? I'm sure you are bound to feel something. It is perfectly normal to feel any emotions for the upcoming SYF. In fact, let's not care about what the result will be. Gold or Silver, doesn't matter. What matters is that you guys do your best and enjoy the performance. Music is not about competition. Yes, it might seem like an irony. Why have SYF if music is not about competition? Well, what I think the judges are judging is that how well you enjoy your music, how well you play together, how well you blend together, and all that. Not really comparison to other bands. If the judges really compare with each other bands, then that defeats the entire purpose of music. As what I know, there is no limit to the number of Gold with Honours each day of SYF. This shows that the judges do not compare any band to any other band. So the main purpose is to enjoy the music that you make, and the music that everyone else in the band makes.

To make nice music is not easy, really. We practice so much, just for about 12 minutes on stage. If we get our gold, or possibly Gold with honours, the time you put into band practices will NOT be wasted. You will probably remember the achievement we have for SYF in years to come. But if we get silver or below, time is not wasted too. The friendships that you make in band, the sense of belonging to the band. All of us experience what sadness, pain, anger, disappointment in this band. This is what cause us to be bonded. Bands that do not experience this are not really called bands. The definition of Band can be said as to unite as one big family. Although I personally know that there are some people who hate some other people in this band, but isn't that perfectly normal? In a real family, siblings are bound to quarrel with each other. It's the same thing. In our "family", we may quarrel, we may gossip, backstab, whatever, but ultimately, we all work for a common goal, the GOLD for our SYF.

Ask yourself, why did you join band? Yes, it may be an answer like "Cos my mother asked me to". Well, personally, I was in the same boat. My brother asked me to join band because he was from ACS(I) band and he liked it very much. So I was just like, "Ok, anything" and I chose band as first choice. Yes, I did not think much of it then, in fact I didn't even know whether I would be happy. I just did it. The first day I stepped into band, we had instrument tryout, and I managed to scrape through the mini auditions that they have for each section into Flute section. Well, there were about 5 or 6 other sec1s with me in Flute section at that time. Wei Jian was one of them. Well, I can tell you now I did not really enjoy being in flute section when I was sec 1. Through all the pumpings and punishments (for a simple reason: We could not play well), I was obviously not happy. Just like how all of you are not happy when there are punishments. But if you think about it, we do the punishments together and it'll help us bond together. Imagine if the band pumped but all the sec 4s didn't need to. Everyone would hate the sec4s, wouldn't they? That is why, All for one, One for all. Anyway, as a result of all these punishments, about 3 of my section mates quit band. Well, I do not really have much to say about these people who quit band. I respect their decision. If they do not like to be in band, I am not forcing them to stay either. Personally I am still quite close with one of my section mates who long left band and is now in Cross country. He is very happy in Cross country now, as much as I am happy in Band.

Well, basically Wei Jian was one of the closest friends I had in flute section then. He knew how much I sucked when I was sec 1. If you want to know more just ask him ^^. Well, no one started off fantastic in his instrument. I sucked a lot. I couldn't make a sound most of the time, just those kind of air sounds. Not a solid sound at all. But well, when you start off an instrument and can't make a sound, there are 2 things you can do. 1) Give up, or 2) Persevere! Needless to say, I did option 2, and I never said die. As a result, my studies suffered horrendously. My secondary 1 results in SA2 was top 35 in the entire cohort, but in sec2, i was 35th position in CLASS. Yes, the contrast is huge. It's because I devoted my time to music. Now, I am not blaming the band for my lousy studies. My studies is suffering only because I spend more time on music rather than on studies. It's as simple as that. I will never blame the band for my studies. Anyway, I had no tuition also, and as a result I nearly retained in my sec3 end of year. Criteria to promote to sec 4 is to pass English and 2 other subjects. Just to let you know, I only passed English in CA2 for sec3. That's how bad my studies were. I'm not that smart you know. It's just a matter of putting in hard work.

Then, I joined Moulmein Wind Symphony at around sec3, with Stanley. We played for one concert, then after that we left due to other commitments. Then I decided to try for Philharmonics Youth, just for the exposure and experience, and I managed to pass the auditions as well. Through all these years, I feel so blessed to be able to have gained all these experience and exposure.

When Mrs Tey selected me to go for the audition for the International Music Camp in US, I was totally nervous and excited, both at the same time. What kind of feeling is that, you may ask. You will know on the SYF day itself. Well, when I stepped into the audition room, I was totally on the verge of screwing up every single damn thing. My fingers were shivering and I couldn't hold the flute properly (Please don't do that on SYF day). But surprisingly, the next day the teachers told me I was selected to go for the camp! I was ecstatic, cause only 2 people in the entire audition was chosen. I mean only 2 people CAN get chosen. So obviously I was happy. Wouldn't you be if you were in my shoes?

Well I learnt a whole lot of things over there, be it cultures of other countries or music. And their food are fantastic. But that is not the point. I wouldn't have experienced all of this if I did not persevere after not making a good tone on my flute. As a result of going for the US camp, I missed the MSSB concert last year and National Band Competition. However, it's still all good. Soon after, at about november, I decided to try for Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), and also, I passed the auditions too. In case you would like to know, I used Carnival of Venice for audition piece (the one I'm playing for concert later this year). Again, the happiness I experienced is undescribable. That is because SNYO sponsors about $55 an hour for your private lessons with an SSO teacher. My teacher charges about $70 hour, so that means I only have to pay $15 an hour for a fantastic lesson each week. I feel so fortunate to have been able to achieve thus far.

Again I would like to illustrate my point. DO NOT EVER GIVE UP! Mr Kwok's stories of success is not wrong. If you listen properly, it all makes sense. It makes A LOT of sense. Failure does not mean you have given up, it means that you have not tried hard enough. Do not give up.

It's not only for SYF that you practice. There is a chance that if you just devote your entire time into music, that you will become so professional that you will just easily do music as your career in future. I do hope that, after reading this long post, you will understand why I cried last saturday. This is my last official week in Maris Stella Symphonic Band. I will miss you guys. Remember, without you, there is no band.

Chien Teng

FOR ALL MAIN BAND MEMBERS!

To ALL Main Band Members (unless you think you are NOT part of the band),

I think it's quite pointless to keep on stressing that we are 12 days or 11 days apart from the SYF.

my point of posting here is I need all of you to co-operate with your SLs, Committee and Mr Chiang. I am not sure whether you all have sensed the urgency yet but for us we have sensed it since a few months ago. It is just getting worst as the days towards the syf getting lesser and lesser.

There are a few things I want ALL OF YOU TO BEAR IN MIND!

-------------------

1. All SLs will be conducting Sectionals with their own section soon or even a combine sectional for the upcoming week. I want EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IN THE PARTICULAR SECTION TO CO-OPERATE WITH YOUR SECTION LEADERS, TUTORS, MR CHIANG AND MR LIN. When it is time for Sectional PLEASE BE ATTENTIVE and REALLY FOCUS ON THE PIECES YOU ARE DOING! I NO LONGER want to listen to ALL the bad things that all of you have been producing since the very first day! I WANT AN IMPROVEMENT IN ALL SECTIONS!

ALL OF YOU SHOULD ROUGHLY KNOW WHAT KIND OF STANDARD I AM EXPECTING. IF YOU THINK YOUR SECTION CAN'T EVEN REACH ANY BIT WITHIN MY EXPECTED STANDARD, PLEASE DO NOT EVEN COME TO TELL ME THAT YOUR SECTION HAS IMPROVED OR READY FOR SYF!

All SLs please distribute the NOTES that I asked from all of you to your members! I will check on those notes! ALSO I WANT TO SEE ALL THOSE MARKINGS BEING MADE ON ALL MEMBERS' SCORES!

I WILL PERSONALLY CHECK ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF EACH SECTION! ANY SECTION THAT HAS FALLEN UNDER MY FAIL CATEGORY, WILL "WIN" SOME SECTIONAL SESSIONS WITH ME!

----------

2. NOBODY IS TO LEAVE THE BAND EARLY OR SKIP ANY BAND PRACTICE (Unless it is a MC case, MC MUST BE PRODUCED) FOR THIS UPCOMING 2 WEEKS! I DON'T WISH TO SEE ANY PARENTS' LETTER STATING " XXXXXX NEEDS TO GO FOR DENTAL APPOINTMENT OR BLA BLA AND BLA BLAA! "

I've really enough of those things. For these 2 weeks, please RE-SCHEDULE your whatever appointment, tuition or whatsoever that will be preventing you to come for any band practices. I just need your co-operation for these 2 weeks. AFTER SYF, HOW MANY Tuition sessions, appointments that you would like to make, WE DON'T CARE!

Drum majors will be submitting the list of people that is absent from band practice. If you skipped band practice without ANY VALID REASON THAT I'VE STATED ABOVE (YES, ONLY MC WILL BE ACCEPTED AS VALID REASON FOR NOW!), you will face the disciplinary actions that we are going to take. We will also consider your participation in SYF and other events.

-----------

3. PLEASE HAVE THESE 3 THINGS WITH YOU EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU COME FOR BAND PRACTICE!

PENCIL
ERASER
HIGHLIGHTER (assorted colours)

THOSE WITHOUT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ITEMS WILL BE PUNISHED ACCORDINGLY!

------------

4. Mr Lin and Mr Chiang.

Both Mr Lin and Mr Chiang have contributed and worked so hard for the main band. Don't you feel guilty if you are the one who shattered all the hopes and hardwork that both of them have on this band?

They've spent so much time to come down to work with you all. I don't really see people appreciating what they are doing now. Please don't take thigs for granted, they have the choice of not doing so much for this band.

Please think why they want to do so much for all of you in Main Band. It's NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, NOT ABOUT THE SYF. It is all about making good music and want to make all you PROUD of

Maris Stella Symphonic Band.

these 4 words, this band!

Please DO BEAR IN MIND THAT you are SUPPOSED and OBLIGED to sustain the GOLD that your seniors have attained in the last SYF!

This band has most of the good things that other schools may not have.

Mr Lin, our music director, someone who has lead his bands to achieve the top few positions of various competitions, came down every week to work with you all and try to teach you all the right things. if you think carefully, Mr Lin seriously does not need to do that. He may jolly well rest or even teach his the other schools or alumni band only BUT he take his time off to work with you all. Whether it is full band or sectionals, he spend his time on all of you and has never given up on this band.

Mr Chiang, the conductor of this band. I think ALL of you in Main Band owes Mr Chiang a lot a lot. He has spent countless hours in trying to squeeze out that very little nice sound from this band and yet majority of you don't even work hard and sustain what he has achieved. It is quite disappointing to see all of you do not really reciprocate to what he has contributed. You may think it is his duty, his job BUT I do think otherwise. Same as Mr Lin, Mr Chiang does not even need to spend so much time on so many individuals just to make sure they passed the auditions. Think carefully, Mr Chiang has actually allowed quite a large number of you to go for SYF even though majority of you failed my audition. THESE ppl better show me that you are worth the pass in audition, also let him know he passed you all for a good reason and his time spent on you are not wasted.

Furthermore, having an Alumni Band that has won Gold and Top Position in both International and Local competitions. Main Band has even more reasons to get a GOLD or GOLD with HONOURS back from the SYF.

I am very proud of my alumni band, Maris Stella Symphonic Band Alumni. My members are proud of it too. Probably some of you in Main Band are proud of the alumni band too

BUT

from now on, I want you to be proud of the Main Band. I do not wish to see anyone of you regret after the SYF. It's too late by then.

--------

Just give your very best for this SYF, I believe EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IN THIS BAND can do it.

Just PLAY with your heart, enjoy the performance, play your best and no regret! That will be enough. Even if we have gotten something below a Gold, I will be proud of all of you, as I know all of you have worked hard and put in all the effort and give me your best performance.

So let me be proud of you guys, FOCUS and WORK HARD for these 11 days.

Don't let Mr Lin, Mr Chiang, teachers and all the alumni members down. We will always be there for all of you.

----

"only when you believe in yourself, everything you do comes alive"

fredy chia
President
maris stella symphonic band alumni

12 more days

Yesterday was the exchange @ Dunman High with Yio Chu Kang Secondary and Dunman High. If you guys think we played very well, you can change you thinking.
Our playing yesterday was not very well done, it is still very, very, very far from our Gold with Honours/Gold.
I appeal to everyone, we have only 12 more days left.

Repeat : 12 more days

We all want our band to maintain the Gold standard that we have set for mssb 2 years ago.
Please, we do NOT want to see that standard dropping.
We believe that you guys are mature and have enough common sense to do what is right.

I repeat again, we have only 12 more days.
and we still have not even reached a low gold standard.
Think we are good?
Think again.

Please, i appeal to everyone, just WORK HARD for this short period of 12 days.
You may not want our Gold, but there are 40+ other people in our band, who have WORKED to try and get our gold, and yet you guys are slacking. You are letting down those who have worked for it.

Remember : It is not because of you, that there is a band.
It is there's a band, that there is you



Announcements to MSSB:

• Please note that there will be yet another exchange next Saturday, 7th of March, at Maris Stella High School's Shaw Hall. Schools such as : St.Gabriels, St.Joseph Instituition, Whitley Secondary School, Bedok North Secondary, Monfort Secondary and a few other bands would be coming to our school for the exchange programm.

• This applies to everyone in mssb: Be reminded that if you do not have the Maris Stella whtie long pants, please go and buy it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This note is directed especially to the Lower secondary band members. Also, if you do not have a Long-sleeved white shirt, also please buy it ASAP. As this will be our dress code for SYF along with the blazers, which sizes would be taken soon.
  

• Before combined practices, take some time to tune yourselves. Do not waste time running through both pieces as i believe that we are all very familiar with our pieces and need not waste time on them. Instead, our main problem now is the INTONATION problem. People who are not in tune and not 'agreeing' with each other in your own section or even the band. Please take the time to tune every single note of yours before official band practice hours and not waste everyone's time by tuning you during full band prac.

• Final reminder: We have only 12 days left, and we are NOT, i repeat: NOT yet at our Gold with Honours/Gold standard. Please work hard, not for Mr Chiang, not for me, not even for yourselves, but for everyone in the band.
  

Upcoming Events

March 31st( Friday ) - Exchange Programme @ Dunman High School
April 4th (Wednesday) - John Boyd Session 3
April 12th - SYF SYF SYF

Thats the main events for you.
Everyone, I said this and i shall stress it again.

14 more days
14 more days

I shall not say much as I believe you guys know what to do by now,
Band room is open everyday except for Sundays.
Please do come back. If not,
Be prepared to face the consequences if you are not even serious about SYF.

14 more days
14 more days

Extra Practices

As Mr Chiang said, the band room, will be open everyday, from now, till SYF. this includes the non official band day practices. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.
In other words, open every day except for Sunday.

I hope to see everyone come back everyday, and just practice for 30 minutes. It only takes up 30 minutes of your 24 hours a day. I don't see why you come back and practice just for that short while.
And when you come for extra practices, please write your name at the whiteboard in front of the band room, attendance will be taken. For those who can't be bothered to come back for extra practices. We will see what to do with you.

For your information, we have exactly 23 more days to SYF. today is the 20th of March.
Everyone, this is the last lap, come on, We will, we can get what we want.

John Boyd Session 2

Today, before Dr John Boyd came.
And Chien Teng was trying to run through the March pieces.
You people were talking NON-STOP.
non-stop.
The same when Shawn was doing warm-ups.
You guys didn't bother to listen to him and all your warm-ups were played like rubbish.

We are disappointed in the band.
Here we are, Have you guys even that feeling of RESPECT towards your majors, seniors, or even Mr Chiang?
You people better reflect on what you have done.
We have only 3 weeks left.
And this is the shit you guys are giving us.

When Dr Boyd came later in the afternoon, it wasn't any better too.
Although when he came, you guys were slightly quieter,

Trumpet section, you guys very well know how badly you conduct was today.
For goodness sake, when Dr Boyd was talking to you.
you guys didn't even have the manners to SIT UP AND LOOK AT THE PERSON WHO IS TALKING TO YOU.
MOST OF YOU WERE LOOKING AT THE FLOOR.
FOR WHAT?

On the floor got the Gold with Honours medal that we will get for SYF is it?
On the floor got Dr John Boyd is it?
On the floor got your bloody scores is it?

And the WHOLE BLOODY SECTION WAS TALKING TALKING AND TALKING.
Trumpets, do you know that you are the weakest section in the entire band?
You have only 3 more weeks.
Isn't it time to wake up and realised what all of you are doing is entirely
pure
shit?

trumpets, go reflect on yourselves.

And for the rest of the band.
Don't think you did very well either.
Even though you hardly made any noise.
Your body language gave you away.
Yes trombone section, i am talking about you.

When Mr Chiang or Dr Boyd asks you to play only 1 section of a song.
You play that paticular section only.
AND DONT CARRY ON.
And when Mr Chiang stops.
you STOP.
Either you don't have eyes to look at people or you are just plain attention-seeking.


We are disappointed in today's band prac.

3 more weeks

Friendly reminder to all MSSB-ers.

There is only 3 weeks.

repeat

3 More weeks

to SYF.
I hope everyone will feel the rush and know how to set our priorities right.
Anyone who is absent for these practices during the 3 weeks
Their participation for SYF will be seriously considered.

As Mr Chiang already said.
PRACTICE.

I expect the best 100% from everyone.
If not, better

Cleaning "rules"

Duty Roster Rules of the Band Room

The section on duty is responsible for:

- CLEARING ALL LITTER IN THE BAND ROOM

- Returning all instrumental accessories and TUNERS to respective QM’s and places.

- Returning all section files and scores to the respective places.

- Ensuring the STATE OF CLEANLINESS of the band room.

- Stacking chairs according to SECTION, eg. 1 stack of chairs for trumpets, another stack for clarinets, etc. Each stack of chairs should be at the SL’s seat to avoid confusion of arrangement of band room. Each section’s stands should be AROUND the stack of chair per section.

- If unsure of the numbers of people in a section, the numbers per section will be written on the white board.

Punishments for the section on duty if duty is not properly carried out

- 1 piece of litter found on the floor = 5 pumps

- 1 on any file found stand = 5 pumps

- Messy arrangement of chairs and stands = 5 pumps

- Any chair not stacked up = 1 pump

- Anyone on section duty who does not stay back = 30 pumps

TO SUMMARISE:

- ABSOLUTELY NO LITTER should be seen after band practices.

- FOOD IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE BAND ROOM

- Valve oil, tuners, etc MUST BE RETURNED to appropriate places or to QM’s.

- NO files should be seen on stands after band practices.

- Chairs to be arranged neatly.

- Cleaning up will not need to be done on Saturdays where there is alumni practice OTHERWISE informed. On weekdays, THIS PROCESS SHOULD BE DONE AUTOMATICALLY.

- THE SECTION ON DUTY AND THE SECTION WHERE A PIECE OF LITTER IS FOUND WILL BE PUMPED.

IF MORE THAN 5 PIECES OF LITTER OR 3 FILES ARE FOUND, THE SECTION IN CHARGE WILL RE-DO THE DUTY FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

John Boyd Session 1

I must say,
i was quite impressed, or VERY impressed with your behavior today during the session.
You guys were well behaved.
And had great discipline.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK mssb!

If we have good discipline, we are quickly on our way to Gold with Honours.

Singapore Youth Festival 2007

Only 4 WEEKS away!

Come on everyone, lets work hard for what we want!
4 more weeks!

6 more weeks

Special thanks to Ken, for editing.
Well, if you can't see what it says: Maris Stella High Band. 2007 : Gold with Honours.
I really hope to see that, and i am sure all of you want it too.
But you guys know we have to work hard for it.
Very Hard

Only 6 weeks more to SYF, everyone please buck up and take the initiative to have sectionals even when it is not a band day.

We can do it. GO MSSB!

United

The main big problem with our band now, as I see it. Is how we are very much 'distant' from each other. People only keep to their sections and hardly talk to others.
Well, obviously i would like to see you guys bond more with each other and well.

If you guys talk to each other, get to know each other better. Make friends, you can talk more and understand each another.
I don't like a band where, people keep to their own.
I'm also trying to make an effort to get to know you guys better.

Lets all try,
together

Next Prac

Everyone is to be reminded that the next band practice after your CA1 break is on the 3rd of March, which is on a Saturday at 8 am.
As usual, try to come a little early like 7.50 to warm up/tune etc.

Only 1 more month to SYF, hope everyone does their best and go all out!
All the best for CA1's.




Xing Hao

A few important announcements

If you have not listened to the recording, please approach Chien Teng and Fredy for the password.

Also, to make some final clarifications regarding auditions. Failing this first round DOES NOT MEAN that you are cut from SYF entirely. There are subsequent Appeal auditions that are conducted (more than once). SO if you fail this round, you are still expected to come for band practices, to self practice to raise your chances of passing the next round (or next few rounds) of audition. If you intend not to practice, it is entirely up to your own decision. Whether you have the intention to contribute to the band in SYF is also entirely up to your own decision. If you want to pass, you can make it happen. Note that ALL member's chances of passing are equal. Just because you are a senior does not mean that you will definitely pass. If you are a sec 4 but play like a sec 1, we will treat your results like a sec1's playing. So whether you pass or fail is entirely within your control. Do not blame others, be it the judges, peers, seniors, juniors or whoever for failing the audition. You do not blame anyone for failing an examination but yourself. The effort you put in will show through the audition. Another point of clarification to be made: Just because your section is lousy DOES NOT increase your chances of passing. Even if only 2 people in your section deserve to be passed, only 2 will pass. So don't think that being in a lousy section is good. You are just deluding yourself.

Please buck up. There is not much time left.

Please go to alumni blog to DL the recordings for exchange. Alumni blog's link is on the right of this blog. Please visit and DL off there. You will not be able to download it here.

Email or MSN chien teng/fredy for the password. You will need the password to view the file.

Chien Teng: flautisms@hotmail.com
Fredy: grantedwish@hotmail.com

Fredy does not want this mp3 to be circulated/distributed/put on websites for DL. So please do not do it, and do not tell strangers the password to the download link in the alumni blog too.

We have a way to track the file to see if you have circulated the file. So if we find out that you circulated it to others, we will deal with you heavily.

For more details, contact Fredy.

JUDGES COMMENTS ON EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

SUNRISE

- Maybe they were too nervous, but must fix the entrances of notes at beginning till figure 4

- Good woodwind tone (better than lower brass)

- Can’t hear clarinets at Figure 18, and most places they are too soft to hear, whereas flutes can be heard throughout

- Brass always seems shaky when they enter

---

- Tone in lower brass not very consistent

- Very nice saxes tone (probably could be darker still)

- Intonation for flutes in the soli section tends to be flat

- Moving bass line drowned the trumpet soli

- Band tone turns muffled due to balance

---

- Tuning at trumpets was bad

- Horn and trombone solo need more work

- Sax ensemble needs more work in harmony

- Long notes needs care

- Flute pitch not perfect

- Good flute solo

- Attack of notes need more clarity

- Pay attention to dynamic contrast, pp p mp mf f ff

- Ending needs more excitement

---

- Timpani rhythm on the quavers – be steady!

- 1^st clarinet and flute melody need more clarinetists to support

- Brasses sounds are trapped on stage

---

- Brilliant solo at Figure 4

- Some intonation problems in the horns and flutes

- Brilliant flute solo

- Trombone needs to be more projected during ensemble playing

WITH HEART AND VOICE

- Flute section to play like the 1^st flautist in terms of phrasing

- Clarinets sounded dubious

- Get brass to play a more solid / thicker tone a f and ff, and everything will improve

- Nice interpretation

---

- Great opening

- Careful of brass articulation (tends to be quite harsh)

- Great flute solo!

- Articulation in lower brass needs more tone in the fast section

- Flute solo was great but tends to be flat

---

- Trumpet and Eupho section needs more extra hard work

- Needs more practice to improve sound

- Tenor voices (tenor sax / bari / trombone) needs more clarity

- Bass clarinet sounded rough

---

- More air support needed for trumpet

- Articulation could be clearer for the clarinets during the fast passage

---


As we can all see, although we sounded good, there is much room for improvement. To the untrained ear, we do sound good, but judges of SYF are not going to be untrained ears. They are going to be more strict compared to those judges at the band exchange. So if you think our standard is good enough, you are wrong. PLEASE WORK HARDER!!!

From now on, please treat every practice seriously. Your utmost concentration is needed. Rules will be carried out by the book and there will be no negotiation. So PLEASE give us your fullest cooperation unless you really love to be punished.

Do not be late for next practice. WEDNESDAY. 31/1/07, 2.30pm. You will be given more details on the upcoming audition. Please ask Mr Chiang if you are unsure about any details. I am not the one who came up with the audition details. Just work hard and do your best, you won't need to worry. Good luck!

Chien Teng

Maris Stella Symphonic Band
(special announcement)

To all main band members,

There will be an audition for the Singapore Youth Festival 2007 on 3^rd February 2007, Saturday. Those who fail the audition will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming SYF in April.

Below will be the desired instrumentation number for SYF.

Flute: 3
Clarinet: 9
Sax: 4
Trumpet: 5
French Horn: 4
Trombone: 3
Euphonium: 3
Tuba: 4
Percussion: 6

*For Double Reeds or Double Bass player who fails the audition, will not be allowed to go for SYF. A substitute instrument will be placed to replace the part.

Those who fail the audition will NOT be joining for FULL BAND practices but instead will go for OWN INDIVIDUAL Practice during band practices. NO members are to SKIP any band practices during this period of time. ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS of the band APPLY during these practices.

We will conduct an “Appeal Audition” (for members who have failed) after every single band practices. Members are ONLY to come for Appeal Audition if they think that they are well prepared. Members will be joining for the FULL BAND practices ONLY after they have passed the Appeal Audition.

The SYF Auditioning Team

- Details of Audition -

Date: 3^rd February 2007
Venue: Band Room
Auditioning Team: Mr Lin
Mr Chiang
Fredy
Chien Teng
Audition pieces: Set and Choice Pieces + Basics

All members will receive score and comments sheet from the auditioning team after the audition session.