In need of a recharge

This has been a rather busy and crazy week. I have been working pretty long hours for the weekdays except on Wednesday and Thursday. Those are the two days that I have specified as days where I would not work overtime.

On Monday and Tuesday, I worked till 9 p.m. Today, I worked till 10 p.m. in my office. The thing is that the office hours ends before 6 p.m. every day. For the past five days of the week, I have been arriving early to office, before the official 8.45 a.m. to start work.

Despite a very busy week, where I still end up feeling that there are so much work still to be done, there were some positive aspects. There were some tasks that were pretty well-done. I have managed to at least complete a couple of tasks at hand. On and off, I have clients who would share how they have overcame some of the odds that life has presented them.

Of course, I have my share of waking up in the middle of the night worrying that there are so many things undone! Hopefully workload would be more manageable thereafter as I have alerted the superior that I have been working till I have stretched beyond my limits.

Hopefully, I can get some recharge. Tomorrow, there is still a work-related event to attend till the late afternoon. I have to learn to be smart to just find pockets of time over the weekend to recharge. Wish me luck.

A place that I used to rehearse

A couple of months ago, I passed by this bus-stop which was just nearby a place where I used to rehearse. I decided to take a photo of the building behind that pink wall. That was the building where I had used to rehearse. There was a large rehearsal room in the premises of that building, and that was where the Chinese Orchestra that I had used to participate in would rehearse.

I had started participating in that Chinese Orchestra when I was about 14 years old. It was a challenge to juggle between studies and participating in an activity outside the school's curricula. There were times when it was difficult to strive a good balance.

It was here that I learnt that I was using the wrong bow for the French-method of double bass bow-hold. It was here that I managed to get to play the more challenging double bass parts written for Chinese music. It was here that the normally introverted me have to the chance to work with people who are adults and who are non-school-mates. To some extent, it provided me with the opportunities to refine my social skills and even organisational skills.

Through participating in the Chinese Orchestra, I had managed to forge a number of friendship despite being a rather passive person when it comes to initiating friendship.

A couple of years after rehearsing in that building, the Chinese Orchestra managed to secure another site to rehearse. It was time to say good-bye to this rehearsal venue. If I'm not wrong, the room that the Chinese Orchestra had used to rehearsed in the building behind the pink wall is now a pub. How much things have changed with time.

The bus-stop where I had taken this photo had changed too. It used to be a very simple bus-stop and if I remember correctly, it was painted orange. Now it looks better maintained.

Needing to slow down

Work is getting increasingly heavy. Perhaps the increase in the cost of living and the complexities in modern living have contributed to people experiencing more stress. My workplace is getting much more people being referred or self-referred for services.

I have been working till 9 p.m. on last Friday, yesterday and today. Thank goodness that I have made it a point not to work overtime on the days that I have rehearsals and double bass lessons! Tomorrow, I would finally be able to leave the office earlier for the day. However, so much more work remains to be done.

I think I would soon ask for HELP!
This is a sign that reminds me set aside time to slow down and to recharge!

What a crazy month of August.

One decade ago with NUS Symphony Orchestra

This location was where I have been having rehearsals at the University.

Ten years ago, on a rainy day in August, I was trying to find my way to Centre for the Arts to attend the Welcome Tea of NUS Symphony Orchestra. I met A who was also going to the same event, and we braved the rain with an umbrella and eventually found our way there.

I had only planned to attend the Welcome Tea to learn more about the orchestra. I learnt from the Welcome Tea that potential members have to attend an audition and pass it before being accepted as a member.

My background then was that I had only played in Chinese Orchestras. Prior to attending the Welcome Tea, I had found out that there would be some form of music tuition provided to members of the orchestra. Furthermore, the double bass tutor of NUS Symphony Orchestra was a very established double bass player. On the contrary, the tutor teaching the Chinese Orchestra's cello and double bass section was a cellist by training. Hoping very much to improve my playing of the double bass, I decided to try to get a chance to be a member of the NUS Symphony Orchestra instead of the Chinese Orchestra.

One of the seniors invited me to play in the orchestra immediately after the Welcome Tea. I was not prepared for that at all! Anyway, I mustered courage to accept the invitation, and the senior helped get a bow and a double bass for me. Despite trying hard to play as much as possible, I could only manage to play about 20% of what was printed on the scores then. Compared to playing in Chinese Orchestra where the double bass player plays largely tonic and dominant notes, the double bass player in a Symphony Orchestra plays much more challenging parts. I started having doubts if I could pass the audition.

Nevertheless, I decided to just go for the audition. Seriously, I think I had played pretty not quite in tune during the audition. However, thankfully, the conductor felt I had the awareness that I have to improve my intonation, and he gave me a chance to take double bass lessons to improve my playing. Yeah! I finally secured the chance to join the university's Symphony Orchestra.

I worked pretty hard to improve my playing because one of the first works that I have to performed during my first concert with NUS Symphony Orchestra was Brahms' First Symphony. As such, especially during my first year in university, whenever there was a long break between my lessons, I would make my way to Centre for the Arts and practise on the double bass. Back then, I don't own a double bass of my own. Basically, Centre for the Arts became the place in the university that I had spent much of the time in, other than my faculty's building.

Reflecting, I am pleased to say that my playing on the double bass has improved over this one decade. The credit goes to the orchestra's double bass tutor for his inspiring and patient guidance. I have the conductor to thank for taking the risk to accept me even though I did not do exceptionally well during the audition. Playing in the NUS Symphony Orchestra had enriched my life as a student of the university, and provided me some respite from the challenges that life had presented.

The current rehearsal venue.

Week 32 of year 2008 on the double bass

3 Aug 2008, Sun: I set aside time to practise selected passages from Rossini's The Thieving Magpie Overture. Those passages were much more technically challenging than they seem. Good practice on those passages would be necessary to help make me master this particular overture.

Afterwhich, I spent some time practising a couple of bars from Dragonetti's Concerto in A major. These bars were even more challenging than the preceding bars probably because they require the player to play at the higher positions. I didn't like my rendition of the bars. Intonation needed refinement and I would prefer a clearer tone. More good practice would be needed.

6 Aug 2008, Wed: Double bass sectional with GM again! It's an enriching sectional although I ended up being the only person. We worked on the Rossini's pieces that are meant to be played during an upcoming concert. I have learnt about some strategies to improve the left and right hand coordination. According to GM, to help the left and right hand to coordinate with each other, it helps to start practising using separate bows. There is much to learn. I played slightly better than the last sectional, but it was still rather challenging to play the Rossini's works.

During the orchestra rehearsal, I find it a challenge to play the Rossini's works at a fast tempo. I need to improve my technical competencies! The good news is that I am improving. Hopefully I would be able to manage playing these works by next month.

7 Aug 2008, Thu: I had double bass lesson with MJ. Finally, I managed to work through the second page of the scores for Dragonetti's Concerto in A major. I still need more work to control every note.

When I moved on working on Dittersdorf's Second Double Bass Concerto, I realised the importance of regular practice when I fumbled over the cadenza which I have not been practising for the past two weeks. MJ reminded me and demonstrated for me how being able to control every note would help improve the way my rendition would sound. There's more to be learnt.

9 Aug 2008, Sat: I practised Dragonetti's Concerto in A major. The goal was to remember as much of the parts as possible. I wish I could one day get a better double bass to play on. Meantime, more good practice is needed.

Music learning to bring out the best in human potential

I came across a noteworthy news article on one of the Chinese newspaper. It is about the music education programme provided by Seimpi School of Music.

I think this is a worthy programme to check out. I am thankful that I have had the privilege to learn and play a music instrument, and I can say that learning music has helped me in many aspects. After reading the newspaper article, I believe that providing young children early access to effective music education not only brings joy and fun to their lives, but would help them to acquire the useful skills that help develop their minds.

I am feeling envious. I wish there was such a programme that I could attend when I was young!

Anyway, here is the website of Seimpi School of Music that is worth a visit: http://www.seimpi-music.com.sg/

Olympic Games

It's 8/08/08. My parents are watching the live telecast of the Opening Ceremony of The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on television. I had missed much of the earlier segments as I had only returned home from office at about 8.30 p.m. Luckily, I have caught a few segments of the event. However, I felt pretty bored watching the Parade of Athletes and hence decided to just be at the keyboard and computer.

The ceremony appeared impressive indeed. If you have missed the Opening Ceremony, do click on this link to get a glimpse.

The official website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is http://en.beijing2008.cn

Sunday Brunch with Mystic

I am feeling pretty tired from a long day of work. The blessing is that at least I have kept myself sane.

Anyway, a few days ago, I met up with one of my good friends, Mystic, to have Sunday Brunch at the Quentin's, the Eurasian restaurant. Mystic has much to comment about the food there. It seemed to me that she gave the food there merely passing marks, but not excellent marks. My friend has high expectations of food preparation and food so I guess the novelty of having Eurasian food did not cloud her judgement.

Anyway, my personal favourite were the Long Beans, the salad, the Meaty Cutlet (but I refrained from taking more than two because I wish to eat less meat), and the Prawn Bostador (though I did not take the prawns as I wish to avoid seafood).

Some dishes worth trying are: Chicken Devil's Curry, the Shepherd's Pie and the Sugee Cake.

To be fair, for $15++ per person for the Sunday Buffet Brunch, it was an affordable deal, considering it that there is a fairly peaceful view just outside the restaurant.

Many thanks to Mystic. I think she has been a very accomodating friend to put up with my fancy for breakfast and brunch. She even gave me a lift to the Eurasian Community House.

**
Quentin's
139 Ceylon Road,
Eurasian Community House,
Singapore 429744
Telephone Number: 6346-1837
Fax Number: 6346-1847

Opening hours
Lunch: 11.30am to 2.30pm
Dinner: 6.30pm to 10.30pm

The first teddy-bear I've made

Unusually, I have been doing spring-cleaning. I suppose a part of me wanted to tidy up the clutter that are found behind the wardrobes and drawers. While doing some tidying up on 3 Aug 2008, I came across the very first teddy-bear of this size and design that I have made.

I had made it after my 'A' levels examinations. There was no classes after 'A' levels examinations and I was comparatively less in touch with many of my friends. Making teddy bear became a temporary past-time to fill in the void. I have made smaller teddy-bears of simpler designs before this teddy-bear. However, the teddy bear that you see in this post was the very first teddy-bear I have made that has a more complex design. I didn't come up with the design, I merely follow the instructions from a teddy-bear-making craft-book.

This teddy bear has ears so that it can listen. I think it is quite an imperfectly perfect bear. Somehow, although I had ran out of green cloth and ended up using another fabric to make part of its face, the effect was interestingly pleasing. It somehow made the bear seem as if it could wink its left eye. After it was done, I had intended to give it as a gift to one of my good friends. However, there was no opportunity to do so back then. A decade later, it is still with me. I doubt I would give it as a gift to this same friend. It didn't seem appropriate to give a gift that was meant to be given a decade ago, did it?

The teddy-bear was intended to bring some cheers to my friend. Even if I do not think it is appropriate to give this teddy-bear anymore, the thoughts and intention still stand. I wish this friend of mine happiness and joy.

By the way, my memory needs some patching. I can't remember what name I had affectionately given this teddy bear. Anyway, I somehow like its sincere, unpretentious look. Do you?

**
After this bear, I have made at least two other teddy-bears of similar size which I had given to two of my friends. Hopefully they would like them somehow.

Week 31 of year 2008 on the double bass

27 Jul 2008, Sun: I worked on a couple of bars from the first movement of Dragonetti's Concerto in A. I think I would need to start practising with the help of the metronome soon. That may help me have a more consistent sense of tempo.

28 Jul 2008, Mon: I continued to work on the same couple of bars from Dragonetti's Concerto in A. I realised I need to have more confidence in myself.

30 Jul 2008, Wed: It was double bass sectional with GM, and sectionals with him just seem so fruitful all the time. The entire sectional was dedicated to working on Rossini's The Thieving Magpie Overture. I like GM's systematic approach to practising. He gave me some very good ideas and tips on how I can practise on my own to overcome the many technical difficulties in the work. I had not thought of approaching my practice in that manner, but after I was being guided to the approach, the approach made good sense. In short, it was to break a difficult passage into many smaller parts and practise. Many thanks to GM for his guidance.

31 Jul 2008, Thu: During double bass lesson with MJ, we worked on Dragonetti's Concerto in A major. The key to playing it well is to control every note it seems. I need to be very observant of the tempo.

**
I didn't practise on 1 Aug and 2 Aug as somehow my fingers felt rather stiff, and I figured that I shall allow them to take some rest. Hopefully I had not overworked them the past few days.

Happy Birthday to National Heritage Board

This is a belated birthday wish. The National Heritage Board has turned fifteen on 1 Aug 2008. Join the celebrations. For more details, please visit: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/nhb15/

Memories of Coronation Rd

Today, I visited the NUS Museum and on my way there by bus, I passed by Coronation Road. While on the bus, the thought of blogging about Coronation Road came to my mind.

Even though I do not live anywhere near Coronation Rd, Singapore, for at least a few years of my life, this was the road that I would often walk along.

Coronation Road was one of the roads that I would have to walk along very often during the days when I was a Secondary School student. There is of course no prize for guessing which Secondary School I had studied in.

As I write about Coronation Rd, I am reminded that as a teenager, friendship and the yearning to belong had both been factors that eventually shaped the routes that I would take to return home after school.

To return home, if I were to use Coronation Road, I had to walk a much longer distance to get to the bus-stop that had the bus-services that would take me home. Nevertheless, there were many times that I would consciously choose Coronation Road simply because that was the only route that a few of my friends could take in order to get to the bus-stop where there would be buses to take them home. Anyway, the good thing was that if I were to use Coronation Road, I would be able to have the pleasure to take either bus-service 74 or 852, which would get me home in about 30 minutes if traffic was good.

On the other hand, I could also walk along Farrer Road to get to another bus-stop to take bus-service 165 home. The walking distance to the bus-stop would be shorter if I were to choose to use Farrer Road rather than Coronation Road. However, bus-service 165 would take a slightly longer travelling time to get me home. Of course, I would choose to walk along Farrer Road at times simply because I have friends who prefer to take Farrer Road.

When I was returning home on my own, I figured that I would just let my mood and the strength of my leg muscles be the deciding factors.



Anyway, Coronation Road would usually be one of the routes to take if I were to need lunch during school holidays. The thing was that the school canteen did not sell any food during school holidays. Some of the reasons for me to be in school during school holidays back then were: Extra-Curricular Activities, extra holiday lessons (though these were more rare) and to work on my art project. Coronation Road would lead me to Coronation Plaza and also a row of shophouses that still sells chicken rice and stir-fried dishes.



To be honest, it is not Coronation Road that I remember. If you were to ask me, I can't even remember how many private housing were located along that stretch of Coronation Road that I had to walk back then. I can't even recall how they had looked like. What I remember were some of the conversations, the laughter shared and the spirit of bonding amongst friends when I walked along Coronation Road during those years of my life. Perhaps those conversations and interactions had provided the necessary opportunities for an introvert like myself to learn to interact with others. I was comparatively more open with interacting with others when I was a Secondary School student than when I was a Primary School student.

At the same time, there were times when I had walked along Coronation Road alone by myself, feeling lost and uncertain what future would hold for me. Honestly, at that age, I could not see what the future would be like for me a decade later.

By the way, the Shell petrol station that used to sit at Coronation Plaza is now no longer operating. I wonder what would replace the Shell petrol station eventually?

Whatever it is, the sentimental me could not help but recall a few of the good old memories every time I happen to travel past Coronation Road while travelling along Dunearn Rd on the bus. Maybe I am in the mood for nostalgia.

Randy Pausch and the Last Lecture

A couple of days ago, I read about Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture video on the newspapers. Thereafer, I came across the Last Lecture video while I was at Cool Insider's blog.

I took Cool Insider's advice to find a time to view the entire video almost undisturbed. I felt moved and inspired by Randy Pausch's last lecture. I suppose what he has shared is what living is about. Do take some time to view it. The Last Lecture is also available in book form. Many thanks to Randy for having shared his perspectives of living one's childhood dreams.

Some of my favourite quotes from his lecture were "Brick walls show our dedication" and "Find the best in everybody".

It's August

I am thankful to have survived the busy month of July 2008. Hopefully I can also pull through the month of August 2008.

It is the first day of August 2008, and I am experiencing an irritated throat and a mildly blocked nose. I wonder if I had caught the flu bug. I wish for good health. The month of August 2008 is filled with lots of work commitments. I simply hope I could at least make the best of it, and yet not suffer burn-out at work.

As for the month of September, I figured I have to be very focused at work so that I can clear most of my work by the beginning of the month. Thereafter, I will be heading for a week of holiday in the Land Down Under a few days after performing in an upcoming concert, Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel (Colours of the Rainbow), held on 10 Sep 2008 (Wed), 7 p.m., at National Library Board Plaza. In this free public concert, NUS Symphony Orchestra will be performing extracts from Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning 'Schindler's List', Silvestri: Forrest Gump and more.

On the side, I don't like it when concerts are given with long and foreign names. I end up having to use the English name instead, which kind of defeats the purpose of using a seemingly beautiful foreign name. Having said so, maybe I am just biased.

Whatever it is, wishing you a fulfilling month of August 2008. May happiness, good health and fulfilment be with you.