lookay peeps.
it's time to get more serious in band.
NBC's just around the corner
and i'm absolutely sure each and everyone of us
are expecting a good outcome out of it right?

bronze?
silver?
or gold?

it's really up to us,
to make that decision.

we have two choices.
to give the best of us,
or just run away and hide.
i choose to give it all.

i know,
and really really know,
that some of you do not have the confidence
that we will make it for the NBC.
i have to admit,
i did too.
but after much thinking,
why run away when we've already
used up our time for the holiday practices?
why run away when we've already put so much effort
in playing the songs over and over again?
why run away when we've already worked hard
correcting our mistakes and all?

dear sec ones,
i know mr ng has been quite harsh to you guys.
well, believe me,
he was worst during my batch.
i got scolded countless times too.
i was on the edge of giving up,
on the edge of quitting band,
but something stopped me.
the bonds that i built
and the love for ESMB,
got me thinking,
how stupid it is
to quit band just because of one person,
while there are more than one
who needs me to be there.
it would be so childish of me
to quit something that i love,
and leaving behind others
who's putting so much effort
despite all the hard moments
that they have to face.

i know how you guys felt,
cause i was in your shoes.
but look at where i stand now.

do not give up guys,
for those quitters are weak.
but you are not.

this bunch of sec ones,
are by far,
the most strongest and the most determined bunch i've met,
despite the limited practices that they have.
they bring their instruments home nearly every week,
and stayed back to do sectionals with their seniors.
i salute them for that.
continue that,
and i'm sure you'll guys be somewhere on top.

okay,
enough of yaddida yadda.
hehs.

this is what some of your section leaders
came up with to help you in your playing.


HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does mistakes
• Never give up, strive hard for everything.
• Always TRY, do not sit there waiting for a miracle to happen.
• Believe in yourself, if others can do it, why not you?
• during band practice, do this, QUIETLY."i can do it, i can do it, i can do it!"

FEEL THE MUSIC

• it's not just about playing note to note from the score, it's about being able to feel the music. Close your eyes and picture the story the song is trying to potray.
• Follow the dynamics, for it will make effect on the feel of the music.
• Try to swell (mostly for melodies)
• More AIR for good sound.

RECOGNISE THE SONG

• Bring home your file, switch on your computer, search for the songs that we are playing, listen to it countless times
• If you bring your instruments home, try playing with the song.
• During your free time, hum to the tune of the song.

let's not waste any of our precious practices and prove to mr ng wrong that we are no COP band.

NBC is near,

let's show them what's ESMB is all about.

with lots and lots of love,

farah amirah, band major.