2011 SYF GWH! :)

Hey stringers,
SYF is around the corner. In fact, it's in approximately 30 days' time, which is quite soon. I know Mr Chan has extolled us for our efforts yesterday at Republic Polytecnic. I really hope that we would not be too self-conceited with the compliments given and let our guards down, being complacent and all.
I know Mr Chan compared us to the other orchestra, saying we were generally better than them. However, do remember that our pieces are comparatively easier as compared to theirs, and we still have many details to work on. We might be 96% ready now, but we have to be 150%, or maybe even 200% ready during SYF. I know all of us have been working really hard since the beginning of the year, and seriously, I have seen a great improvement in our orchestra. Even so, I think there are still some of us who are not putting their hearts fully into this CCA. Have you really played your best during orchestra practice? Were you playing with all your heart? Have you given SNSO your all? Reflect on it.
Our goal for SYf '2011 is Gold with Honours. Two years back, we were utterly disappointed when we only clinched a Gold Award. I remember many of us cried when the judges announced the results. We expected more than just a Gold award. We wanted the Honours. My heart sank as I saw the disappointed faces of our seniors. I have to admit that it was a strenuous struggle preparing for SYF the other time, given that the pieces were extremely difficult, but eventually we managed to overcome this stumbling block and we played our best for SYF. Although we did not emerge as a GWH orchestra, but we know we had made our seniors and teachers proud. Only one school was awarded GWH and we could only console ourselves for not achieving GWH based on that reason. Many whites promised to do better for the next SYF, to achieve the GWH.
And that 'next syf', is the one happening in a month's time. Are we worthy enough to be announced as a GWH orchestra? Are we really up to standard already? We initiated daily recess practice so that you guys will practise together as a section, to practise together as a level, so that eventually we will be able to play together as ONE ORCHESTRA. Like what the teachers and seniors have said, our individuals may not play as well as players from orchestras of the elite schools, however, the advantage that we have over them, is that we are able to play together as one orchestra. Just as the saying goes, ' United we stand, divided we fall'. We are in a way interdependent on each other. Everybody has a role to play in this orchestra, everybody is of utmost importance and nobody is to be left out.
This is definitely going to be a long and gruelling journey. but I believe that as long as we put in our 100%, at the end of this, we'll be able to look back and smile, knowing that we have tried our best. This is the last 100m, and every nitty gritty detail does matter. Would you feel better if we were awarded a Gold and was only 2 or even 1 mark away from GWH or if we attained a Silver? If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the latter. I would feel so guilty knowing that if I had practised a little more we could have have achieved more. SO, stringers, I really hope that whatever I have mentioned has been able to move you to practise harder. Practise because you really want the GWH, because you really want to do it for the CCA and because you really LOVE this CCA so much that you'll do anything just to make sure we attain what we want to glorify it. Feel the music; play like you've never had before.

This has been a rather long post, but I really hope you guys know what I'm trying to convey. And don't be to offended alright. 良药苦口利于病，忠言逆耳利于行。Practise hard, for with faith, nothing is impossible. Juniors, if you guys have any difficulties come and approach us alright, we can talk things out. After all we're not that scary. Jiayou. I really love you guys! <3


Love your veepee.