The Ensemble

 The day arrived.

The players were excited and were definitely looking forward to it; a day where skills and talents amalgamated and formed a choral of tunes and music meant for the privileged. We were indeed privileged to be given the opportunity to hear the students both old and present play their best.

 From a humble gathering of a handful of enthusiasts in 2006, the Wind Orchestra of the school has developed into a team to be envied by many schools. Today, they showed off all that they had for when iron had entered their souls since its inception, the members of the Orchestra made sure the best was given to the audience.

 Both Isaac and Maisarah took the helm as the Mcs of the evening as they concurred in words and expressions delivering their feelings and appreciation after each piece was delivered. Maisarah is sweet and demure whereas Isaac is the perfect gentlemen complementing his co-Mc  every moment. They are a good pair as they brought the evening alive with their commenting.

 "Air on G-string " of Johann Sebastian Bach and "Spring-Allegro" of Antonio Vivadi were played skilfully and reminded Maisarah of flowers blossoming in Spring. They were bright and breezy.

 Mozart started music at the age of 5 and his eternally-loved tune ; "twinkle,twinkle little star" were played in 4 variations to the delight of the audience. I have never heard the tune played in this manner; so refreshingly different and enjoyable.

The dedicated instructors; Siow Khai Yi and Samuel Wong worked hard to make the team what it is today. Their grit and perseverance were instrumental in the development of this team.

 Perhaps the dedication he created is clearly depicted when the members of yester year made it a point to come back and together put up an explosive performance. Their medley of songs from the album of Abba - Mama Mia and Dancing Queen got many into tapping their feet in tandem with the tango of the music. What a combination of effort. Mr. Siow has indeed instilled a love and penchant for music in the young hearts.

 Regina, an ex-member shared her joys and good memories of the orchestra as she grew and labored with it. She especially dedicated the success of the evening to the dedication of parents who have sacrificially set aside time and energy to ferry their wards to and back from school for practices. Today, the parents came in big numbers to give them the support only love can show. What a privilege to see the loved ones coming together in this manner.

 The room was packed to the brim as all 700 seats were snapped up. This was also a maiden effort to stage the performance at such a scale in the Yak Chee hall. In fact, it was a nostalgic come back as many of the members originated from this primary school. Paul, the PTA member recalled how funds were fiercely raised for the building of the hall. Lee Ling on the extreme right shared that her daughter too was partly involved in the fund-raising effort except that she never had a chance to taste of her involvement as the hall was only ready for use in the last 3 years. So the present badge of students are the lucky lot; but that's life. We teach children to donate irrespective of motive.

 After a short interval, the members came together for "The Thunderer", of John Philip Sousa. Next, they did "Novena" and "Invicta" of James Swearingen in an ensemble of memorable sounds as violins, flutes, clarinets and trumpets concurred melodiously.

 The coordination was excellent and for an ensemble of this scale, much effort and hard work had been incorporated. They were completely good examples of skills and true grit.

 A catchy medley from Joe Hisaishi's collection added colour ; we hardly knew and felt time. Soon, the hours were ticking away without our knowledge. The members with the saxophones, horn, trumpets, tuba and trombone clanged in combinations soothing to the hearers. There was so much skill.

Jurassic Park songs made alive by the orchestra ! It was indeed an evening of tremendous joy.

All joys need to end though.

Before long, the show had to come to an end as encore after encore were asked.

 Mr. Siow expressed his thanksgiving to the past members for their effort and love performance as the younger ones looked at them. They too will emulate their good work in future.

What a good evening.

The members were directly involved in the organization of the show right from booking of the hall to the sales of tickets and the transport of instruments to and fro. There was dedication, sacrifice and great team spirit. I am so very proud of them. They are capable of even greater achievement and success.

The best news is they have raised a commendable sum to buy more instruments. 

Congratulations, boys and girls.

  You have done your Alma  Mater so very proud.

Kudos many times.

Well done.

The Wind Orchestra of SMK Seksyen 4 Bandar Kinrara.

The Wind Orchestra

 The Achievers

 The members planned for it since early this year. They are adamant on staging a show; to display their hard work and for a time of meaningful enjoyment. The Wind Orchestra of the school has many talents. They acquired many instruments throughout the years and are still on the pursuit for more. That's the spirit; to make the orchestra a proud belonging of the school. So the stage is ready.

They camped at the school grounds during the school break for intensive training and to make sure things work out the best for them. It was a time of discipline and true sacrifice. But knowing their grit for success, they will sacrifice anything for it.

 For the past weeks they have gathered themselves for coordination and perfect work. They sat along the corridors and practised. For an Orchestra such as this, nothing works better than practice. 

Indeed practice makes perfect.

 See, they are dead serious. I am proud of their hard work and sacrifice. It is this form of discipline that will give them the edge in the future. All forms of discipline and grit came only be realised in this way. One day, I am very sure many of them will shine in their fields of work.

 They are a lovely lot. 

They know their responsibility and are determined to put up the best show in town.

Be the best; beat the rest. 

They know that.

 The Orchestra performs during major events of the school like the recent Jogathon, Sports Day and Speech Day. The artistic group is always ready to give their best shot whenever duty calls.Love them for their spirit.

 They play and have shows to collect funds to sustain the society. With the funds they will buy new equipments to expand the orchestra.Such noble cause needs support from everyone. The public, parents and friends will come together for this cause; won't they?

They gave a preempt to the up and coming show; asking for support from the students and teachers of the school. Do come.

 So come if you can on this coming Saturday.

The place is at Yak Chee primary school for a more comfortable hall and ambiance.

Let's come together to give the young hearts and minds the much needed support.

We hope they will collect enough to go through the needs of the club.

Hear them on stage ; live .

Come one, come all for the Wind Orchestra of SMK Seksyen 4 Bandar Kinrara this Saturday, 12 July at Yak Chee Hall.

It's Pretty

The cake.

Sara came home after work some days ago and decided that she must test her skills again. She could have been challenged by the grand dad's birthday cake and wondered if she has lost her magic touch. She told me that she needed the peace and quietness for her to concord a new creation.

 She needed to be inspired to make a cake again.

 Is the cake pretty?

I thought it was and too pretty to be eaten.

She took great pains to decorate her cake. I asked her why do people need to have cakes all sugared up? How does one bite it? She told me that it is the trend and that nowadays even bread is taken elaborately and that children only eat pretty things! How spoilt one can be.

But seriously notice the detailings. 

A frog in tears on a pond with lotus flowers. She should have written a poem on it too. Sara used to write poems; I bet she has forgotten them now because she is too much into litigation ! Sometimes your vocation turns you into a character you may find difficulty in recognizing ! 

I hope she will remember to write again.

 The cake stayed pretty for a day. It was too much for us to cut it. She insisted we cut it.

 I told her to give it away as a birthday gift. 

She was adamantly against it and wanted us to have the pleasure of cutting it. 

So we gave dad the pleasure.

Stroke by stroke dad did it.

It was dissected gently and with a lot of pain.

 See, the cake has been sliced.Oh, it was truly cruel. I wouldn't want to do it.

There, the slice.

Verdict? Ok la. The appearance was more attractive !

But a good effort and the best of all...she still has got the hang of it.

Sara's pretty cake.

Little things in life that make you happy.

96

 My father turns 96.

It's a big figure.

I often reflect upon his ways; how he goes through life.

Not easy to put into words but I try to remember his ways.

 Almost every year we try to be as accurate as possible because he seems to be always celebrating his 95th year. His identity card says he was born in 1919 but he often says he was born in the year of the Monkey of the Chinese calendar; that will make him 95 this year; but the Chinese adds 1 year to birthdays; don't ask me why so it is a valid figure for him. His grandsons say the figure doesn't matter anymore...only a figure to celebrate.

 

My father has gone through life relatively well protected by the Almighty who has been merciful to him. Kong Kong came to know Jesus at the age of 92 after his children had interceded in prayers for about 33 years. Numbers like 96, 92 and 33 are long years. But we all live under the grace and mercy of God; don't we? How to trudge through life without God?

 So my father has 4 generations tucked under him; and all can vouch that he is fun-loving and  easy going; his generations do not mind running back to him for weekends and play with him. Therefore, learn to be fun and easy going so that your children will run back to you for enjoyment.

 Hold no grudges and let go.

I often tell myself that.

 See, yam seng. He can get still get us into stitches with his wit. He converses well above my intelligence and is quick with figures. Nothing escapes his calculations. He will laugh at my weakness in figures. But I must learn to be quick too in figures because that is part of his secret of staying fit mentally. So, be fit in figures.

 The restaurant we went too served good food. Ordinary ingredients made perfect with elaboration and creativity. Somehow food tastes good with a little bit of imagination.

 This pomfret was good; but you should be able to guess the best part of it.

Yes, the carcass.

 You may have embraced different religious beliefs; but when you are a Chinese, the noodles is a must during birthday times; longevity and strength. No cutting or shortening of the staple; eat it long.

This dish is almost always served at the end of the dinner; but you have to stuff it in; respect for the celebrated party.

My father is smart; he eats in small portions and the rest he pushes to the younger generations.

Another secret recipe; don't eat large portions during meal times; take them small.

However, I must say that he used to eat big portions during his younger days but I notice he has been watching his diet; smart old man. Even at 96, he prefers to obey the doctor.

Though he speaks loudly; he being a Hakka and Chinese; he is meek at times as he is obedient to instructions. Now you know why I also want to be obedient.

 We wondered at the number of candles to light up and finally decided that 9 big ones and 6 smaller ones instead of just a single big one. Why? he loves to blow candles.

 Not everyone could make it for this occasion. Next year; everyone promises to be back.

He is indeed a good reason for all to be home. 

 Grace picked this photo to show him blow candles at his grandson's birthday some 30 years ago. Now you believe me? He loves to blow candles even when it is not on his birthday. Another great lesson; spend time with loved ones and enjoy moments with them.

 That's the grand girls with his fourth generation. Do you see the father in the photo above? I mean can you spot the great grandson's father in the birthday snap above? How time flew.

 What a lovely shot. Grace and Esther with Pam and the baby in the tummy. 

The 3rd and 4th generations.

Be fruitful; that's another lesson. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

 A toast to my father. May he continue to enjoy good health and happiness for many, many, many more years. God bless our father; we pray.

Finally, if you want to stay happy and live long; watch football. My father glues himself to the box every night and knows who has won and lost. Yes, I promise to look up to find the answers.

So, be informative and still take pains to know what is happening around you; do that to live long.

So, we must not retire from work...hahahaha.