The little things

I'm glad to see the positive spirit in all of you.

In truth, I don't write in students' blogs alone but this blog touches me. No matter how crazy you drive us up the wall, I believe we can work this out together.

Today, I went into the practice of Samson, Kar Wai, Yun Xiu, etc. I don't know how those of you who were there felt, but I thought, after they communicated with each other with better eye contact, it sounded much better and fuller like real true musicians. You may not feel it's enough improvement but it's a good start. They "sang" on the inst much better, and could focus more confidently. Please keep up the hard work. I liked it when Samson and Kar Wai were moving with the music, it was a very warm sound, even for a few seconds. Just increase it each day? :)

Yesterday's shelling was rather severe, at least for me, but I didn't realise how much I have grown to care until I got very angry yesterday. We will continue to be strict, not because we are born-again sadists, but because we do care.

I am not upset about anyone not improving, but about not abiding instructions to practise hard. For me, I was very sad that most of you didn't listen to Ms Ku telling you all to practise with metronome, tuner. That's the basic. I don't want to see this happening again. Advice is not there to be ignored and Ms Ku is a really good musician so be serious in your learning. If you have tried your best, you don't even have to defend yourself.

Those of you who show bad attitude and don't respect your seniors who take time to coach you, you should be really ashamed of yourself. I don't tolerate arrogance and disrespect and the SE isn't a place to breed this hypcrocisy and disgusting behaviour. A true musician is one who is humble, loves his art and communicates his love for it. SYF isn't about personal glory either. Everyone should back each other up and help each other. We can see through you all very easily so be sincere and respectful.

Granted we have had past glories and we can't afford to fail, but do look forward and create something strong and new. That's real pride. Balance the expectations with your hopes.

Many of you are very scared to play or afraid to look bad in the ensemble and play very stiffly and awkwardly. Nobody is making a fool of himself unless you think so. You MUST realise the importance of breathing and moving together. It makes me sad to see good string players shy away from playing strong sounds. I don't see breathing to be funny, and if you don't move together naturally, you won't find it very funny on 20 April either. If you love the music honestly and sincerely, you'll naturally breathe and show it. If you don't like the piece, GET INTERESTED NOW!

Samson asked how to produce a good sound. Like the piano, it's all about exercising control. You may not agree but hey, we're all desperate here for help:

a) Try playing your passage REALLY LOUD!! Try playing it really softly too but with relaxed CONTROL and you'll still get a sound. That's your potential. Everyone's is different. By exercising your sound scope, you yourself will know how much you have to sound in p, pp, ff. Use the muscle from stronger areas of arm/ shoulder etc. Some of you complain of a pain in your arm (?) so I think you're using wrong muscle. Ask the stronger players and Ms Ku why they aren't feeling pain. Your arm should be relaxed, in control and yet strong.

It worked for the pianists don't see why it can't work for strings.

b) Get a mirror. Look at yourself (with instr of coz!) or get yr fren to see what's the problem.

c) For warm ups, you might want to circle the naughty passages you fumble, and think of NEW ways of playing it. e.g. i) slow, ii) fast, dotted rhythm, backwards, you name it.

d) if you have problems connecting your notes, e.g. F to G to D and you can't do G to D, then practise: G -->D, D --> G, G -->F, etc. Sounds simple but it helps.

e) Check your bowing, some of you bow in funny directions! Mirror mirror on the wall.

f) Since you memorised, IMMERSE yourself more, since you practise alone at night. You might want to close your eyes and think how you want the music to sound. There are some very beautiful passages in the pieces, please read through the score, circle the parts which are very meaningful to you, and try your best to musicially bring it out. Currently, everyone looks stiff.

g) avoid looking on the floor, down. Look straight ahead or play in front of your family. That works best.

h) Most of you have bad stamina at playing. Try to play through the programme in full AFTER you have corrected your mistakes. Running or exercise helps in stamina.

i) Take constructive comments well, no one is out to burst your ego. Please don't refrain from pointing out your fren's weakness. Help each other.

I believe in all of you. Every little progress counts.

Don't give up on yourself, the rest won't give up on you. Here's to the Dunman High Spirit and the celebration of good music!

Ms Tan