Guides to friendly usage of the site

1. NO offensive stuffs in blog
2. NO disclaimings
3. NO spamming
4. Songs are for leisure listening only and NOT for sharing of files
5. ALL GYSB members are allowed to put up posts on the blog. Do feel free to share your views or anything you wish to say or blog about.
Send your messages via e-mail to myeband@hotmail.com and we will put it up ASAP.

Monday, December 31, 2007
- - A Not Very Happy New Year - -
Hey people. What an unglamorous way to start a new year. Nonetheless, here’s my message. I’m not sure which category this message has to be put but I just want this to be read so I’ll post on the main page at the "serious stuffs" place.

People, this blog was a good idea. And a great effort. Everything was alright, were people come in and show that they visit the site. Songs, clips, announcements, pictures and all. Nice design, and everything. My perception of this entire blog from the start was a place where everyone can not only know about announcements and stuffs, but also share their views and opinions about the things that happened to the band family. We will not know what one another in the family is thinking about if no one bothers to speak up and share their views freely. I didn’t know that the Primary aim was to only allow leaders to make announcements and or get names of participants or things like that. Well, yes this CAN be a mean of access to spreading or collecting of information but I don’t think this should be the sole or official way of making announcements, for a very simple reason, we will never know if the information reaches the desired recipients or not. Well, just like this post, I will not know if every single one in the band will be able to read this, or even, bother to read it. If I were to make an urgent and important announcement here, for example: “I will not be teaching in GYSB this year.” Or “ Those who are unable to go for Kashiwa Concert is supposed to send me an sms to state the reason.” And things like that, the whole band will not receive the information in the first place. What about people without internet access? Or people who do not bother about band stuffs? Well, yeah most of you will say, the leaders will call SLs to inform their members, etc etc.. First thing, you sure all the information will arrive to each person that’s being called up? Next, will everyone really be contactable?

Look kids, it’s not that I do not trust you guys or anything. But please be a little less rigid. I’m working hard here to make people feel at home with the band. And you guys start complaining to Rebecca about tagboard misuse, about people’s important posts being pushed downwards, and all these. Do you know that the “misuse” of the tagboard shows that this blog is active? Look at its state now? I mean, after complaints, when action is being taken, you see how people turn away? Now this blog doesn’t seem the way I thought it would seem. Well, maybe I was wrong from the start. Maybe that’s the initial purpose of the blog. A serious place for Holy messages and information to be announced and passed and publicized. Well, if it is really so, then my suggestion is, make your design less homely. The design is great, cartoons and colours, but if it’s suppose to match a serious business setting, it drives a wrong message across, cos I for once perceived this place as a fun place to get to members whose MSN accounts I do not have, or who barely talks to me alone on msn. Well, sorry then, it seems it’s my bad, for thinking that this is what I thought it is. I’m just me, Jasen How, Instructor of the band. Just like Mr Ong and Mr Goh. Simple as that. And Mr Lim and whoever else it may be, they are the teachers-in-charge. And like Rebecca, Fadhil, Desmond, Robin, Jaslyn, Teressa, Bjorn, Josiah, David, etc are the Alumni of the band. That’s it. And the rest of you, the members of the band. Why can’t everyone just focus more on getting things done than getting status and names? You don’t have to be a librarian to help out in the library. You don’t have to be an instructor to help to teach the members. You don’t have to be a Major to ask someone to stop from making further mistakes. We need to get things done. We need to help one another. Why doesn’t ANYONE get this message at all? I shall say it again. I HATE and I’m going to emphasize HATE, “H-A-T-E” politics and such things. This is a school, not a company. We TEACH one another, and we LEARN from one another. Not lecture or scold or complain or bitch or curse or swear. So listen up kids. If I’m too tough for any SINGLE one of you to handle, show it to me. So I will take my leave. And let you people do what you think best deserves the School. If this society continues to run the school as if it was a corporate company, I suggest you get your bags packing and migrate to somewhere else cos there will soon be no future for Singapore. People, STOP BITCHING, START TEACHING. It is only through teachings that people learn. Not complaining about stuffs to others behind people’s back. That’s called bitching. And I do not like people who bitch about others. You’ve got a problem, be brave enough to come up front and speak it out with your own mouth. Just like what Sweehan did to Chun Heng on the tagboard. That’s called settling a problem. The only flaw in this confrontation is that Sweehan’s main motive was not to solve a problem, but to challenge and vent frustration. People, start to learn that there are some things that will get us nowhere. Be more capable. Learn to SOLVE problems like what Rebecca does. Everytime there’s a problem, she thinks of ways to solve it. And not just, make a fuss out of it or find someone to point fingers at. You guys are still kids, and if you’re not going to learn how to handle small problems and SOLVE them now, you’ll become horrible when you grow older.

Every action comes a reaction. The blog was finally made known to the members. And yeah, some members enjoyed the new facility and probably did something that the facility owner didn’t intend or would prefer not to happen. Didn’t it occur to you that it was probably unintentional? I give you an example: Have you seen how fascinated some kids are when to go to a fast food restaurant and sees a little playground with slides and tunnels and all? What do they do? They start playing with it, and start running about, yelling and making noise and scream their excitement out. And some will even get so high, they might keep stomping on the slide as if there was a cockroach that never seemed to be able to die unless you stomp a hundred times. Hey, now, if these kids were around 4 to 6 years old, and a guy in a police uniform walks up to them as tells them “hey, get down and stop yelling and jumping or I’ll have to take you with me to the station.” As compared to a smiling lady of the restaurant going up to tell them “hi little boy, is it fun? Is it correct? I’m glad you enjoy yourself. But why not you try to make a little less noise so that the other uncles and aunties eating in the restaurant will not become angry.” Now tell me, considering that the child understands the intent, which will leave a scarier mark in his memory? Which approach will cause him to not want to go back to play EVER again?
TEACH. That’s the point I’m driving at. Some people take a longer time to learn, well, so be patient and teach again. Patience is what makes a teacher an Educator.

Everyone needs another person to be their mirror once in a while. Don’t be overly affected by what others comment about you, any of you. The most upfront comments would be the ones that best reflects the consequences of our actions. There are many reflections that each one of us will create. Different people will reflect to us different things. The point is to be able to be OPEN to criticisms that are constructive. There’s a difference when someone comes up to you and says “Hey, You Suck!” and “Hey, you Suck, because bla bla bla….” The first one, you can ignore. The second one is the one you think about. No one is perfect. If we are not able to admit to our mistakes, or if we do not know how to be humble and learn from others as well even when we’re not in the wrong, if we think that we’re the greatest and the best already and everyone else will not be able to come up with better suggestions, that’s the day we fall, rock bottom. No matter how great we are or will be, learn to listen to others’ opinions and suggestions and analyze from there. They might not always be right, but they will definitely have a point.

Hey, look. People, I’m here to make a statement, to drive some senses, to hopefully try me best to reflect on the situation now. If any of you can’t take the content of this post, or take this post the wrong way, there’s nothing I can do but to say sorry. Cos I meant well, and if you choose to take this the wrong way, I can’t help it. If all of us can’t work things out, we’ll simply have to end everything and flush all the efforts of every single one in building a stronger family down the drain. If there’s still a little love in you, if there’s still a little sense in you, if you think you are benevolent enough to step up and give way and work things out THE RIGHT WAY, and not show that you are pissed and doing unwillingly, then sort things back on track, before it’s too late.
The tagboard incident, in my opinion, there are people who are right and wrong. But I think some of you guys are still unable to openly face criticism and will be agitated and do stupid or childish things to show your disapproval, so I’m not going to set my opinion on that issue. I just hope things will work out. Don’t be such a princess anymore. The world doesn’t owe you guys anything. Work things out like a grown up and solve your problems professionally, not the kiddy way.

This will probably be my last post, since it seems that those who hide behind and keep out of the way are the ones that are out of trouble. Thank you Desmond, for trying to calm the fight between the people. Goodbye guys. Till we meet or speak again.

Regards,
Jasen

[--_guangyang-^BAND--]
we are ONE band! 12:23 PM


Friday, December 28, 2007
- - To My R.O.D. Personnel 2007 - -
Alright, so here goes. It’s a little late for me to post this now but I’ve had a great time this Christmas. Thanks for inviting me to the gathering. Here’s what I’d like to say. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely happy that day. I think I’ve already told some of you. But here’s where I’ll make it public.
It was a great outing; the games, the sun, the sand, the sea, the lost aero-ring, the dog-and-bone, the David Copperfield blooper, the broken rugby wing, the “wHOLE” incidents, etc. It was alright. It was fun and laughter. But I knew deep inside me, lurking somewhere, hides the truth that I already knew was coming, existed, and will eventually surface; It was going to be goodbye to another group of friends that I’ve made over the years in band. R.O.D.s, yes I know you guys will return when you guys are free, I know you will miss the band as much as the band misses most of you, but it will not be as often as before. And it probably wouldn’t last long too.

We all have to bid our goodbyes. Every beginning will come to an end. And every ending brings about a new beginning. My presence and role in GYSB stay on. But it’s your time to move on. I’m happy that all of you are moving on to the next stage of life, where you’ll meet new friends, have new things to do, a new chapter of your life begins. It’s just hard to say goodbye, especially when you’ve grown to love the school, or the band. But it will come to you the same way it comes to me every year. For the years that I’ve been teaching, this feeling has always been present every time at this period of the year, where a batch of students graduate and that each of them will lead different lives from here on, and will somehow lose some friends or even just, lose some strength in the bonds, cos it will be harder to meet up when each goes their separate ways, no matter how hard we try, it will not be the same as the days where all of you studied in the same school, share the same CCA, and walk out the same gate. You know that I will miss most of you. I’m not trying to be emo here or anything, but I just want you guys to know, all of you have been great students, great friends, and I truly respect you and sincerely wish that you will become somebody great in your own future. No need to be big, but just someone great, where people around you will respect and honour the things you do, and salute and commend your achievements. I sincerely give you all the salute. The contributions all of you have made, big or small, have made the band become what it is now, somehow or rather. Sometimes, you’ll never really know how much you mean to someone else. Sometimes you might think you’re just nobody, but to someone else, you ARE somebody, someone they look up to. And that’s the greatness I wish for all of you to be able to attain.

It was still inevitable for me to feel sad inside me, though it wasn’t shown on my face on that day. I know I shouldn’t feel negative or sad. And it’s a bit absurd to some. But you’ll soon understand what I mean. There are things I can’t blog here. All I can say is, the memories built with all of you R.O.D.s will forever stay within me. I’ve kept a place in my heart for all the great students that I will get to meet and make friends with and work with and grow to respect and love. This place is where you guys belong. Our memories will be kept there.

You guys will all be moving ahead, taking the next step forward in your lives. If any of you R.O.D.s 2007 ever get lost or feel insecure, you’ll know that the band will always be there ready to lend you a helping hand to give you the warmth you need.

I think it’s time to let you guys know this: There is a 5th House in the band. The house name, Alma, Spanish word for Soul, which is the 5th element that completes the planet, is represented by a Polar Bear. The House Colour will be RED, representing Love. The 5th Element, Soul, sometimes known as Heart, actually completes our band, where GREEN GAIA HOUSE represents “Earth”, YELLOW YOSHI HOUSE represents “Fire”, SILVER SQUALL HOUSE represents “Wind”, BLUE BARACHOIS HOUSE represents “Water”; the 4 other elements. I hope our band will stay together, complete, forever, no matter where we are on this planet, no matter what we will become in the future, we’ll always remember our Alma Mater, our friends, and our memories.

Guys, R.O.D.s, this will be the last time I’ll call you that, cos from 2008 onwards, you guys are considered Alumni of the band. Guys, my most sincere love and wishes go to EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, wishing you the best that you can become. Your future shines ahead, so go forth and reach for it to the fullest. All the best to your future endeavours, and may music continue to share the journey of life with you.

Love Always,
Paps.

[--_guangyang-^BAND--]
we are ONE band! 2:14 AM


Sunday, December 23, 2007
- - - -
Concert Etiquette Lesson

Hi GYSB cubs,
Thank you for your support in SparksWinds Concert. I hope you all will enjoy the concert as much as I enjoyed practicing for it. I can’t guarantee THE BEST of the concert but I can assure you OUR BEST in the performance and I hope to be able to move you all with the music as the music did for us.

Being the first concert for most of you, I would like to share with you some concert etiquettes. Meaning, the Do’s and Don’t’s as a concert audience. As you are all young musicians, it’s best that you learn concert manners so that people will know that you guys have courtesy to respect the performance and the rest of the audience. Just like not chewing loudly on popcorn during movies, there are things that are best not to do while watch band concerts.

1. Switch all beeping devices to silent mode. (this one needs no explanation)
2. Please refrain from clapping until the end of the song, even when soloists stand up to finish playing their solos in the middle of the song. Many do not know this, especially non-musicians, but it’s considered impolite. So reserve your emotions and applauses till the end of the music.
3. Erm.. the next one I don’t think it will happen but just in case (cos I’ve seen some people doing it) It’s a Band Concert, not Ah Mei’s concert or anything like that… So please be seated and refrain from jumping around your seats. Plus, no food allowed in the auditorium, so don’t go munching away on Chips or Popcorn. Thank You. =?
4. Try not to get over excited and cheer too loudly or overboard, especially those seating among the Circle Seats as VIPs and Guests are seated there as well. Those seated in the Circle Seats will be required to have a little more self-control. Remember, it’s not a Superstar Concert, it’s a Band Concert. (Don’t forget you guys are wearing something that shows where you are from. I think it’s best not to spoil/humiliate the name that we try so hard to build?) Thank You.

I think that is the main few. I suppose the rest of the basic stuffs are quite clear cut. And, for some, there are things you can do when you spend the $$$ to watch a concert. I hope you guys are not there to support anyone cos that would be a waste of money. My intention for recommending you all to go watch more band concerts is for you all to learn from the performers and performance from an audience point of view. Being young musicians, you should be able to appreciate the rights and wrongs of a concert. Good or bad things played/did by a band are also learning points for each individual one of you. How you feel as an audience will also probably be how your audience will feel in future. Paying attention to:
- how each section/instrument sounds
- the techniques that can be done on each instrument
- the level of teamwork within a section, being able to play as a section or not
- the general flow and expression and reaction of the band with the conductor and the music
- the music and how the music is written, how melodies are passed around, how each section gives way to one another or not, and how counter-melodies are being written, how phrases are expressed, etc.
There are just so much to learn from a performance. I really hope you will make your trip worthwhile by learning from the good things that are being displayed, and also learn from other people’s mistakes and note to see if you or your band makes similar mistakes as well. Nothing beats a live performance and witnessing it with your own ears and eyes life. Feel how the music reaches or does not reach the audience. Listen to the message and emotions that the music is trying to deliver to you. Bask in the beauty of the music that is written and being expressed. Listen as a constructive Critic as to what you think is nice and not nice and why you like or do not like certain parts. Let the music get into you and work its way around you and all. Good Luck. I’ve once seen a line and I quote: “Without Music, Life is a Journey Through the Desert.” I’ve walked out of the Desert and into the Beauty of Nature of Music, have you? I hope you’ll find the beauty that music can bring, and to be able to spread and share this beauty to the rest that are still caught up in the Desert. Music is the ONLY Common Language that brings Humanity together. There’s no Human Race that does not have the existence of Music. So speak the language of the World. (But don’t forget to study your own language as well.) =)

Some things above might be too absurd to most of you now, but you’ll understand one day. Enjoy and Take Care.

Loves,
Paps

[--_guangyang-^BAND--]
we are ONE band! 8:07 AM



- - - -
Specially dedicated to all dearest Babies of GYSB:

Hi Everybody! With a glance, 2007 is drawing to a close. This is probably my 2nd message to all babies yea! Pardon me for that. The followings are a few things I wish to address to all.

As far as I’m concern, it has broadened my perspective on the happenings in band this year. To be fair, I would only comment on the period after the investiture, as that is the time where I’m appointed as GYSB VAL. Needless to say I’ve learnt and understood the procedure of school bands / running the band management system etc as taught by MOE-CCAB during the appointment.

Year 2007 (2nd half year): Firstly, We have newly appointed EXCO for year 2008 and most importantly newly appointed main conductor Mr. Jasen How. As we can see changes are taking place in the band as managed by Mr. How and our Teachers I/c: Mr. Eugene Lim & Mr. Mark. Changes taking place started from EXCO departments/ positions. E.g. Majors, Library, Welfare, QM etc…(the rest is more on OJT=On-Job-Training) As these changes takes place so does the concern falls on the band such as attendance etc.

Honestly speaking, we should be glad to have even conductor being concern about members’ welfare and attendance beside teachers. I have seen many conductors in my band years since 1993 till today, I only seen conductors coming to conduct band practice/performance (be it the band strength falls to 13…worse that I can remember), collect $$$ and go. Even as a student in BWSS, my conductorssss come and go. Only till the merging and back in this year, its my only time I’ve seen a concerning conductor that is willing to spend his OWN time, “blood”, “sweat” and CASH to bring this lovely group of u- GYSB Babies to concerts, joining in outings, taking initiative to even provide FREE tuition, getting 3-4hrs of sleep during camp to prepare for day-to-day activities etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc for his precious BABIES of GYSB. Sometime, it makes me wonder why does one have to sacrifice SOOOO MUCH and go to such extreme? Is it worth it? Was it because of the passion and love of the band? Was it because of $$$? If its $$$, there are many opportunities outside where one can just come and go also got $$$ to take…volunteering to provide support in ACADEMIC area, plan for camp, GOING THE EXTRA MILES etc is one that we won’t be able to thank enough.

***NOTE: THIS IS NOT TO FLATTER THE CONDUCTOR BUT FOR YOU ALL OUR DEAREST BABIES TO APPRECIATE WHO AND WHAT YOU HAVE NOW BEFORE YOU REGRET (if anything happens) WHEN ITS TOO LATE. I ENVY ALL OF YOU FOR ALL THE TEACHERS AND CONDUCTORS U HAVE…THINKING OF THE DISASTER TIME I WENT THROUGH IN THE PAST…. PLEASE HEED MY ADVICE AND I DON’T WISH ANYONE OF YOU TO BE IN MY “SHOE!”

Secondly, the recent camp from 10-14Dec. A big thank you to all babies for braving through this camp be it rain or shine. I have received lots of thanks be it I’m told to pass to Mr. How, Fadhil and myself. I need all of you to know and understand, the camp is EVERYONE’S EFFORT…not just the 3 of R.O.D, teachers and us. Without all of your cooperation, do you think we can follow as plan? The camp has indeed been successful (excluding the few negative happenings). Some of you maybe aware of the happenings in camp, but nevertheless it has been resolved and please leave the past behind and MOVE ON. I’m sure Fadhil, myself and Mr. How will be with you guys as much as you all need us in band and academic area. Please, please, please study hard and band will be a place to relax and LETS BUILD THE BAND ROOM INTO A COMFORT AND COSY PLACE FOR STUDY AND FREETIME since u all the FORTUNATE babies have DVD player and games personally bought by Mr. How (more like MindsCafe…. a place in Clarke Quay for games relaxation etc) In this note, I would like to say thank you on behalf to Justin Ong, Koh Jia Wei, Wong Zhi Jun, Louise, Ming Wei, BP, Majorettes for their endless cooperation and effort in their duties and sportsmanship to spur their peers on (as observed by teachers as well). For our dearest sick babies in camp, I’m glad that you all endured throughout the camp and some even cried having to be asked to go home. We understand your feeling and love at that moment to be with the band, but please understand the situation should the higher authorities need to face the circumstances should your sickness get worse. Happy to see all sick babies returning on the last day of camp to be with all for the graduation party.

Lastly, thank you to our R.O.D for their attendance and help throughout the camp. All your presence has made the atmosphere a joyous and memorable one filled with laughters!!!!! Of course not forgetting our dearest R.O.D for kidnapping my POOH on a fateful night…they know who they are…HOHOHO…

My heartfelt gratitude to the following personnels for their endless love and contribution made to the band in every aspect till today.

· Teachers i/c: Mr. Eugene Lim, Mr. Mark & Ms Irene Ng
· Main Conductor: Mr. Jasen How
· Assistant Conductors: Mr. Wilson Ong & Mr. Goh Kim Seng
· Alumni / Gimmick Master: Fadhil
· R.O.D
· GYSB Babies for cooperation
· Bryan, Brandon, Joshua and all alumni of GYSB for their support during their return and
· All who made this year a wonder 2007 in GYSB!

For the year 2008, I wish EVERYONE from GYSB a fruitful year ahead and let’s strive together for the BEST in everything. Study Hard Babies and may all your future shines ahead. IMPT GOAL: SYF 2008!!!!!!!!! ALL THE BEST, DEAREST BABIES. You guys Rawks!!!!!!

A note for all:

SUCCESS is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to SUCCEED!

Loves & Hugs
Rebecca

[--_guangyang-^BAND--]
we are ONE band! 5:21 AM


Friday, December 21, 2007
- - - -

MESSAGE TO THE FAMILY

To: My Precious Band Babies

Hi all. It’s been a tiring band camp last week. 5 days and soooo many things happened. Good or Bad, we learn from each incident. I’m extremely contented this time cos more than 90% of you were cooperating very closely throughout the camp; participating in all the events planned for you. I’m sorry for some logistic issues like, the food and safety throughout the camp. I did my best to make sure it was best for you all. The food issue is entirely my bad. I gave the trust and did not double check that all was going as planned. Do forgive me.

The objectives of the band camp were:
to introduce all the new systems and procedures into the band
to build better understanding and teamwork between members
to train members to a higher level or competency
to teach basic drills and displays
to prepare for SYF Assessment 2008 and Sec.1 Orientation 2008
to make sure everyone enjoys themselves

Looking at the objectives and the feedbacks, I believe the Alumni, Teachers and Instructors have did their best to meet all the objectives as best as possible, failing only for a few members. As the feedback suggests, some found that bonding was not being nurtured for them throughout this camp, some found a few of the trainings a waste of time. Nevertheless, a majority have benefited from this camp. Close friends got closer, strangers became friends. I would like to commend the efforts of a few members and I think many of you would agree to my compliments. There are a few people I would like to highlight for their efforts throughout this term that has contributed selflessly to the band. I’m very touched by the love and sacrifice these people have given to the band and I think they ought to be mentioned. I’ve noticed that more and more have joined in to learn to give, and that’s a very good sign. To give without seeking any rewards in return is the highest level of true love, and in this case, the love for the family, for OUR family.

- The Majorettes, Eilene, Shari and Angeline, have been receiving all the lectures and punishments on behalf of the band and the committee for the past months and they’ve never complaint. On top of which, they still love all the members and protect everyone as best as they can, never failing to motivate those that are demoralized and thinking of more things to contribute to make life in band and thru the camp easier for everyone.


- The Library Department, for doing their best to get the messy Library back in place and with as little complaint as they could every give. Trust me, the library was in a much worse state than it is now. They’ve done a lot and are still doing more to get the mess in order.


- Swee Han, for setting up the wonderful blog where she had to keep improving and altering to meet superior standards and to make it a much more fun place to be. Apparently many of the bandsmen has made the tagboard as though it was MSN. She’s never voiced any complaints and has been doing her best to get everything in place for the convenience of everyone.

- Ming Wei, for his never-ending help in sustaining the Welfare Department. Keeping everything in place in the cupboards and making sure that everyone’s welfare is taken care of throughout the band practices and during the camp. I’ve never seen a more pro-active person than him in my years of teaching. I salute his endless care and concern for the welfare of the members.

- Louise, for her selfless nursing of the members throughout the band camp. I believe everyone, sick or healthy, would agree with me that she’s been a very respectable nurse during the camp. Being the assistant welfare officer, she’s done more than I’ve expected her to do and she deserves my most sincere salute as well. This year, I personally feel that the Welfare Department has done a lot of contribution to the members of the band. Good Job!

- The EXCO (Executive Committee) and the SLs (Section Leaders) for spreading the care and love to the juniors and the fellow members of the GYSB family. Without your cooperation, the camp would not have been as fun as it was.

- The R.O.D. (Release Of Duties) Personnel for helping me out in running the camp and being my extended self. You guys have all the respect I can give, for sharing your love and giving your cooperation to run this camp. Loves.

- And of course, the members, for being actively participating in the activities planned for you. In particular, I’m glad and thankful towards Justin Ong, Wong Zhi Jun, and Koh Jia Wei, for being a great sport in this camp than you guys usually were, and for your cooperation in the camp. Particularly to Zhi Jun’s contribution in the B.P. (Breakfast Party). I’m impressed.

- Last but not least, Rebecca and Fadhil, for ALL the help and tolerance in planning, organizing and running this camp, from DAY 1 of planning back in October, till the last day of camp. And also for the motivation and encouragement you gave me along the way. Thank you.

- Not to forget, the teachers, Mr Lim, Mr Mark and Ms Irene Ng, for sacrificing their time with their family to be with us throughout the 5 days camp, making it such an enjoyable one for all the band members who were present. I believe that if they know how much the members enjoyed the band camp and how many missed the camp and wished for similar camps, they would know that their efforts and sacrifices for the GYSB family have not gone to waste.

- And of course, to Mr Goh Kim Seng and Mr Wilson Ong, for taking time off their schedules to be at the camp to provide assistance in the training and allowing the members to be able to take their playing abilities to a higher level.

That should be pretty much it. I hope I didn’t leave out anyone.
The next year approaches and it’ll be a new beginning for everyone. I hope you’ll continue to spread the love and care that we built up throughout the years in band, and even when you graduate. The new members will come in and will need as much motivation and encouragement as they can get when they first handle the instruments. I hope that there will be less dropping out rate next year and we’ll all be able to come as a team and graduate as the team. We try our best to LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. Do try to encourage one another at times. And what we can first help is, to help one another in the academic studies. We can guide one another to help improve in our studies so there will be less complains from parents to ask for their child to quit band because of their results. And to you, my dear students, Studying and Participating in a CCA are 2 tasks that you are required to undertake and MANAGE. This is a learning process for you to pick up time management skills. Because in future, you will have to manage your Family, and Your Career, and some of you might also have to handle your Investments and Hobbies. That’s 4 things against 2 things now. And on top of which, your Parents will also be part of your concern as they grow old. If you choose to give up on your CCA because you can’t handle your studies, does it mean that you will give up your career if you can’t handle your Family in future? Or would you end up even giving up on looking after your family so that you can spend more time on your work? We have all got to learn to face obstacles and not give up on them. Besides, to be honest, it’s not about the QUANTITY of time you have to study that determines your results. It’s the QUALITY of each second you spend studying. Meaning, it’s not how much time you spend sitting by your books but what you REALLY do when you are sitting by your books. I can spend 1 hour sitting with a book and dream away, but i will still learn nothing as compared to someone who spends 1 minute really focusing on the topic. Learn to focus more on QUALITY TIME. That will help you manage your tasks better. I’m pretty sure that if you do not know how to achieve QUALITY TIME, even if I were to give you 24 hours more each day to study, you will have no difference as before. Be responsible to yourself. It’s your own future that you’re studying for. Your parents work hard to give you a good life, you have to try your best to take over from them and not focus 100% of your life on having fun. Suffer abit now for the 10 to 14 years of education and have a better life for the rest of your 50 to 70 years. Do you intend to enjoy now and suffer longer in future?? Think about it.

I hope to see that the band will grow in the coming years, not just in terms of band playing standard, but also your academic results. I wish to give out as many academic awards as possible to commend your good efforts. Feel free to come to anyone in the band family for help. Rebecca, Fadhil and I will do our best to help you academically as we can. And I believe your fellow band members can help you out if you approach them. We are a family, let’s help one another become better. Let’s build a healthy family name for others to envy. Okie?

Take Care, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may you spread the love you have to your family and loved ones. Cheers!

Loves,
Stick Waver.