GeSsBaNd

2009-04-18T20:55:00.005+08:00

THE NEW BLOG IS UP....
That's fast...

www.gessband0910.blogspot.com

Btw.. the FUN DAY is on
21st MAY 2009...

Sec 4/5s we are definitely invited..HAHA xD

Lishanth:)

2009-04-16T22:49:00.005+08:00

As you all know, Today was the Announcement of Position for the 2009-2010 .
And JESSICCA is the DRUM MAJOR 09/10 and GUO EN is the BAND MAJOR 09/10.
So for those who were not present and seniors, the results are as follows.

Executive Committee 2009/2010
Band Major: Chan Guo En
Drum Major: Jessicca Ching
Secretary: Casabella Lee
Treasurer: Tracy Huang
Head Welfare Officer: Eunice Wong
Head Quarter Master: Mohd. Washeem
Head Uniform Master: Jia Jun
Head Librarian: Lee Hui Ping and Chow QiQi

Sub-Committeee 2009/2010
Sec 1 In-Charge: Samuel and Bill
Asst. Welfare Officer: Laura
Asst. Quarter Master: Marcus Liew
Asst. Uniform Master: Juaniter
Asst. Librarian: Jia Min

Section Leaders 2009/2010
Clarinets: Washeem
Flutes: Qiqi
Saxophones: Jia Jun
French Horns: Juaniter
Trumpets: Bill
Trombones: Mathew
Tubas: Amirul
Percussion(Drums): Marcus Liew
Percussion(Mallets & Others): Jia Min

That's all for the posting. I hope those who did not get their desired post will not feel disheartened. those doing Sec 5, you guys still have another chance to shine. I hope you guys can work together as a team and together with Mr Foo to reach greater heights. All the Best Sec 3s..

Meanwhile, take a break and study hard for your MYEs and not regret later. All the best for your MYEs.

A new blog will be coming up soon.

Lishanth:)

2009-04-15T19:30:00.002+08:00

please be reminded to all to from sec 1s to sec 4s,

to be at the music room by 3 pm tomorrow, 16 april 2009

2009-04-11T16:56:00.001+08:00

" life consists not in holding good cards but in playing well those you are holding"

foo

2009-04-10T07:07:00.001+08:00

"competition should be used as a measuring stick of self-improvement,It could be enjoyed without the scars of defeat"

foo

2009-04-10T07:00:00.001+08:00

"It is easier to be better than someone else than to be the best we can"

foo

band practice

2009-04-05T14:32:00.003+08:00

band practice is as usual on 7 april 2009 tues. for those who DO NOT HAVE EXTRA LESSONS ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP at the music room at 2.45pm. for sec 1 - 2, we will most probably be hving Drills. for sec 3 - pronto vic.

as for fun day, it will most probably be postponed to after mid year exams.

2009-04-01T02:50:00.003+08:00

Don't dwell on the SYF result already.Failure can a blessing if we learned from it and do better in future.There is always ups and downs.In the downs..there is ups too in other things.I can't imagine if we gets a silver by luck...then we will not learned from our mistakes..

I have said what you will get in the band room when you asked me few weeks ago.I/your seniors have sustained 3 silvers for this band in the past SYF and we are the most experienced people to tell you this.We feel even more sad than you i'm sure but also happy in a way for gess cos this is our chance to learn and climb higher the next lab- a gold in 2011!...this is my 1st bronze in GESS band /my band career after 8 years of sustained effort for all my band.I was 27 year when i joined the Gess family and 25 went i joined Manjusri.Time past by like a lightning speed...soon it will be the next SYF.

Our band woke up too late only during the last few practices and we leave all the things by chance and luck.Attendance and overall attitude were poor this year and we don't have 100% in everything until the last min... and also most junior cannot take the hardship during training..band its a amazing CCA..its not just music..it's a university on its own.
Yes, we did managed to sound much better on the stage yesterday but too bad the other band in the noon that day was great.I'm sure they have worked even harder than us.Some bands practiced for very long hours to achieved this result.There's no short cut in life i believed, life itself is a long journey of learning.. every single day is a lesson.
Let's learned the lesson and work harder in whatever things we are doing in future and don't take things by chance alone again.Daily progress and consistency are very important to achieve a success...same with your school work.

Next important thing now is to start to work harder for your exams.Remember every step counts.Start now before its too late again.
I thank you all for the time contributed to the band and as for the new batch of members(sec1-2) lets start now to build up the band again for the next SYF 2011 whether i'm still around anot.Remember it all starts now.look far!Every band practices counts from now!
We fell hard but lets take this as a momentum to jump higher..

Best wishes for your coming exams.

Thank you.
foo

2009-03-29T21:00:00.002+08:00

GOOD NEWS!The recording of last sat practice sounded good.
If we can don't rush the accompaniment rhythms in Jubiloso ,we should be able to achieved a good result for SYF.
And of cos do play your best and be very musical this Tuesday.
It's natural that we will be nervous..just stay focus and recap all details..on your way to conference Hall do not play your instrument.
Tuning is very important,get warm up and tune yourself before i arrived.When the tuning is right ,Half the battle won.

Best of luck.God bless.
Thanks for the time put in during preparation towards the SYF.

foo

2009-03-28T00:54:00.003+08:00

Don't underestimate the power of music.
Be the music itself and let the music do the miracle.
But to do that ,you have to wined yourself to the music.Focus!feel!image!listen!create!
blow out the chop!Use your air! vibrate your whole instrument..vibration is the only reason that sound exist in this world.No sound no music.

Listening is an important skill in music making..listen and react accordingly.
Blend in to the band sound and that the only way to make beautiful harmony.
One band one sound.

You can do it..if you love the music..Love what you do and that's the only way if you wanna do well this round.

press on guys..do your best and leave no regret.

You can do much better than that GEssian.
Best wishes to your SYF performance.

foo

2009-03-25T20:49:00.000+08:00

Points for a good performance:

1.The conductor must have your eyes before he begins the music..especially if you do not play.

2.Support your sound constantly.

3.Listen to phrase ending

4.Elimination of all mechanical errors.

5.Don't repeat your mistakes- they become a disease!

6.play with a wider range of dynamic- avoid mezzo nothing!

7. The group that breathes together stay and play together.

8.Don't play like you are in the band room,be flexible to listen to the surrounding acoustic.

9.Style of music- be imaginative and expressive

10.Adjust yourself and your music stand so that you may look directly over the top of the music at the conductor.

11. keep your instrument warm...your reed wet!

12.Play with intensity-breath and finger support-keep your stomach in it!

rds
foo

Not again-better!

2009-03-24T22:54:00.004+08:00

NOT again-Better!

Have we ask our self why this week practices we sounded better?..let me tell you..it is because you are showing more interest and concern to do well than to embarrass yourself after SYF...you know that....
making a point to show positive attitude is the most proactive way to inspire yourself and your friends around you and the conductor..also when we become more engage in the thing we do ..we will do better...

lets remember this lesson we learn...

One story i remember...many year ago,i was told about a dress rehearsal of the legendary Toscanini conducting the NBC symphony orchestra.After many hours of intense work( and with Toscanini that is probably an understatement!), he was about to run through a compostition they had played many times before.Just before they began,he looked at the orchestra and firmly said,"Not again-better."

here is one of the greatest conductors of all time rehearsing one of the most remarkable orchestra ever assembled, and he felt the need to remind even them that everytime they played something it had to be better than the time before.If that great conductor had to remind those amazing performers of this simple goal, we could not be served better than never to forget its power.We ensure continuous improvement when we never settle for again, but always seek for better.

I hope next practices will be better and not again...:>
keep this attitude and we will do well...

jia you

rds
foo

2009-03-24T22:07:00.002+08:00

yup indeed you guys sounded much better today practice 24th march 2009.
Thursday is the 2nd last practice, please try much harder to listen hard , communicate the emotion and direction of the music....start the band practice on time...If we can't perfect the technical aspect we must at least make the music sounds alive and beautiful so you don't bored the listeners.

Next practice try to pay attention to the running passage in both pieces...need to be neater than that to do well for SYF. The trumpet, clarinet and flute running notes.

Dynamic contrast and tempo flow can be better.Continue to watch the conductor and listen to percussion(marcus and guo en).Mark down the volume 1,2,3 or 4...in ur score.

The slower section in Jubiloso a bit too slow...if over 8mins marks will be deducted.2nd flute can cut down to 2 players in the slow section ...balance n intonation off.. help to time it on Thursday.

Overall good effort. keep it up the fighting spirit and of cos the joy to express the music in order to do well.Nervous don't help.But will- power can overcome many fears.

Diana...i told you to do some with the music scores you forgot...try to do it by sat.Thanks!

rds
foo

2009-03-20T02:49:00.002+08:00

Dear member

Never mind if even if the exchange you don't sound perfect..as long there is progress i will be happy for you..and also i believe there is only one summit and that the actual SYF performance.
And that will be your best!

Indeed you start to wake up again as SYF is getting near, its good to see that.
Next Tue practice is extremely important and i will be doing some miracle work to make you sound better.Trombone and trumpet please Practice at home this weekend -every important so that we wouldn't waste time to correct wrong notes or rhythms..we have no time for that already.

Last but not least you must believe in your will power..it really can do a lot of miracle.

Your eyes tell many things even you don't speak or show...I hope to see more focus eye contact and also a more musical playing...the music and you must become one( removed form reality ,unaware of surroundings and time,free from analytical detail and difficulty and allowing the image of beauty,emotions and expressive qualities to exist) if you wanna do a miracle on the actual day.

Thanks

Jia you

foo

2009-03-19T21:16:00.002+08:00

Dear GessBand members,
Today's playing in the exchange was better than the previous one. However, there's stillmuch room for improvement.

Our main problems are:
1.Watching the condutor/Listening to the percussion
2.Dynamics and Contrast
3.Expressiom(feel of music, posture, etc.)
4.Confidence

I hope we can improve on all these by next Tuesday. Nothing is impossible. Jiayou!

2009-03-18T22:50:00.004+08:00

Dear members

I thanks you for all the encouraging words to boost the confident of your fellow band mates.Although confident is important but its not the main thing if we talk about competition.
Adjudicator don't judge the band by feel.They don't care how much effort you have put in or whatever problem your band faced.They judge by what they hear: Technique 50%:articulation,Dynamic,Intonation(tuning),Rhythm and tone.Musicianship 50%:balance,blend,expression,Interpretation,phrasing and style.

Technique: practice makes perfect.organized your musical thoughts create logical playing.condition yourself during band practice:treat every moment of music making like you are doing it for the last time and don't make a mistakes more than twice in a row.Do it well like you only have 1 practice left.Imagine that and you will treasure it more.
Musicianship:Watch the conductor and follow the teaching.Conductor is the one that interpret the music not you.
Play with care and discipline to deliver what written in the score with your eyes your ear your brain and your heart. adding some creativity to spice up your music to make it yours(add your foot prints or signature)
To communicate. Band<--->conductor<--->Audience/adjudicator

How you can make the adjudicator lift up their head and look at you??
or do you wanna bored them to death??
or do you wanna torture their ear??

Think about that...

All the best.
When to put everything(the notes, the harmony and rhythms)in the right place, the music will speak on its own without any unnecessary" so call: the emotion."
Simplicity is beauty i believe.I mean for a small band like us.
Don't follow what the bigger band does( we don't have the luxury of that).
our aim as a smaller ensemble is to achieved a clean sound with depth of musicianship.

Musically yours
Foo

2009-03-18T22:27:00.002+08:00

tmr's the exchange!
jiayou people!
i know you can do it.
it's the last lap.
hang in there!

Attire:School uniform
Reporting time: 8am

Seeya!(:
P.S: only maximum of 5 seniors will be able to go to the exchange with us

Esther

2009-03-17T02:10:00.003+08:00

dear sec 1 recruits

I'm sorry for not attending to you guys this few weeks cos a lot of things to handle in the main band recently.Meanwhile ill just pass you in the good hand of Mr Ng.
I do miss you all a lot but no time to talk to you all.
Will see you all again on 1st of April if I'm still around.
Let hope that i can survive till the SYF.The only thing i can do now is to pray to god for help and miracle.
You are the future of the GESS Band.I ensure you that you are a very important part of our family.

Tks
foo

2009-03-16T20:55:00.004+08:00

Dear member
I took the trouble to look for an exchange for u all.Finally managed to find 1 this Thursday.Hope you appreciate my effort and try to turn up for the exchange.It will be very rude if only half the band turns up..cos its a lot of work for other school that organize this exchange for us.
Reporting time for band has been changed to 8am this Thursday.The exchange start at 9am in Henderson secondary.There will be 10 bands participating.Very exciting and eye opening event.
2 weeks more.Forgive me for being very straight forward in term of your playing standard,attendance, attitude and effort cos time is very precious now..I'm very stress up too at this time round cos we have not yet meet the standard.Hope you understand I'm doing it not just for myself but "Gess band"( a product of all the hard work that all of us put in the past few years).
Do understand: NO pain no gain...and nothing good comes easy without hard work,consistency and discipline.
You can do it!Miracle do happened if we put in more effort.Support each other through this period.You are my only motivation to work for it..without that SYF its meaningless for me.

Thanks
Foo.

2009-03-13T21:20:00.004+08:00

March Practices

Tuesday

Thursday

Saturday

Band Practice

3.00pm to 6.30pm

Band Practice

3.00pm to 6.30pm

Band Practice

8.30am to 1.00pm

Band Practice

9.00am to 5.00pm

Band Practice

9.00am to 5.00pm

Band Practice

8.30am to 1.00pm

Band Practice

3.00pm to 6.30pm

Band Practice

3.00pm to 6.30pm

Band Practice

8.30am to 1.00pm

SYF 2009

Gan Eng Seng School

Please work hard so that we can do well for SYF.
Please also reschedule other non-school activities to accomodate the band practices.

Band practices march 2009

2009-03-09T23:55:00.002+08:00

SYF actual -31st march 2009 afternoon.

We left only 5 more practices.

Practice on 10,12,17,19,24,26,28 march are extremely important in order to do well.
Please do not absent yourself.I know all of you are stress and tired this period of time. 3 more weeks to go.Please try your very best and i will too...sleepless nights for the past few days..we need to work harder on the tempo and togetherness next few weeks and also dynamic contrast.

Might not haf any exchange already..most school are busy to polish up the music..3 weeks more.

Practice, practice ,practice...!

Thanks
foo

2009-02-28T21:45:00.002+08:00

Hi people!

There will be a band exchange with Manjusri Sec.
Date: 6March 2009(friday)
Time: 3-6pm
Venue: Manjusri Secondary School

more information will be given on tues.

Jiayou people!
I know you guys can do it for SYF!

Esther

2009-02-27T02:18:00.003+08:00

A gentle reminder.

last repair for this term will be be on the 4th of march.Do help to take good care of our instrument, .We do not have much budget for repairs this year.And also repairman will not be free to come down during the SYF week.

Loan of instrument must have the signature of either QM or teachers so that its easy in future for the new QM to take over after the SYF.

Thank you for your understanding.

2009-02-27T01:50:00.002+08:00

dear student

A big thank you for those who have work hard during the band practices.I understand the level of stress is great as the SYF is approaching.
I hope you all are persistent enough to go all the way.Only a month more.I will give all senior a longer break after that so that i can concentrate on the sec ones.
As for those who facing any problem to cope with study and band please look for me if possible.
I will try my best to solve your problem if possible.. I can also arrange special tuition for you if you need or even release you early from band practice if its urgent matters.
I believe there is no such things as not enough time to do this or that.
I believe if you try to like and love what you are doing there is always time for everything.
And also help me thank your parent who are being very supportive during this busy period.

All the way Gessian!
keep the spirit high..

rds
foo

2009-02-19T22:09:00.001+08:00

Sec 1 thank you for your chocolate!
Although its only the 3rd lessons, truly enjoyed every moment of teaching you.
I have not seen so much of the enthusiam and fun in the Gess band for a long time!
You are special..keep it up
:> cheers!

2009-02-19T22:07:00.000+08:00

The Gess band program has pride itself on the tradition of musical excellence.Over the year the members,instructors,conductor and teachers of band have worked hard to continue this tradition.In doing so, their combined efforts have yielded many fine performance and musical memories.
As we progress through another new year it becomes easy for all of us to become a little complacent.Taking the success of our program for granted could easily lead to a decline in the quality of our band.While some of our members find participation in band at the top of their priority list, others enjoy their participation as part of their total educational experience.
Regardless of priority, the quality of the Gess band is reflected through the total output of all the members.Our band is like a team, a family and we need each and every student musician to contribute to their fullest potential.
One of the most important aspect to a successful band participation is the element of home practice.By taking a few mintues each and every day either through playing the on the instrument or silent practice of buzzing with the mouthpiece/practicing the fingerings.studying the scores and listen to recording can reinforce the musical material learned in the band.All aboved can be done at your own pace and time.Student who practice regularly at home and do their own research/experiment tend to get the most pleasure out of the band participation.They look forward to rehearsal and performance and take a great deal of pride in performing to the best of their abilities.
As SYF is approaching , these students will help to insure that the Gessband will continue its tradition of excellence.
Thanks you all for the hardwork and effort.

rds
Foo

17th feb 2009

2009-02-19T00:03:00.003+08:00

It was a big disappointment for me when i heard 3 sec 1 student dropping out from the band last Tuesday.But its ok and i don't blame them. most of the time recruits quit the band because they are not finding success playing their instrument or not making any friends in the band.Let's face it, if mastering a musical instrument is so easy it would be no challenge at all.Everyone will become professional musician if its so easy.
The joy of playing of instrument is experienced only when one mastered the instrument.
I will be glad to spend more time with the pupils that facing any problem.Do look or me so that i can listen and find remedy to your problem.
Music allows us to explore the world through sound. it is a vehicle for students to develop creativity and self expression.Music can be learn only through active participation.
I valued every single students and you are an important member of our musical family.
meanwhile be patience, one day your friends,me and parents will be so proud to see you performing on the stage.This is what we cannot buy with money.
your musical growth will not be a wasted investment in enriching your quality of life in future .i ensure you.

musically yours
FOO

2009-02-11T06:16:00.002+08:00

Dear sec 1 recruits
Thank you for the good work and enthusiasm shown.I am very happy with the sec 1 recruits that is with me for the past few weeks.Good attendance and attitude so far.well done!

As for the sec 1 that already joined the main band, thanks for working hard.
French horn sec 1 (main band) ,i am extremely happy with your attitude and effort. I see the possibility that you might be able to join the SYF if you catch up in time.You rawks!
Trombone sec 1 (main band) be more open in your learning attitude when Mr Ng teach you.I hope you can catch up too.
Trumpet sec 1 (main band) just try your best.I understand.
Percussion sec 1 ( main band) be more patience with you r senior and also the band as we are all busy with the SYF preparation.

rds
foo
Thanks.

2009-02-11T05:25:00.000+08:00

Thing/question to think about on stage when performing music.

Timbre/tone and other element of the music:

correct rhythms?

who playing the theme?

What is the harmony or balance like?

What kind of texture need in each passage?

Do know the keys and modulations of the music you played?( did you check the key signature)

( change of key and accidentals)

Music form:

Where is the intro..development...recap....extension.. .and coda?

Interpretation/ expression:

Did you use your imagination?

how to moved the audience in your playing?

Did remember things that you forgot you knew?

Do you feel connected to the music?

Did you feel connected to the rest of the band member playing in the performance?

Do you know the phrase structure well ( did you organize your musical thought?)

Do you know when to play loud or when to play soft?

When to play fast and when to play slow?

Is there energy?( Low to high)

Did show the tension and repose( release) in the music?

Did you practice enough and know the piece well so that you can focus on the above?

Music style:

Did you use the correct articulation to show which contrasting musical style of each passage/ music?

( Staccato,marcato,accent,legato,tenuto) > . _ ^ etc

(Playful,light,heavy,gentle,smooth,sweet,fury,sincere) or in general: Song,march,chorale or dance?

In general for a good performance:

Engage and impact?

Affect and reach?

Move and enrich?

Elevate and Captivate?

rds

foo

thanks

2009-02-11T05:19:00.001+08:00

review on the set piece. Ill get it done next week.

thanks

2009-02-11T05:17:00.001+08:00

Typical Adudicator's comments :P

Hope this helps :P

1. The band tends to play on only one dynamic level.

2 Attacks and release were not together.

3. the physical appearance of the band left much to be desired. Poor posture and feet not on the floor.

4.Precision and accuracy were lacking during tempo changed.

5. Most student of the band seldom looked up to observe the conductor during the performance.

6. The performance sounded dull and unimaginative-as though the band had been over-rehearsed.

7.Breath support seemed to be lacking during the soft and sustained passage.

8.The performance sounded under-rehearsed. the band was too busy trying to get the right notes that the expressive content of the music was lost.

9.Brasses over-blow

10. Clarinet throat note were badly out of tune

11.Flute were out of tune in the upper register.

12. Brasses tends to go sharp during decresc

13. Dept of the band was noticeablely weak- 2nd 3rd trumpet, clarinet, trombone etc

14. Percussion section was consistently behind the beat,thus tempo during the performance tended to drag.

15.Percussion playing too heavy and unmusical.Sounded like a marching band.

16. phrase ending needs more attention.

rds

thks

foo

2009-02-11T04:54:00.005+08:00

Review:

You see it so many things! Sometime, it’s hard for me to explain everything to you with the time constrain. Takes a lot of patience.

Took me a day to type it out in words.

It’s easier to pen it down during band practice when I gave small little comments at times.

Have you all write down the bar numbers yet?

Do the small things well and the big things will just comes along….

As a teacher I can spoon- feed you at the beginning with nutrition you need, but then we encourage you to hold the spoon, play with the jar, mess around with the food, and in doing so, figure the whole thing out. And someday teach you to feed your self with that spoon then with fork and knife, chopstick etc.

“ The pupil who is never required what he cannot do never does what he can do…”

SYF Choice piece

Measures A

Those playing the main melody/Theme- get to know the phrase structure- 3 +3+4 as one phrase. Sing out the melody to find out where is the most natural place to take a breath. Staggered breathing can be considered too if work out together during sectional practice.
Although this melody appeared in the score as legato. It’s difficult to get it right as the notes are very high for the trombone and lower register for the euphonium (that’s a challenge in playing a difficult work). High tends to be tight and stiff while the lower notes flat in intonation. An opened throat is needed here to solve this problem. “O”
Both extreme high or low register are in some way similar to one another.

Lots of hard-works and air support is needed to produce a graceful and sustained tone here. The trick is to practice it without the instrument, just by buzzing the right pitch on the mouthpiece and make sure all notes are connected smoothly. Lips slur exercises given by Mr Ng will also helps. Do it now everyday while time is still on our side. By end Feb it will be too late. I don’t believe in last minute preparation or long hours. Consistent short practice everyday is more effective.

Find out and have in mind when is the antecedent (Question) phrase and where the consequent (answer) phrase in order to produce a more logical and musical playing in this unit/ thematic material.
This theme must be in contrast with the syncopated /hemiola- (strong weak weak weak strong weak weak to strong weak strong weak meters) lyrical theme (lowers winds) against the rhythmic accompaniment (upper winds)
Articulation is important to get the rhythmic phrase correct. More air than the tongue in order to produce a less choked feeling and lighter syncopated mood.
Tambourine (bright/brilliant) and saxophone section act as an emphasis to the strong beats in the hemiola.

Measures B

Tuba added to make a thicker/fuller texture. Tuba playing melody: very special! Bring it out. Practice more, hardly you see another tuba long melody line in a band piece unless a solo.

In contrast with the A. The melody line here is in 3+5 asymmetrical feel while the accompaniment changes to a more stable/steady meter of 4 (1&2&3&4&)
Smaller interval in the melody given here so that it can maintain the expressive (elastic feel) of the lyrical theme while the rhythmic section in the upper winds is less syncopated here. But 1&2&3&4& phrase are here most likely to be more forward driven in motion. Be careful not to over-rush or get carried away.

3 Measures before C- an extension phrase. Remember the soft to loud before C. (hehe my artistic endorsement. Important!

Measure C

The some theme in A is now transferred to the woodwinds. Same style as above.
Lower brass took over the syncopated accompaniment here. The danger: lower brass in nature more heavy in sound. Be careful not to slow down or too tubby in articulation style and tone.
A new decorated material is introduced here: The trumpet and Xylophone scale like melody. The danger: Precision and together.
Too soft. Trumpet.

Measures D

The trumpet and xylophone scales are now broken up into fragments. Some staccato is introduced.
Crescendo more going up and down the fragmented scales. Short flash of sound.

Measure E

· Some thing like an ornament: a turn (resolution downward and upward) is introduce here. Down turn and up turn. The up turn has an augmented phrase: the tie play longer. This follows by a 2 and 4 measure extensions till “E”. First extension (2 measure) is a fragment of the syncopated phrase and 2^nd extension (4 measures sequence materials) is the fragment of the lyrical phrase. (Check with me during full band for slower explanation)

Measure F

· Texture modification: stacking up of sounds.

· 4 bars before “G” trumpet always late or never correct. Breathe at the quaver rest- fast.

· Flute and clarinet moving quaver needs more finger support to play more together and tighter ensemble.

Measures G

Extremely high note in the first trombone part. Try to get the note and pitch right. More buzzing with mouthpiece helps and of cause more fast air.
Sequence descending modal scales. Phrase x2

Measure H

· Instead of trumpet 1^st silent beat. Horn, trombone and euphonium enter the 1^st beat with a tension note ‘concert F#”. Snare now plays the same rhythm with the trumpet: precision needed.

· The tension resolving only at measure I when the theme A come in again.

Measure I

Theme “A” comes in again. Recap
Scale like movement by the clarinet and flute is introduces. Not fully new material as its taken from the trumpet at measures “C”
Lower winds again come back/ recap of the Theme A.

3 measures before K- Bridge to the lyrical section needs to be more fluid. While the clarinets and saxophone flowing lyrically, tuba needs to be precise in your accompaniment minims. Difficult. Take a lot of listening to one another.

Measure K

First 4 bars- Brass chorale

Balance and sincere playing style is needed here. Expressive phrase but do not slow down too much. Keep to forward movement of the phrasing. Play across and think across the bar-lines!

Bar 5- Elision sequence phrase

1^st players always listen to the 2^nd and 3^rd.

Do not drag/melt any phrase here; again keep it moving across the bar-lines.

Pick up quavers from the tuba always late or never correct! Be focus! Breath together will play together.

Measure L

Legato tonguing is a thru thru playing.

Repeated notes in a slur needs a lot of work to practice legato tonguing (Thru Thru business)

Do it with mouthpiece 1^st. Buzzing without the instrument. Tongued without break the airflow. Ok sounds difficult; please consult Mr Ng if possible.

2^nd phrase of L needs to be more passionate in expression
5^th bar of L softer to slower built the crescendo towards the forte note and than dim of hitting the climatic notes. Do this without changing the tempo.
Do not slow down during a soft passage.
Don’t rush a louder passage too.
Although rushing is not allow. Still try to feel the forward movement like you are reaching out for something.
And indeed the melodic line do reaching out towards the FF note at measure “O”

Measure O

Cymbal crash – needs a lot of practice. Take a lot of skill just to play it well.
More 1^st horn and trumpet
4^th bars of measure O – saxophone, please get the correct rhythms! Go watch the video of the concert you will know why. Thanks!
Pick up before P- again tuba never get it correct before. Be focus. Breathe together before the entry

Measure AA-DD

Tutti playing- maintains the energy, forward motion and stamina leading toward the last fermata note. Never slows down.

Triple to duple is the main figures here- pay attention to play it evenly and correctly.

Precision after all the quavers syncopated rests.

Lower instrument must maintain the stamina to hold a good fermata last note of the piece.

Good Timpani roll needed in the last fermata.

Ps : Majors/leaders may consider using measure K as a standard chorale warm up and AA as a tutti articulation warm up at the beginning of every practice before I arrived.

Rds

FOO

Thanks.

2009-02-06T20:03:00.007+08:00

people, this is the link to our:

overture jubiloso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXc_jR-WzWU

and eiger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t-x5W5jG5A

during mbrosia

please reflect on it...

2009-01-05T20:32:00.002+08:00

hello people!
tomorrow's band practice will be start at 2.45pm.
Please remember to bring the money for the concert tickets if you haven't pay to Eileen Pong.

seeya tmr!

2008-12-30T22:05:00.004+08:00

Hey all,

1. Please take note you have to report at 11am on 10 January 2009, which the actual concert day. Please bring along some dry ration so that you can consume them as lunch will not be provided. Please wear your band uniform bottom and report and wear your P.E tshirt as you will have to wear your blazer iver your tshirt.

2. All Sec 3 and Sec4 band members in 2009, please report in band room at 3.30pm on Monday, 6 January 2009 as Mr Lee wants to speak to us.(Sorry to all those who end their lesson at 2.05pm)

3. Please refer to notice board to know who has to be down for the Year One Orientation.

4. For those who have yet to show Mr Lee your band uniform, please do so on the next band pract.

Lastly, have a wonderful new year 2009!

2008-12-26T16:47:00.003+08:00

Attention all band members,

Band Practice on Monday, 29 December 2008, has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, 30 December 2008 from 9am to 5pm. So, please be in the band room by 8.45am.

Secondly, those who forgot to bring their band uniform on tuesday for the check or those who failed tto attend band on tuesday, please bring your band uniform next tuesday for Mr Lee to check.

Lastly, Uniform Department, Welfare Department, and those people whom Mr Lee asked to come, please report to the band room on Monday at 10pm.

Happy holidays!!!

GESSBand Camp 2008 Pictures

2008-12-20T11:57:00.010+08:00

GESSBand Camp 2008 Pictures

Band Camp 2008

Year 3s/4 2008

Year 2s 2008

Year 1s 2008

Enjoy your balance 12 days of your holiday!!!

2008-12-19T22:08:00.004+08:00

hello!
this blog kinda stagnant already. ><
anyway, please report at >8.45am on tues, 23Dec!
attire: RED band tee and SCHOOL BOTTOM

Nothing is impossible(:

Esther

2008-11-29T13:37:00.003+08:00

There'll be band practice this tues, please report at 8.45am!
attire will be WHITE BAND TEE AND SCHOOL BOTTOM
PS: school bottom = skirt/ school short

Don't forget to bring $24!!
remember the consequences we told you yesterday!

Good job for the recording yesterday!:D

Esther

2008-11-14T12:19:00.004+08:00

GESSBAND welcomes all seniors to:

The Annual GESSBAND ROD 2008
Date: 25th November 2008(Tuesday)
Time: 7pm
Venue: GESS
Dress Code for Sec4s: Casual Smart

See you there!:D

With love,
GESSBAND 2008 (:

2008-11-11T18:38:00.006+08:00

Annual GESSBand Camp 2008

Date: Monday, 24 November 2008 - Wednesday, 26 November 2008

Venue: School

Time: Report @ 8.30am sharp in the arena

Attire: School Uniform

Packing List

Compulsory

1. 1 Sleeping Bag
2. 1 Litre Bottle, to be filled up(will also be sold to those who don't have at $2)
3. Torchlight
4. Rags for cleaning Domitories

Clothes

1. 4 - 5 sets of clothes,
(1 set = 1 top and 1 bottom)
a. home clothes are only allowed at night, sleeping time
2. Sufficient Undergarments
3. Jacket/Sweater/Windbreaker
4. 3 - 4 pairs of socks*
5. Sufficient Towels (1 or 2)

Toiletries

1. Shampoo, soap, facial foam, etc
2. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
3. Comb/Brush/Wax/etc.
4. Personal medication
5. Sufficient Sanitary Napkins (for girls only)
6.Plastic bags/Ziploc bags(highly recommended)

Footwear

1. Proper track shoes
2. Slippers/Sandals (only to be worn after all camp activities/bathing)

Musical

1. Instruments
2. Mouthpieces
3. Files
4. Whatever you need for band practice
5. Pencil

Camp Grouping

Group 1
<>Bryan (I/C)
<>Li Hong (A.I/C)
<>Samuel
<>Laura
<>Feline
<>Amirul
<>Ze Yang

Group 2
<>Tracy (I/C)
<>Lishanth (A.I/C)
<>Jessica
<>Yong Hui
<>Jia Wen
<>Juaniter
<>Eileen Chionh

Group 3
<>Eunice Wong (I/C)
<>Aw Wei Qi (A.I/C)
<>Guo En
<>Casabella
<>Washeem
<>Matthew
<>Yap Wei Qi

Group 4
<>Jia Jun (I/C)
<>Wei Jie (A.I/C)
<>Lai La
<>Vilson
<>Dian
<>Michelle
<>Timothy

Group 5
<>Sherlyn (I/C)
<>Aefy(A.I/C)
<>Hui Ping
<>Jia Min
<>Hamdani
<>Nico
<>He Tao

Group 6
<>Marcus Liew (I/C)
<>Lyn (A.I/C)
<>Eileen Low
<>Eunice Lai
<>Azhar
<>Afiq
<>Amos

Lishanth:)

2008-11-10T20:17:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow's band practice starts at 9.30.
Please be Punctual
Attire: White Band Tee(OLD) and school bottom
Esther

2008-11-09T21:41:00.005+08:00

6 Concerts to promote.

Concert No1:
Band: ITE Band(Simei)
Date and Time: 29 Nov(Sat), 7.30pm
Venue: Simei ITE
Price: $10
Repetoire: Overture Jubiloso etc.

Concert no2:
Band: Moulmein Wind Symphony
Date & Time: 13th Dec(Sat), 7.30pm
Venue: NAFA, Lee Auditorium
Price: $10
Repetoire: Highlights from "Chess"
Global Variation
Animation Medley by Miyazaki

Concert no3:
Band: Yio Chu Kang Symphonic Band
Date & Time: 18 Dec(Thurs), 7.30pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Price: $10
Repetoire: A Christmas Festival etc.

Concert no4:
Band: Sembawang Symphonic Winds
Date&Time: 21Dec(Sun), 7pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Price: $12
Repetoire: Symphony no 9 "From the new World" by Dvorak etc

Concert no5:
Band: NIE Symphonic Band
Date & Time: 27th Dec(Sat), 5pm
Venue: NTU, Nanyang Auditorium
Price: $5
Repetoire: Disney Fantillusion etc

Concert no6:
Band: Zheng Hua Symphonic Band
Date&Time: 27th Dec, 7.30pm
Venue: Singapore Conference Hall
Price: $10
Repetoire: Merry Widow
Inferno
British Folk Song March etc.

If you would like to attend any of the concert above,
please look for Esther!:D

2008-10-31T15:48:00.000+08:00

hello.
There will be NO drills tmr.

Esther

2008-10-29T18:57:00.003+08:00

hello!
The next band prac is tomorrow(30/10/08). Reporting time is 8.45am. Attire will be White band tee (OLD)with school bottom. Please be punctual.

Esther(:

2008-10-23T23:27:00.004+08:00

Hey guys! As you can see, this blog has transformed. Please take note of the reminders on the right as they will be updated regularly! (I hope) At the same time, enjoy your holidays!

The next band prac will be on next Tues, 28 Oct, reporting time is 8.45am. Attire will be School Uniform. Please be punctual.

Lyn

Change in practice timings

2008-10-23T20:14:00.004+08:00

TAKE NOTE : timings of Dec holiday practices are : 9am to 5pm!!! TAKE NOTE OF THE CHANGE !!!
[eileen pong]

2008 end of year holiday band practice

2008-10-21T20:16:00.012+08:00

hi there all GESSBAND members, here's the updated schedule of the holiday practice :

Tuesday (28th October 2008)
Band Practices
9am to 2 pm
ALL

Thursday (30th October 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5pm
Only Tuba section

11am to 2pm
ALL

Tuesday (4th November 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5 pm
Only Trombone section

11 am to 2 pm
ALL

Thursday (6th November 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5pm
Only Trombone section
Trumpet

10 am to 2 pm
ALL

Tuesday (11th November 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5pm
Only Horn section

9.30 am to 2 pm
ALL

Thursday (13th November 2008)
Band Practices
10 am to 5 pm
ALL

Monday (24th November 2008) to
Wednesday (26th November 2008)
Band Camp
Report at 9 am (Monday)

Dismissed by 1 pm (Wednesday)

Friday (28th November 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 1 pm
ALL

Tuesday (2nd December 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Thursday (4th December 2008)
Band Practices
9 am to 5 pm

Tuesday (9th December 2008)
Band Practice
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Thursday (11h December 2008)
Band Practice
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Tuesday (16th December 2008)
Band Practice
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Thursday (18th December 2008)
Band Practice
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Tuesday (23rd December 2008)
Band Practice
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

Monday (29th December 2008)
FULL Dress Rehearsal
9 am to 5 pm
ALL

2. To those who are going for chalets, overseas or who cannot attend certain band practice, please inform me by 24/10/08 or your SLs.

3. To those who cannot attend Band Camp / those who will not be staying overnight in school, do inform me by 30/10/08.

enjoy your holidays :D and remember to come for Band practice. those who are absent must present MC/parent letter / inform any of the teacher-in-charge, SLs.

[Eileen Pong]

2008-10-03T23:56:00.003+08:00

(click onto the picture for details)
if anyone interested, please look for me for the tickets. (:
Please bring along the money if you're interested.

Esther(:

2008-09-30T21:48:00.005+08:00

To all GeSsBaNd members..
Hope that all of you are revising for your Final-Term Exam.
Study hard and pass with flying colours!
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR EXAMS
From: Mr Foo, Mr Ng and all the teachers!

Please make sure that you maintain your instruments.
Please practice the pieces if have free time at home.

Band Pract will resume on:
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Please repoert at 2.45pm. Please be punctual.

Once again, ALL THE BEST for your upcoming exams.
CYA!

Lishanth

2008-07-07T13:10:00.002+08:00

Date: 19 July (Saturday)
Time: 3 pm
Tickets are priced at $12 ($16 tickets are sold out)
Do tell me if you are interested to come :D
you can e-mail to ethel_yeo@hotmail.com or preferably sms to 83881129 (Ethel)

(from Karen)

2008-07-07T11:35:00.001+08:00

Esplanade Presents
Limelight 2008:
Nanyang Girls’ High School Concert Band

Date: 4th August, Monday
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $15(students)

A consistent gold award winner at the Singapore Youth Festival Band Central Judging for the past six years,
Nanyang Girls’ High School Concert Band takes the stage at the Esplanade Concert Hall for the first time to present to you an evening of works by some of the most renowned Japanese composers.

Highlights include:
Funiculli, FunicullaBy Luigi Denza/Yo Goto
Jalan, JalanBy Shinya Takahashi
Joe Hisaishi Works 2 arr.by Kazuhiro Morita
Dancin’ Megahits By Takeshi Hoshide
Hymn to the Infinite Sky By Satoshi Yagisawa
Latin Favourites Arr. by Peter K. Schaars

those interested, please look for me!
PS: the school will be subsidising $10 per person so all of you only need to pay $5! :D

Esther:)

2008-06-30T20:18:00.001+08:00

Hello people! the blog seems abit dead. =.=
anyway, please remember to bring the following tmr:
1. Passport size photo for the noticeboard
2. $28

reporting time: 2.45pm!

seeya!:D

Esther

URGENT NOTICE

2008-06-11T12:34:00.001+08:00

To all band members: be at the band room at 9am for national day practice on 12 june thurs,section leaders do inform your section mates and help pass the message around.
thanks!

eileen pong

Sec 3s Meeting

2008-06-10T20:42:00.000+08:00

There will be a meeting for all sec 3s tomorrow with Diana at the band room at 9am

Scores To Be In Your File

2008-06-10T20:33:00.000+08:00

Scores To Be In Your File

Warm-Up Pieces
1) I Recommend
2) Lesson 1 & 2
3) Fundamental Practice Pieces

Concert Pieces
1) Jericho
2) Spartacus
3) Pageant
4) Jupiter

National Day Pieces
1) Majulah Singapura
2) Gan Eng Seng School Anthem
3) Sousa - The March King
4) Fanfare
5) General Salute
6) Made In Singapore
7) Stand Up For Singapore
8) One People, One Nation, One Singapore

meeting for NCOs

2008-05-31T14:53:00.001+08:00

hi people, there will be a meeting with Mr Lee on monday,2 june, 10 am for the following people:- all heads of department
- sec 3 assistants
-sec 2 trainiees

plz help pass the msg around!!thanks =D meanwhile enjoy your holidays people and remember to turn up for band practice next week.

p.s to diana and brenda: mr lee would like both of you to be down for the meeting as well.

**************eileen pong *****************

2008-05-30T16:57:00.000+08:00

Hey people this is our new band blog that was requested by the seniors ant the teachers.

www.gessband0809.blogspot.com

So, please keep in touch with this blog for more information and notices about Band.

1) If you want your blog to be linked to this blog, pls leave your blog add in the tagboard.

2)If you have any HK Trip photos pls send it to gessband0809@gmail.com

Thanks:)

Lishanth