Today was SIBF, the very first time that you guys are playing for RJCSB without me in the section. Before, i could always be the last guaranteed option, meaning i will tank the high and difficult parts, while covering all your parts, so that you guys will not be exposed during concerts by Mr Oura or during the actual performances themselves. I was really really worried at first when I heard that Mr Oura plans to play Macchu Picchu for SIBF. As we all know, this song is definitely many times harder than what we have played for Atempo XX. Also, the high parts for Macchu Picchu is really really high, something that i am really concerned with when i came to take you guys for sectionals during the June Holidays
Fast forward to today, 23rd July 2010, The Republic Cultural Centre at Republic Polytechnic, 5:55 ( plus minus 5 minutes ). That was the moment when i really saw how far you guys have come from the days when you will just hide behind the senior and play softly, hoping that the senior will play the notes correctly and that you will not be picked on. This was something that has happened before during my reign. There was one time when Mr Oura was taking some random trombone part on Slavia. I choked while breathing and stopped playing, and both of you just stopped playing as well, as though afraid to continue. I had hoped that both of you will be independent of me, and not take me for granted because there will be the day when i will not be there for you guys. Well,that day is today. People have always said that results dunt matter, and that it is the process that counts. Well, we live in a practical world and results will always be what we want and what we look for. However, what defines results is not whether you get a gold or a silver, but rather how much you have improved in that whole process while chasing your desired result. And as for that, I think that you have achieved the best results that you can ever achieve today.
To Xinyi: Well, you were the one that i am more worried about, not just because of the super duper hard parts but you have to play but also because of your responsibility as a SL and your mental well-being. Being a SL, as im sure you know very well, can be quite mentally exhausting, especially since you are the one who takes responsibility for the section and is the one that everyone will look to when the section is having difficulties. However, you have managed not to crack, at least not publicly, during this 'ordeal' for SIBF and that in itself is a fantastic achievement, on top of your success in playing the super hard parts for Macchu Picchu. Your determination to get those notes out right has been really admirable and i feel vindicated that i have made the right choice as a SL. A SL doesnt need to be very pro practically, but he/she needs to have determination and an iron-clad will to succeed. I may be very harsh on you at times during the June Sectionals, but i really do hope that you can succeed and be happy playing your instrument. AND CONGRATS ON THE GOLD WHOOTS
To Lin Jin: okayy, you must hate me for not making you SL:) but heyy, lets be honest lah, im really losing sleep over who to put as SL, and in the end, i just decided that perhaps xinyi has that x-factor that you have, but you didnt really show it :) okok,im not making much sense, but NVM. however, you have improved much as a player since i last heard you play when i took sectionals. I think that you will improve much more in the upcoming months as you get used to your doug yeo mouthpiece and play with a better tone. I really hope that you can continue the tradition of RJ trombone sections having solid bass trombone players.
To both: okay, first things first, CONGRATS FOR SIBF, you guys deserved it, whoots. So yeah, my prophecy has really come true. you have gone where your senior (aka me) have never gone before, which is to get gold for SIBF. If there is ever 1 true legacy that i left on this section, it is you 2 amazing juniors that i have, who will continue the vitality and virtuosity of the RJ trombone section(: if anyone can do it, its you two