Hello all! Tiara here. I havent posted anything in the new blog yet, so i figured I should do so now (:
I have not seen you practice yet, and I know I only came for the movie. Hehe.
But anyway, after hearing comments by Desmond, Kenneth (percussion), Glenn and some other seniors, it seems like all of you are at the brink of giving up.

Well, dont.
I wanted to speak to you guys before i left, but everything seemed so exciting... The night walk and all, that i didnt want to spoil your mood. So here goes.
I understand the frustration you guys get whenever Mr Ng nags and shouts at you.
He says stuff that are mean and really hurtful. And whenever he does that, this is what goes through your mind-

"What the hell? He doesnt have hope for us! He says we suck! The way he talks is like he doesnt even believe in us! He is completely oblivious to people's feelings!"

And when your marching didnt look like marching at all, you got screamed into your ears by seniors and your band and drum major, it didnt look as if it got into you guys. It looked as if your ears were made out of stone. Probably because you're tired. And you think that it's pointless for you to even try so hard to do well, when it looks hopeless and its all going downhill.

Let me tell you. You guys are wrong. To achieve something, you must give your 150%. To achieve something, it takes your blood, sweat and tears. Though it always makes you feel like you should give up, DONT. Remember, that silver that all of you want, IS RIGHT THERE WAITING FOR YOU TO CLAIM IT. But to get to it, you must prove that you deserve it. I'm serious. That silver medal, IS RIGHT THERE. RIGHT SMACK IN YOUR FACE. But if you dont give your all, it doesnt prove that you deserve it.

Ever heard of reverse psychology? That's the tactic that Mr Ng is using so that you guys can get better. The problem is, many of you take it the wrong way. For example, when he says "Why your sound like that? You dunno how to play ah?" His aim is to get you to feel like this "But I knw how to play what! I am gonna show him that I can play my instrument and I'm gonna make a very good sound until it blows him away!"
HOWEVER, most of you guys take it this way- "Why is he always picking on me?! I've tried my best and i still cant do it!"
If that's the case, then I'd have to say your best is not enough. Put in another 20% more effort to what you're giving now, I bet yall will be fine. Never take Mr Ng's scolding wrongly. He doesnt like scolding you guys. He wants yall to like him as a conductor and as a friend. He got you your Silver in NBC. he got you your bronze, YOUR FIRST BRONZE EVER, for SYF. You think it'll be impossible for you to get a silver? I dont think so. With the passion and the drive, I'm sure you guys can make it. With the best teachers in charge who will always cheer you on, it's not impossible to get your silver next year. And not forgetting, the team of leaders to keep pushing you and reminding you that you're almost there, reaching the peak.

Think about it guys, it's November, Push yourself harder and harder and hold that for just a couple of months. You'll see. The sacrifices you've made, and the tiring days of drills and sectionals and scoldings, will all pay off. When you work hard, and you get your goal, you actually feel the pleasure of earning something with your cold hard work. When you hear what you've earned after it's being announced, you'll deserve every moment of joy and happiness because you worked hard for it. Toughen up guys! Every one of the seniors have confidence in you. Most importantly, you must have confidence in yourselves. Dont let whatever scoldings you get break you. Instead, let it make you; let it make you a better player.

Remember guys, the band doesnt work alone. every single person in the band is significant. If you think someone sitting beside you is lagging, wake them up. You're a team. Everyone has their role. I dont doubt any of you guys. So dont ever doubt and underestimate yourselves. When you feel like you cant do it, scrap that thoughts aside because YOU CAN. You guys are blessed with the best teachers in charge and the best group of comm members to work with. Dont step over their authority. Really, when you've graduated, like the other seniors and i, you'll miss the feeling of being in a team. Crying together, laughing together, and sharing a victory together. Embrace every moment you got as a team and put it into good use.

Come on guys, dont fall weak now! Just months away from the real competition. Do your best, never give up. When you fall, you dont just lay there. You get up, and start over.

Thats all i have to say. Good luck, stay strong, and give it your best shot. The feeling when you achieve that goal, is something you'll never forget. Trust me, i've felt it (: enjoy playing the music, and bring home that silver! Wooo!

Xoxo
tiara (: