Hi all,
1st of all, I want to really give my appreciation for the efforts that you guys did for the website. I would say it's pretty well done, But could we have a slightly bigger tagboard where we could see more messages?

It is a start, nevertheless.

As requested, I have added in (and hopefully have not missed out) all the band members names in the "The Players" section. Whether or not they own a blog. If they happen to have, then we'll just add in the links. =)

I did talk to some of you guys today after the band practice and apparently, one of our biggest concern is really the committment and attitude of the band members. Seriously, think about it. Some people claim that in order to win, or do better, we need better instructors, better instruments and blah blah blah. Instructor wise, if under Mr Ng, Geylang Methodist could do this well, then something is wrong somewhere else. And there are no lousy instruments. (ok, maybe sometimes a little koyak [don't quote me!]) It really boils down to the players in the band, i.e. all of you. So I'm making use (and good use) of this blog to voice out some concerns that I might have missed out during band practice.

Mr Ng may have some faults but nobody is perfect. He's really trying hard to push the whole band. It's just a matter of whether how many of you budge. (Budge in terms of bringing instruments back to practice, taking the initiative to clear up doubts and to even learn something during the band practice.) If he is biased against students, it would be really really obvious. I once had a teacher who was biased against me and my classmates could tell. So whatever he said, be it in anger or others, just take it. In time to come, when other people blast things at you, you would have "undergone the training" and would be able to take these criticisms more positively.

So yup. If one person's attitude change, there would be a ripple effect. The whole entire band will change. (and because of this change, the attitude/perspective of others towards the band changes as well, meaning, we would be able to get more support. Also, it is pretty much the very formula to win award(s)...)

Oh, some updates for absentees. (Section leaders, if you are reading this, PASS DOWN THE MSG. If you know your section leaders don't come to the blog, bug your section leaders for any information.)

1) Tue (21/11) extra unofficial practice, initiated by Trumpet section, trombone section and Glenn if I remember correctly. If the rest want to join in, you're most welcome. The storeroom will be open at 1pm. If the music room is used by the choir, you are welcomed to blast your instruments anywhere else within the school compounds. (except the General Office and outside the staff room) =p

2) Wed (22/11) Band Exchange. All to report at 7.30am in full school uniform.We will set off for Canberra Secondary at 8am. It is expected to end at 12.30pm. After which, when we come back to school, there will be 1h practice/debrief.

3) Fri (24/11) Practice from 9-12.

That would be about all :)

Love,
Miss Maybelline Tan