In my fantasy, I see a just world...

2008-08-04T02:51:00.001+08:00

For those of you that still come here:

http://archangel1806.livejournal.com

Bye Blogspot!

2007-10-22T12:13:00.000+08:00

This is my 100th post. Yet, it's going to be a short one.

Dear all,

My deepest apologies for not updating but the amount of work to be done here is phenomenal and it's midterm period already (GAHHH!!!) I will be most definitely updating soon though.

So sorry again!

2007-09-22T07:04:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone...apologies for the lack of updates.

School's been going okay...I'm in fencing and orchestra and music lessons in addition to my five classes. Chemistry consumes my life...so does bio. Music theory and musicianship (ear training) are doing alright but it's challenging. In general I'm out on the go from about 9 in the morning until around 2200 at night. Saturdays are just fencing and lessons. Sundays are (currently) the only free day, but that might change once I get into the emergency paramedic programs.

Shall write more some other time...huge amounts of work has piled up. Take care everyone!

~Guang Yi

2007-08-30T03:54:00.001+08:00

Hiiii everyone...really really really REALLY sorry about the lack of updates...they've been keeping us so fully occupied at orientation that I don't even have time to blog...I actually only have like..5 minutes now, but I'm doing alright. Tired and stressed (like most people in school should be) but doing quite okay.

Hope everyone's doing fine. Miss you all!

~Guang Yi

2007-08-24T10:00:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone

I made it to the US okay...really tired now since I'm jet lagging, but I just wanted to let everyone know I'm fine. Going to sleep soon...

Thank you to everyone that came to the airport and for all the warm wishes!

Will update soon...

~Guang Yi

2007-08-15T23:37:00.000+08:00

Massive packing going on in my room and not much free time nowadays coming down the home stretch...7 more days (6 more in half an hour). Gahhh...not many free days left. Let me know if you guys wanna hang out and I'll see what I can do.

On another note, anyone ever seen "Britain's Got Talent"? Amazing singer. Check it out.

~Guang Yi

2007-08-01T22:53:00.000+08:00

So I've been on a sort of Mahler craze lately...trying to catch up on what I haven't heard yet. I just bought Sir Simon Rattle's recording of the "Resurrection" Symphony (I've been watching Rattle conduct on Youtube and I think he's like the coolest conductor ever). Since I'm pulling my second wisdom tooth out tomorrow, I've borrowed the scores for "Resurrection", "Symphony of a Thousand", and Number IX...the lethal one hahaha...for you non musicians, go look up "The Curse of the Ninth Symphony".

MC for 7 days...21 days till ORD! *rubs it in*

Well thinking about going back to the states, I can't help but start feeling really bad about, once again, leaving my parents alone in Singapore once again. My sister's in Hong Kong and I'm going off to study for at least 4 years...maybe more if I do get into medical school. Sometimes I wonder if they wonder "Those other parents get to keep their kids in Singapore all the way until 22 years old...if not longer...why can't our kids just do the same?" I feel that both of us being out so much is not fair to them...am I (are we) robbing them of time and memories that they're supposed to be having with us? *sigh* I just feel guilty that's all.

I was at the violin shop today as well since it's so close to the library...fell in love with this French violin by a maker named Lefrancois...I've never really gotten the chance to play on a French instrument before and I do like what I heard...the only problem is the price. SGD 9,000. *sigh* I don't know if I should tell my parents yet because I don't even know if I'm going to be serious about music or not. Guess we'll just see.

Will be on MC starting tomorrow until National Day, so I'll be packing, score studying, bumming at home, and maybe blogging. Lemme know if you wanna come visit! :D That's all for now.

~Guang Yi

2007-07-21T14:53:00.001+08:00

Time completed: 1448

Generally slightly disappointed with the book...the flow was a bit eh in a few places and I got a bit confused more than once. Ending wasn't too bad though...but the last bit just before the last duel was confusing as hell! HOW?!?! *roars* Haha I'll reread later...Now I can go eat lunch....

~Guang Yi

2007-07-21T08:49:00.000+08:00

Started reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at 0847 am. Before I hit the end I have the following suspicions:

1.) Voldy will die (duh)
2.) Harry and Snape will die
3.) Hermione OR Ron might die
4.) Hagrid might die

That is all. Do not disturb and DO NOT POST SPOILERS!

(spoilers will be available on request by tonight...just MSN me :D)

~Guang Yi

2007-07-16T20:16:00.000+08:00

Pulled the wisdom tooth on Thursday, wasn't supposed to go back to work until this Thursday but because of someone at work, I have to go back on Wednesday. Funny thing is that this person's not even a doctor, so what do THEY know? Questioning a dentist...crazy person...actually wanted me to come back TODAY, but the person's logic? Since your immediate superior isn't in, it's not necessary for you to be here so come back Wednesday. Like that makes sense? My guys can handle the office just fine. Me and Ben trained them well. What is your problem? Do us all a favor and leave! Get a life, you hypocritical, mood-swinging! *roars*

Get me back to school.....NOW!!

Good news? 37 days left. Can't wait...

Will miss all my SG non-work related people though :(

~Guang Yi

2007-07-08T23:50:00.000+08:00

Soooo I guess I'll start from Thursday afternoon. I started having a toothache out of nowhere so I went to the dentist. Dentist said I should pull them out NOW but I was like WAIT NO I HAVE A CONCERT ON SATURDAY! Soooo....he was gonna do it on Tuesday. However SOMEBODY in my workplace (no names of course) refused to let me do it Tuesday for some stupid reason so now I have to go on Thursday, and even though it's one week of MC, she wants me to GO BACK to camp on the following Monday to endorse it. Wtf? It's an SAF issued MC. You shouldn't have to endorse it because...I don't know. It's silly, but if she says to do it, I have to. Grrrr.

Friday I was on leave. In the morning, had to head down to Singapore Indoor Stadium (henceforth SIS) to help configure the seats. There's not a whole lot of space considering there's 80 of us to fit in plus stands plus instruments. 13 meters long, 8 meters deep if I recall. Somehow we managed. Went home and then had to go back two hours later for rehearsal. Let's just say it was not planned very well and lots of time was wasted. Didn't finish until around 2230 (we were supposed to finish at 2145). Went home only to have to...

Report back the following morning at 1000. Rehearsed (once again, badly planned) until 12, break until 1, rehearsed until 6, break until 7. Show started at 730 but there were a LOT of speeches and awards given out before it reached the concert section of the show.

The concert portion went quite well. The Golden Lions really outdid themselves, as did the brass band, kotekitai, dance group, and choir. SNCO did very well too! For those of you that didn't get the message, this message came down today from Samuel: "We'd like to thank all for the fantastic performance last night! A lot of our pioneers were moved to tears when we played the two gakkai pieces. That's what music is all about, to touch people's hearts. Thank you!"

The program was as such:
1.) March past with SNCO playing Hong Zi Ge and Guang Bu Zhi Ge (groups took so long to march past! Heard people cried when we played though)
2.) Golden Lions wushu+lion dance with Chinese music (loud!)
3.) Flower duet with Soka Choir and dance group (what's it called again???)
4.) Sound of Music with SNCO and Junior Choir (awww so cute!)
5.) Wang Fei Hong with RCO and Golden Lions (quite cool! Cymbal was late quite often...)
6.) Brass band and kotekitai playing a piece called 070707 (I think...very very good!)
7.) Nella Fantasia with SNCO and Soka choir (basically a reprise of what we did for the president)
8.) Kitaro's Matsuri with SNCO+RCO and Golden Lions (didn't watch the wushu...heard it was really good. Piece was a crowd pleaser as well hehehe)
9.) YWD mass movement (basically lots of YWD doing the same thing)
10.) YMD/Gym corps mass movement (Whirlpool! They ran in circles and did coordination stuff)
11.) Finale singing 2 of GD's original songs

Chaos ensued after the concert. Here're photos!

Anyone else have more photos? Please email them to me!

Dear SNCO members (that read this),

Last night was really a night to remember. Standing up there conducting the Gakkai songs with all my heart, I felt like I had actually managed to achieve something in the past 2 years I've been back in Singapore and contributing to SSA and kosenrufu. I really wish that I could stay on to watch SNCO grow, but a new mission/adventure calls to me back in New York. I will still come back at least once a year over the next few years, so hopefully you all will grow during those years.

I have to admit that standing in front of everyone and conducting isn't always the easiest thing in the world, but I can't imagine anyone else in the world giving me this kind of opportunity to let me make mistakes up on the podium and just laugh at/with me and just carry on the rehearsal as if nothing happened (events such as "what's a tuba" stick in my mind horribly).

I sincerely hope that I will be able to play/conduct with you all again as a full-time member in the future. I've learned so much from all of you and I can only offer my very best wishes to you, members of SNCO, and thank you for all the wonderful memories and experiences we've shared together.

Yours sincerely,

Guang Yi
Former assistant conductor and Music IC

Edit: Thanks a lot Fong Yee and Wei Li!

2007-07-07T00:37:00.000+08:00

It's been a long day, so I'll keep it short. Will write more on Sunday or so. But I'd just like to say a few things:

1.) Today is 070707. My Chinese birthday!
2.) Big meeting/concert tomorrow for SSA
3.) The whole point of the Live Earth concert is to help save the Earth right? So why're you holding concerts? Concerts use huge amount of electricity and generate a lot of noise pollution and just consumes more of Earth's natural resources. So doesn't it defeat the purpose of having a "Save the Earth" campaign? (You're doing concerts for 24 hours nonetheless!)

Just my thoughts on number 3. Feel free to discuss/contradict me.

Good night everyone!

~Guang Yi

2007-07-03T23:00:00.000+08:00

11 days until Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix!
18 days until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

I swear I'm going to wake up at 7am that day just to go down to Tampines Mall to pick up my copy of HP: DH and lock myself in my home without my internet on or ANYTHING until I finish reading it. Why? Because of what happened back when Book 5 first came out.

I waited like a week to get the book because it was so hard to find it in the states...then I was randomly talking to my friends at school and somebody was like "OMG I can't believe ______ died!" (just in case those of you who haven't read OOtP don't know who snuffs it in book 5) and I was like "dammit now I know...what's the point of reading?" So basically as I flipped through that whole book, every page I turned was like "Where's he/she gonna die? Here? here?"

SOOOOOO...for book 6, I got it on the first day and stayed home reading until I finished it. THEN only did I go online to check my email, talk to people, etc etc. So the same shall go with book 7. Thank goodness it's a Saturday!

4 more days until SSA's 070707 40th Anniversary concert...it's my last concert with them as a full-time member...I'll have to pass on my role as Music IC and part-time conductor to someone else after this concert.

I don't really have any regrets about joining SNCO. Granted I still miss being in a real orchestra, but not many places in the world would give someone such as myself an opportunity to be in charge of planning music programs and CONDUCTING, even though I have so little experience in both. It's helped me grow as a person, possibly even more than NS has made me grow. Of course, it was very trying at times...with people consistently not behaving and not listening, and the upper management (I feel) needs to reorganize a bit, and people need to change their attitude towards coming to rehearsal on time or at all, but since it's such a young group (1 year old compared to all the other groups' 10-20 years), I have faith that it'll just get better as time goes on.

Moving back to the states, I'm sure this is one thing I'll definitely miss on Saturday nights. What am i going to do with all this free time? Hahaha...but seriously, thank you SNCO for everything you've taught and given me. Hopefully, one day, I will return to make music with all of you on a full-time basis once again.

I wish you all the best of luck and eternal growth and happiness.

~Guang Yi

2007-06-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

The long weekend is finally over!

Friday: Out with the guys. Didn't get to sleep until 5 am.
Saturday: Woke up at 830. Went for breakfast with TP and then went for NYP's rehearsal which started at 1030. Horrible attendance. Spent some time at YK's place, then went for SSA rehearsal, started at 6. Played Kitaro's Matsuri. Ended around 930. Didn't get home until 12 because we went to get food.
Sunday: After trekking home from Jurong the previous night, we remade the trek after waking up at 720 to get there by 9. Zaddankai at home at 2 and then helped mum with stuff.

Total amount of sleep in a bed during the past 2 days: 8 hours
Total amount of sleep in a chair: 2.5 hours
Total amount of sleep on the floor: 1 hour

Haha that's all for now...

Nella Fantasia (In my Fantasy)

Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo giusto,
Li tutti vivono in pace e in onestà.
Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere,
Come le nucole che volano,
Pien' d'umanità in fondo all'anima.

Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo chiaro,
Li anche la notte è meno oscura.
Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere,
Come le nuvole che volano.

Nella fantasia esiste un vento caldo,
Che soffia sulle città, come amico.
Io sogno d'anime che sono sempre libere,
Come le nuvole che volano,
Pien' d'umanità in fondo all'anima.

English:

In my fantasy I see a just world,
Where everyone lives in peace and honesty.
I dream of souls that are always free
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

In my fantasy I see a bright world
Where each night there is less darkness.
I dream of spirits that are always free,
Like the clouds that float

In my fantasy exists a warm wind,
That blows into the city, like a friend.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

~Guang Yi

2007-06-21T23:49:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the huge amount of lists that have been coming out recently, but I feel like I need to do this for myself.

Pieces to play:

Sonatas:
1.) Beethoven Sonata No. 5 "Spring"
2.) Bach Partita No. 3 in E Major (Prelude and 1 more movement) OR Bach Chaconne or Vitali Chaconne

Chamber Concertos:
1.) Mozart Violin Concerto No. 1, 4, and/or 5

Symphonic Concertos:
1.) Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor
2.) Saint Saens Violin Concerto No. 3
3.) Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Non-concerto Orchestra Pieces:
1.) Sarasate "Zigeunerweisen" or Saint Saens "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso"
2.) Ravel "Tzigane"

In short, pieces that will prepare me for any competition. Question is...how long to get all this stuff ready?

To conduct:

1.) Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major
2.) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
3.) Rossini William Tell Overture
4.) Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture
5.) Dvorak Symphony No. 8
6.) Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5
7.) Any of the violin concertos

Sigh...conducting or performance?

~Guang Yi

2007-06-19T23:55:00.000+08:00

First of all, I just want to thank everyone who wished me happy birthday yesterday. I'm old! No longer a teen hahaha...yesterday after dinner, a few of the guys snuck over (apparently my mum's been planning this for a while) for cake and tea. They got me a little soccer ball and a magic 8 ball (which everyone is fascinated with!)...it was ridiculous because we kept asking the thing stupid questions.

An inordinate amount of money has been going out within the past week as well. Strings were almost 200, a new baton was about 60, and rehairing my bow is gonna cost me 90 (and every subsequent time will be 180). Ugh.

Just to reiterate, rehearsals and coming up mean I'm going to be very busy on weekends and some weekdays.

Concert-wise, it's:

June 26th: Performance for NDP Participants and President of Singapore
July 7th: SSA 40 Anniversary Performance (10,000 people!!)
July 13th: NYPSO Concert

After that, I'm officially free of all orchestral obligations (in Singapore). Weeeeee!

So other than that, there's not much going on. I'm 20, broke, and looking back to going back to school. 63 days left!!!!

~Guang Yi

2007-06-13T21:58:00.000+08:00

Just a few notes. June 4th concert has been moved to the 26th of this month. Rehearsals on both Saturday and Sunday for the next two weekends, plus extra rehearsals somewhere I'm sure.

I've started exercising, practicing violin, and studying again in preparation towards going back to school. I've made some freshman friends on Facebook already...but I'm really looking forward to going back to school!!!!

I have my new laptop and my sunglasses, so now I NEED (not want) the following things before I leave:

1.) Decent conductor's baton by Mollard - $80
2.) 2 sets Obligato strings (minus the E) with 4 Infeld Red gold E strings - $210

Things I'll need eventually but I just want now:

1.) Tuxedo with tails and shirt and vest - $500
2.) Proper case for above mentioned baton - $120

Things I WANT:

1.) Concert Violin - ~$7,000-8,000
2.) Case for above mentioned violin - ~$300
3.) Concert bow - ~$1,500

Thing that money can't buy:

1.) A high MCAT score
2.) An acceptance letter from the Johns Hopkins University medical school program (with scholarship)
3.) Someone to strike Toto/4D/some sort of jackpot to get all the material things!
4.) Happiness and great growth of all SGI members, especially sensei and Mrs Ikeda, as well as my SNCO members

*chants for all the above*

Hahaha that's all. Tired and stressed!

~Guang Yi

2007-06-04T01:17:00.000+08:00

Life updates:

Not much. June 4th concert has been postponed indefinitely because the VIP couldn't make it for that date so we'll just have to stand by until he's free. Started with NYPSO on Saturday mornings so now my Saturdays are more or less packed with my afternoon shot because there's no point in going back home for an hour before having to head back out for SNCO. Not that I'm complaining...I'm liking NYPSO better than I like BHSO because they're closer to my age group and people are friendlier there.

Laoshi knows what he's doing, I can tell, but he expects a lot from the orchestra considering it's only a school orchestra. Most of the strings have been playing for less than 2 years, and I know from experience that within those 2 years, it's very hard to learn pieces, even more so when it's the pieces that he's chosen. So I'll just do my best to encourage them and give them as much advise as I can before I head back.

Went to the IT show with YY, TP, and Zi on Friday. Wasn't that crowded when we got there (as in there were areas where you could swing your arms about and not hit anyone ^_^). I got myself a mouse that would've cost me about 45 percent more in the states, and it came with a matching mousepad. Not too bad considering the mousepad costs 30 USD by itself. Also got myself some Lightscribe DVDs to burn my data onto. For those of you that don't know, Lightscribe is a technology that uses your DVD burner as a labeler for the top of your recording medium as well. Generally, I'm quite happy with it because I'm sure it lasts longer than marker does and you don't have to worry (I think) about it fading. And it looks nice too :D

Supper tonight was ridiculous. I'd post some quotes up here, but it looks stupid when it's just typed and you weren't there.

And random thoughts...

Entry edited 19/06/2007

But I have to work tomorrow. Haha...dinner with an old family friend tomorrow evening, and I'm watching this play called The Specialists (about classical musicians...a comedy) this weekend. The bugger's coming back in a few weeks, so that should make life interesting. Couple others are enlisting as well...should be visiting them eventually.

That's all! GOOD NIGHT!

~Guang Yi

2007-05-26T01:13:00.000+08:00

Oh and I forgot to mention...

August 30th: University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra Auditions (AHHH!!!!)

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8, Opus 13...Pathetique - Adagio cantabile.
In a singing style

Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque

Sergei Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2
Inspired and dedicated to his psychiatrist who nursed him out of depression

It's amazing what these three pieces consecutively can do for a person's mood. The first piece sets the mood, the second piece really sets you imagining Moonlight and consecutively, reflection on your deepest thoughts. Rachmaninov's opening movement stirs you slightly out of your thoughts but then proceeds to lead you through his second movement gently. In the final movement, he rouses you and awakens a feeling of joy and soaring even from the darkest despairs of your heart with the final theme of the last movement, summarizing his struggle and his triumph over depression.

Just wow...what an emotional roller coaster...

2007-05-23T23:15:00.000+08:00

By popular request (and by popular, I'm referring to Wei Li's tag on my tagboard to the left), I'm updating.

Except there's not really much to update about. The concert on Sunday was worse than during rehearsal. I don't understand how the dress rehearsal went better than the actual concert. It's usually the other way around. People are usuall in tears during the dress rehearsal because it's so bad. Even the soloist had to go find another cello the day before the concert because it "opened up"...that's what's written on the program. I don't exactly know if it means the SOUND opened up or the whole thing actually physically opened up. Anyways, major suckage.

And for some inexplicable reason, I'm going to be very busy with music-related things until around mid-July. I guess it's okay since I'm considering a B.A. in music performance or conducting (with my pre-med stuff), but it's not so okay because my pre-med courses require a lot of stuff that I'm not sure I can remember anymore. 1 year General Chem with lab, 1 year ORGANIC (AHHH!!!) chem with lab, 2 years math, 1 year physics with lab. Then I have to take the MCATs. *screams*

Anyways, here's what's going on.

~~May 20th: Penang Visits (Braddell Heights Symphony Orhcestra)~~
June 4th: Performance for National Day Participants with the President as VIP. (SNCO)
July 7th: SSA 40th Anniversary Concert Spectacular! (Ok I made the name up...whatever) (SNCO)
July 13th (or was it 20th? I'll check this): Guest playing in concert (Nanyang Poly Symphony Orchestra)

With regards to the last concert, I have absolutely no idea what I'm playing...but I'm finding out this Saturday. As it is, my rehearsal schedule is something like:

NYPSO: Saturday mornings until 1300
SNCO: Saturday evenings 1800-2130 (sometimes Sundays)
BHSO: Sunday afternoons 1500-1800

So...weekends? Psssshhtttt....down the pipe. Oh not to mention meetings every last Sunday of the month from 1400-1530.

Not that I'm complaining. I love music. I just hate the headaches and grief that comes tied with it...I can't say I'm looking forward to practicing 3-4 hours a day when I get back to school, but I know it's a necessity and I'll feel a lot more accomplished once I do it. Now with conducting...I have to see. If I had a choice, I'd get the performing B.A. over the conducting B.A.

Hmmm this has turned out to be a bit long huh. Ah well...August 10th shall be the last day of work, and school starts August 26th for me. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Don't expect much updates from here...will be busy practicing like there's no tomorrow. Good night!

~Guang Yi

2007-05-06T23:19:00.000+08:00

Heylo...I've been really, REAAAALLLY busy and haven't had time to blog here. Apologies. First of all, thank you to everyone who's provided insight on what I could possibly do to help me decide :)

I've been running from rehearsal to rehearsal to concerts to functions, etc etc. Went to watch Strains of Majesty on Friday, Phantom yesterday, and went to Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra today.

Strains of Majesty was with Nina Kotova playing the Dvorak Cello Concerto. Can you believe she has both a Strad AND a Guarneri? I don't know which instrument she played on that night, but the miking was quite bad because the balance with soloist and orchestra wasn't quite there. Props to her for making herself heard though. After that was Beethoven Symphony Number 3: Eroica, initially dedicated to Napoleon, but Beethoven removed the dedication after Napoleon crowned himself emperor. Not one of my favorite symphonies as it was a bit drawn out, but the first movement is really cool.

As for Phantom of the Opera...I guess I went in expecting too much, or I'm just a spoilt child because I've seen the Broadway version. They changed the lyrics on a few of the songs...I guess it kind of worked but growing up with the original lyrics, it was a bit weird. Not to mention my seat was awful considering I paid 80 bucks. Needed to buy binoculars to see. The conductor was conducting the music a bit too fast (to the point where the actors and actresses were stringing their lyrics together). Christine...I hate to say it, but she was sharp the whole show. I don't know if it was because of a sound problem or anything...but it was just sharp. Enough to make me shuffle in my seat everytime she sang.

On the other hand, the phantom was very, very good.

I figured I needed to get myself built up stamina- and skill-wise for orchestra playing again, so I've opted to help out Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra, who're having a concert on May 20th. They're playing Saint Saens Symphony no. 1, Dvorak Carneval, and Haydn Cello Concerto. The symphony is a bit boring, the cello concerto is very good...like, the soloist is phenomenal. Very clean playing and he gets all his notes out. Carneval...ugh. Just...ugh. It's in cut time and it's high and I'm gonna have to practice it a lot if I want to get it ready by the 20th.

There's an SNCO performance in the beginning of June as well as on July 7th as well, so I have to prepare for those as well. On TOP of that, I have to prepare my solo piece for my Rochester Orchestra audition. Sigh...that'll be nerve-racking because I can't imagine what I'd do if I don't get in...ugh...

Well that's about it for now...have to work tomorrow. Medical appointment tomorrow afternoon, driving in the afternoons on Tuesday and Wednesday (thus half days off as well), and a full day off on Thursday for my.....DRIVING PRACTICAL EXAM. Woohoooooo!! Hope I pass! That's all!

~Guang Yi

2007-04-28T20:36:00.000+08:00

So it's the same old debate again. Here I am sitting on the fence, debating what to do when I get back to school. It's the same old, identical debate. To the point where I don't even remember if I've written about it here anymore, so here it is (again).

I know for a fact that I want to be a doctor. Or do I really? I have my heart set on it, but unlike music, I haven't really had my hands on it yet, so how do I know I REEAAAALLY want to be a doctor? It just sort of hit me the other day when I was helping a friend with a medical school entry essay. Got me thinking: I don't have any of these experiences. No lifechanging experience to drive me towards wanting to go into healthcare. Just the thoughts in my head that I just wish to better my fellow man. Nurture, improve, and help them get better.

But what about music?

I love music. I can't live without my Mendelssohn and my Beethoven and my Dvorak (the list goes on). Then I'm torn in this respect as well. As of right now, I'm barely above the mean average of violin-playing skill (my old teacher wasn't really one to give me self-esteem about my playing). My fingers just don't seem to move precisely enough. Or quickly enough. My bowings are all funny. I don't like the sound that comes out of my violin much anymore. It could be due to a lack of serious practicing (my definition of serious being 3-4 hours a day). Or it could just be because my body is physically not made to move that rapidly. My physiotherapist says that all the muscles in my body are very stiff and tight. I believe this also applies to my fingers. Could this be my downfall as a violinist?

Yet I can see myself doing it for years on end. The process of learning and creating music to inspire and move the hearts of others. The struggle of learning something...and the tingle down your spine when you play it and it finally sounds right.

Is it worth it?

Is it worth it?

Conducting is also another option I have in my mind. However, I have absolutely no serious music theory experience and I don't know the first thing about serious conducting. Sure, I conduct SNCO and I've conducted a pit orchestra in the past, but do those really count for anything? If I go back to school for conducting, will I get laughed out of the program?

Practically speaking, musician is good for those with the passion, but a doctor would be able to support his family with a considerable amount of less stress.

In school, I'll definately take the pre-medical courses. Question is,

1.) Pursue my bio degree?
2.) Pursue my music performance degree?
3.) Pursue my conducting degree (masters is a minimum in states)?
4.) Double major?

All the above options end with my going to medical school after my first four (five years if I double major or if I opt for a masters in conducting). Or the last option?

5.) Just be a musician?

Will I choose my passion over dream?

Could I have some thoughts on this please?

2007-04-20T21:46:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone...apologies for the lack of updates because HP took a ridiculously long time to fix my laptop, and on top of that my sister's computer can't seem to run this website properly. Hence, the lack of updates until now.

Not that I would have written about anything interesting at all anyways. I've been sick these past 2 days (flu virus, doctor says). What with the fever and sore throat and running nose, etc etc. But I think I should be alright by tomorrow.

Errr...oh yes. I'll be returning to the U.S. sometime in early to mid-August if I get approval from CPC to disrupt. Meaning I'll owe them about 18 days of service which I can easily pay off next summer holiday. School starts August 26th, so if all goes to plan, my last day of NS will be August 10th and I'll be off and flying within the following week.

Other than that, nothing major's really been happening (not that I can remember anyways). Will be hearing from me more often now that I have my laptop back!

~Guang Yi

2007-03-18T22:38:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I will be out of town in Malaysia for my grandfather's 3rd year anniversary of passing away from Wednesday evening until Saturday afternoon. If there are any urgent matters, please message me and I will reply to them if necessary. Please don't call. Thanks.

In other matters, I really think the Phantom of the Opera movie is not quite as good as the actual musical, but it still wasn't that bad.

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
Say the word and I will follow you...
Share each day with me, each night, each morning...

2007-03-13T00:04:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the lack of updates. Schedule's been upside down, and I've been spending all my spare time practicing Mendelssohn. My self-set deadlines:

-Learn all the notes by 14 April

-Memorize by May 4th

Those should be doable deadlines. Will do a real update on a better day. Wish me luck...

~Guang Yi

2007-02-22T23:05:00.000+08:00

Home in the Wind Part II

The landing gear touched down gently onto the tarmac. As the plane came to a complete halt, the ground crew cracked the door open and the fresh spring air washed into the cabin. Two marines saluted him as he made his way down the stairs onto the ground. "G'morning sir!"

Feet onto American soil for the first time in years. A feeling of great elation began to wash over him and a wide grin spread over his face. Instead of saluting the corporal back, Ryan grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. "A very good morning to you, corporal!"

A few weeks later

Life had more or less returned to its normal boring self. It was almost exactly what it was before he had enlisted with the Navy and gone off to the academy. With one very large hole.

Sofia.

He had asked around among his old friends, but none of them seemed to know where she had gone. Some of them guessed she might come back for the High School Reunion coming up this Saturday. He had grown hopeful, but told himself not to expect anything.

Nonetheless, he looked forward to this Saturday.

~To be continued~

~Guangyi

2007-02-21T22:51:00.000+08:00

Three point turns and U-turns tomorrow. *makes groaning noise*

So in a vain attempt to keep my brain's creative juices from dying (studying and playing violin keeps my PRODUCTIVE ones going), I'm going to try to write short stories here every once in a while. Those of you who don't know, I used to do lots and lots of writing, working on a book here and there...until like last year when my schedule filled up. Hence, me sticking to short stories. Mostly, they'll be quite random about no particular subjects (though some will be quite predictable, but do bear with me, I'm trying to work on my writing style as well), but DO let me know what you think! Thanks :)

Home into the Wind

"You'll do fine, Ry!" Brian patted him on the back.
"Do write!" Uncle Chad said with a big grin on his face.
"Be careful out there, son..." His mother, sobbing as he left the house.
"Do us proud, kid-o." His dad.

Most notoriously sticking out in Ryan's mind, Sofia's ashen face as he set foot onto the Navy Transport, having spent a long time saying their final farewells. Adieu to his fiance, his wife-to-be, his soul mate. As the door shut, a ray of sunlight reflected a tear on her face, sparkling like the dew on the morning grass.

Memories of this disintegrated into the nightmare of that last fight in the air. Watching his wingman get shot down, watching his own wing get blown off and the infinite feeling of falling, hearing Death whispering his name in his ear, beckoning him towards the darkness.

After ejecting, he felt himself crash into a canopy of trees. Pain beyond imagination...

Before he woke up with a start, sweating bullets. He took a look around his surroundings. It was the transport plane back to D.C. Back home.

Lieutenant Ryan Talard was a Navy pilot who was enlisted when the War started at age 25. He was shot down in a struggle for control over the Italian border. He endured four years as a prisoner of war before the UN came and rescued him. He had been granted indefinate leave from his commander, and he was now on his way home with a collection of papers and a bound book that served to remind him of the hell he had endured in his time as a POW.

He got out of his seat and washed his face. Returning to his seat, he took out a random stack of paper and began reading random excerpts from there.

December 15th
Just got out of the academy and I'm on the ship. Me and my bud Rocky both got onto this ship so it's pretty cool. Alert Five scrambles at least four times a day keeps us sharp. I miss Sofia very much though. I love you.

December 31st
New Year's Eve on a ship is not as hyped up as people make it out to be. We just finished a mission yesterday and suffered some pretty heavy losses, so the mood is quite sombre onboard the ship. No drills today though. Miss you dear.

Early March
This is the first chance I've gotten to write down what's happened in the past few weeks. I can only write this now in hopes that one day someone might find this if I don't survive. I think I'm somewhere in Spain. I was shot down fighting for Milan's safety. Rocky's dead and I think I'm the only one they managed to capture. They've given me only this paper and this stub of a pencil I'm writing with. The torture has been unbearable...I've wanted to give up so many times...but...
(the paper was torn here)

Autumn, Rainy Day
The torture has lessened. They seem to have resigned to the fact that I won't tell them anything. I think they're going to kill me. I want to do it myself so they won't get the pleasure of doing it themselves. But I must keeping living on. For my country. For Sofia.

Spring
Sofia...
(blood stains)

Shrugging off the shudders that he felt reading these again, he decided to call his mother again to tell her that they were touching down in an hour. When he had first called her, naturally she had started sobbing hysterically on the phone. The Navy had marked him Killed-in-Action the day he was shot down and everyone at home had thought him dead. Ryan's father had been no exception to tears over the phone.

He had tried to reach Sofia several times, but her phone number had changed. His parents said that she had gone into depression for months after the Navy told them he was dead and had since moved out of state. Ryan promised himself he would look for her, the only thing that kept him alive and going these past four years. His focal point. The love of his life.

"Ladies and gentleman, as we are landing shortly, please ensure that your seatbelts are fastened..."

~To be continued~

~Guangyi

2007-02-20T23:06:00.000+08:00

Kind of hard to believe we're in the Age of Aquarius when it hates me so much right? Hahaha...anyways.

Things I need:

1.) Violin bow (because the current one sucks) : $648
2.) New laptop (current one's degenerating): $2500
3.) A successful last concert with SNCO

Things I want:

1.) Sunglasses $300
2.) New, old violin. Feasible one: $7000. One I'd love to have but can't? $20,000
3.) Freedom

That and one other thing...which I will keep to myself until the time is right.

Good night.

~Guangyi

2007-02-20T02:51:00.000+08:00

It's late so I'll keep this short.

Obviously, I'm back from Malaysia. The usual business went on up there. Saw my uncles and aunts and cousins, went over to the usual houses and saw the usual people. Kampong spirit, you know? Shall elaborate more perhaps later this week.

Went to Sheng's house for New Year's party. Lost a bit of money at blackjack haha...it's okay though it wasn't a huge amount. Just got back.

Jun Wen has completed his Konzertstuck. Will be picking it up from him tomorrow morning (later???). It's a little over ten minutes long, and my part (the solo) is 7 pages long. So that's about...a little more than a page (learned and memorized) per month.

This next concert had better be a success...I want all the headache and frustration to be worth it. My last concert...I'm anticipating it and dreading it simultaenously.

Feb is just not my month for...*cough* (ask and I might discuss)

Meeting with the ICs to discuss theme, pieces, date, and venue of next concert (my last concert).

Driving this Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun, AND Mon. Tiring.

I'm tired and feeling kind of "eh" (see above) but I think I'll pull through. I just need to focus on the task at hand (Jun Wen's piece) and just keep striving on.

Sleep.

~Guangyi

2007-02-15T23:42:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!

I'll be going off to Malaysia to visit my grandma (father's), grandpa (mother's), and uncles and aunties tomorrow afternoon. I'll be back either on Sunday night or Monday afternoon. Feel free to message me, but I may not reply back because...well...it's expensive.

Wishing you all a happy, prosperous, Chinese New Year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

~Guangyi

2007-02-13T21:38:00.000+08:00

Yes you're not seeing wrong. This is, indeed, two posts in two days. But once again, it's not really a proper update.

Well I can first complain about the stupidity of some people at my work place. Just because they have some form of rank and they're regulars, they think they can do anything they want. Of course I'm talking about Soldier X (who is my patient ) and S.M. (ask me if you don't know what this means) Y of the AA medical centre.

So how it happened was that Soldier X had defaulted because he hadn't come for an appointment for more than 3 months. We booked an appointment for him today because the medic at AA medical centre said he had visited again and that he had a valid referral letter. Did he really?

Of course not. He showed up with the letter he showed us back in October (!!!) with dates crossed out without countersigning, a memo that was quite obviously forged, and a note from S.M. Y, who said that he had been attended to on some date in January. Problem? The thing is not a valid referral. At all. And the dates? On three seperate letters, there were four different dates. Oh and forged doctor's signatures.

So never mind, I call AA medical and ask them about Soldier X. Turns out officially, he hadn't been there since October. Apparently he knows the S.M. there and that's why, thinking that since she's the S.M., she could just scribble on a piece of paper and everything would be okay. Oh and after I told him we couldn't see him, I explained to him several times what he had to do. Stubborn and dense! Ugh I don't even want to bother writing what I had to tell him several times and the fact that I almost exploded at the stupidity and stubborness of Soldier X and S.M. Y.

Sigh. That and my parents aren't speaking to each other over something extremely stupid.

Valentine's Day tomorrow. I have really bad memories of this day from last year...it doesn't really bother me that much now, but instead, serves as a reminder of how much I've changed in the past year for the better, and how I'm better off without her in my life anyways. Heh...I can count on my hand the number of times she's written to me in this past year, each time asking me for favors and things she wants. I mean...what the hell...I don't even know why I bother helping her. We had a really bad falling out, and I shouldn't even bother. Whatever. Shan't dwell too much on it.

But it's kind of ironic...tomorrow is supposed to be a day celebrating love. Last year, it was a day that led up to the ending of it, and tomorrow is my sister's birthday (which we're not celebrating) and my parents' anniversary (which my parents decided we're not celebrating as well tomorrow), leaving tomorrow as a gloomy day.

What is this world coming to?

~Guangyi

2007-02-12T22:16:00.000+08:00

Well alright I'll start off with the (somewhat positive).

I spent my entire day at the culture centre. The concert itself...ugh...first half could've gone a lot better. Second half wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be though. Lots of people came, including most of my friends.

Ok now we start spiralling downwards.

A few couldn't come through no fault of their own (illness, family reunion dinners, etc), so I completely understand that. My sister, however, once again, didn't fail to disappoint. She came back the day before after making sure I had reserved a ticket for her...but yet...she didn't show up. Why?

I don't know. I haven't seen her since she came home Saturday afternoon until now. Her friends seem to be more important that her own family. And this isn't the first time that she's not been able to attend/forgotten about something of mine because of something else. My Senior recital, my Senior musical, and she almost didn't come for my High School graduation. The last time she actually made it for something of mine was my last concert with MYO in '04 because it was like 10 blocks from where she stayed.

Oh and Jacomo's lack of acknowledgement for my contributions. Now that I've actually sat and thought about it, I don't really care because SSA has showed its appreciation already (as did the SNCO players) but sitting on stage, and to continue sitting there...I felt very publically suanned. To the point where my playing of "Ha-Ha" was all over the place. Jacomo knew it too. He kept making faces with every note and bowing I missed. And believe me, I REALLLY missed them.

And I can't help but feel a bit apprehensive about what's going to happen next rehearsal because I'll actually get to find out who's made good of their word and left the group after this concert. Of course, there's the viola that left BEFORE the concert, so I should be grateful that these people at least waited until the concert was over. Don't get me wrong, I'm not holding any grudges against you all, I respect your reasons for wanting to leave, but I'm just worried that like 75% of the group is going to leave for all the same, valid reasons. Personally, and on behalf of the other ICs (who I haven't informed that you're leaving, because I'd hoped you'd tell them yourselves) Thank you all for your contributions and hard work.

Overall, the preparation for this concert could have been a lot better. People could have taken their instruments home and practiced more. Could have showed up for rehearsals more often. I know there are legitimate reasons for missing sometimes (positions in districts and commitments that come with them, family engagement, etc), but I'm sure there's a lot that don't come because they don't FEEL like it. Their lack of dedication is what has me irritated and worried for the July concert.

I mean...Jacomo has more or less agreed to do the July concert (hooo boy...), but I know that the ICs will be the ones to plan the repetoire for July, but I don't want to have to make easy, boring suggestions just because people are unwilling to put in the extra 2-3 hours a week. Just...ugh...frustration and apprehension.

At least the flowers are nice...

~Guangyi

2007-02-05T22:22:00.000+08:00

And so it begins...

The week leading up to Soka New Century Orchestra's first full-length, debut concert. "Lights, Camera, Action" is the theme.

6 days...

I've rarely felt so nervous in my life. Perhaps it's because I have charges that I've been responsible for performing under my baton for the first time in front of a full house (about 1000 people!?!? Waldorf only seats 350!). I feel nervous about how the audience will ackowledge the program and the pieces played, as well as the quality. Ohh and do I ever worry about the quality. I always seem to hear something wrong with my own playing, my fellow strings', or somewhere else in the orchestra. I worry that people will hear the same thing I hear. Always at the same places too. In that full audience, at least 15 people I know might hear it.

Yet, I feel excited at this prospect. If this works, we'll gain exposure within the Soka community and maybe even make our way towards being part of the Singapore scene. We might draw out hidden players from our community because of our music and that we move them to come out and join our cause. Who knows?

I certainly won't, so for now....just practice, chanting....and deep breaths.

Those SNCO members that do read this, relax on Saturday. Don't practice TOO much. I know I'm not going to...most likely will go to the SSO Open rehearsal in the morning on Saturday, teach Ying Jing, then go back down for the concert. Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3. It doesn't hold such a special place in my heart as No. 2 does, but yet, it still amazes me. Too bad the seat I have isn't that great. I'll be sitting behind the orchestra, facing the conductor, meaning sound quality might not be amazing.

But it's okay, because the fact that I'll still get to see Rach No. 3 live is still quite cool.

Deep breaths.

Deep, deep breaths.

~Guangyi

2007-02-03T01:08:00.000+08:00

Just a short one...

For those of you that missed tonight's SSO performance of Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto in C Minor, you all missed out on something very, very good.

That is all...super sleepy.

GOOD NIGHT!

~Guangyi

2007-01-26T23:07:00.000+08:00

I'm hungry...been a while since I've been hungry enough to go downstairs and get instant noodles. Anyways, I'll make this brief because I'm tired (and hungry).

1.) Had my annual medic proficiency exam this year...basically Staff Kevin is a super nice guy and...yeah...won't say what I did on the exam. Ask me and I'll tell you. Now I have to say, Pasir Ris Camp is in a very "oo-loo" (obscure, isolated) place where you have to walk in about 3 km from the main road to get to the camp. So on the way out (we had taken a cab in), one super nice Uncle driving a lorry stopped and told us to get on :D Super nice right?

2.) I started learning driving this week. It's fun! I think I have "fahrfigneugen" (having fun while driving in German)...my instructors are super nice. Apparently I only have a set of three instructors that will be with me all the way. Driving licence here I come!

3.) Concert's coming up...but what I'm looking at already is the July concert...my last concert. I'm curious in regards to what skill strings are adding to our ranks, as well as what kind of piece Jun Wen is cooking up for me in regards to a Violin Concerto...actually this whole July thing is a mystery at the moment. Repetoire? None. Location? None. Date? None. Players? Not confirmed. Solution: Settle Feb 11th concert first haha.

That's as brief as I'll be today...my instant noodles are done I think. Tomorrow, I have to:

1.) Be up at 9
2.) Leave house at 930
3.) Run down to Eunos CDC to the Traffic Police counter to apply for PDL
4.) Run back home for lunch
5.) Run to Tampines to teach student
6.) Run to Bugis to meet Rui Qi
7.) Run back to Tampines for a meeting

Rehearsal's on Sunday....clock's ticking. You SNCO people reading this...hope you all practiced (if you needed it!). Good night!!

~Guangyi

2007-01-20T23:24:00.000+08:00

Helllllloooo everyone....it's been a really long week, but it's finally Saturday night and I'm just relaxing.

First order of business, my laptop 's power button is shot, meaning that if my computer ever shuts down before I get it down to the repair shop, I won't have my laptop to use until I actually repair it. *sigh* Grrr....

Second order of business, the audits at work are finally over! We've been recertified by ISO and I got an additional 2 days off because of it. Total number of days on file: 5. Now if the rampant MCs would stop from my colleagues....

Rehearsal today was very, very short in my opinion. We got kicked out because they needed the hall for a rehearsal of some sorts...but I have to say, that cleanup was one of the fastest cleanups I've ever seen our group do. Now if we can keep up that standard that'd be kinda cool...

Does anyone have any spare tickets for the concert? I need like 6-8 more...my colleague Ben and his gf needs one...Rui Qi and Arthur need one...Darren and Tse Yang and HIS gf need one...wahh...as many spares as you can would be good because all these people are non-members. Thanks in advance.

Plan for tomorrow? Most likely catch up on sleep, give Suky a lesson, start studying for Advanced Theory, and spend some quality time with Max (Bruch).

Oh and I need a good piano soloist that is able to play Rhapsody in Blue if anyone knows...I'm just inquiring about this for the July concert...Rui Qi? Interested? Or anyone else? Thanks!

Good night!

~Guangyi

2007-01-15T21:57:00.000+08:00

After much hunting around and experimenting with pieces, I have finally arrived at a piece that I feel I can learn and play well, as well as enjoy. The piece is Max Bruch's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in G Minor, Op. 26.

From Richmond Symphony Orchestra's Concert Notes:

The G minor Violin Concerto is a work of lyrical beauty and emotional sincerity. The first movement, which Bruch called a “Prelude,” is in the nature of an extended introduction leading without pause into the slow movement. The Concerto opens with a dialogue between soloist and orchestra followed by a wide-ranging subject played by the violinist over a pizzicato line in the basses. A contrasting theme reaches into the highest register of the violin, and is followed by scintillating passage work of scales and broken chords for the soloist. A stormy section for orchestra alone recalls the opening dialogue, which softens to usher in the lovely Adagio. This slow movement contains three important themes, all languorous and sweet, which are shared by soloist and orchestra. The music builds to a passionate climax before subsiding to a tranquil close.

The finale begins with eighteen modulatory bars containing hints of the upcoming theme before the soloist proclaims the vibrant melody itself, enriched with copious multiple stops. A broad melody, played first by the orchestra alone before being taken over by the soloist, serves as the second theme. A brief development, based on the dance-like first theme, leads to the recapitulation. The coda, with some ingenious long-range harmonic deflections, recalls again the first theme to bring the work to a rousing close. Though a true showpiece for the master violinist, the G minor Concerto also possesses a solid musicianship and a memorable lyricism that make it a continuing favorite with both performers and audiences. Sir Donald Tovey succinctly summarized the talent of the composer of this work by simply saying, “It is not easy to write as beautifully as Max Bruch.”

My interpretation: The beginning is a very intense introduction that is slow yet powerful. It feels like a sort of yearning, and there is a dialogue between the solo and the orchestra. This is linked straight into the second movement, the Adagio, which is a beautiful romantic movement with a "ravishing melody" that lasts for what could be forever, but which eventually comes to an end. The final movement is very dance-like and I feel it brings a wonderful end to this concerto.

My feelings: There is no cadenza in any part of this Concerto, which gives me great reason to rejoice because...well...cadenzas are so ridiculously difficult to learn and play. Maybe I can do this in July? Hahaha...we'll have to see how committed I am to this piece...but really, it's gorgeous! Will do my best!

~Guangyi

2007-01-14T23:32:00.000+08:00

So the past few weeks have been ok...been quite busy at work. Worked overtime almost every day in the past week. And of course, rain and rain and rain and rain. *sigh*

Nothing really special to write about...other than at the Esplanade on Friday I ran into Jun Wen, followed by Jia Cun, followed by Wee Kim, all in a span of 15 minutes. My purpose of going to the Esplanade? Trade a set of strings that I discovered do not do well in this kind of climate, try a few violins, and go to the library to pick up scores.

I'm trying to think of what we're going to play for the July concert. Since we're getting external string players for July, I'm thinking of suggesting a symphony (Beethoven or Dvorak) or a concerto (flute, clarinet, piano, or dare I say...violin???) because this will be one of the rare occasions we'll have the ability to do something on a grand scale. On my list:

1.) Beethoven 7th Symphony (1st and/or 4th movements)
2.) Beethoven 9th Symphony (4th movement with Soka Choir)
3.) Dvorak 9th Symphony
4.) Brahms 1st Symphony (4th movement)

Concerto-wise, if it's violin, (if I have the chance to play it'll be Mozart), it'll probably be Mendelssohn (Zheng Yang) or Tchaikovsky (Hao Wei) haha....we'll see though.

Rehearsal with Jacomo yesterday was alright I guess...haven't played a full rehearsal in quite a while so I was quite sore...but super irritating...Hao Wei keep asking me to move then in the end Jacomo just drag me forward and then it because very difficult to watch his conducting because of my new position (which had be staring upstage instead of downstage).

Oh and did my e-trail theory test for my basic theory today...passed 5 out of the 6 tests (in my defence, I only failed the first one hahaha). Actual one this Friday.

That's all for now...need to prepare to go to sleep. Good night!

~Guangyi

2007-01-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

Music Appreciation Entry 01

Beethoven's 7th Symphony in A Major (Op. 92)

This symphony was begun in Teplice in the declining years of his hearing. It was completed in 1812 and premiered in Vienna on December 8th, 1813.

The Seventh Symphony is in four movements:

I. Poco sostenuto-Vivace

II. Allegretto

III. Presto

IV. Allegro con brio
The beginning of the piece is rather slow, with the woodwinds carrying most of the melody while the strings provide depth with scales underneath. After building in this fashion, a fermata held by the flute ties over to the Vivace section of the first movement and the theme is introduced for the first time by the woodwinds. This builds up to the main theme with the entire orchestra joyously sounding the theme together.

The allegretto was the most popular movement and was encored at the premiere. The figure of crotchet, two quavers, then two crotchets is heard quite often is this movement and it moves on to the...

Presto/trio. It's a rather catchy tune that Richard Wagner described as "the apothesis of dance". The meter repeats itself and eventually ends.

The final movement, Allegro con brio, is in sonata form. The theme of the movement can be heard in the beginning and it can be heard repeatedly in various parts of the movement as it progresses. The tension builds and at the end there's a swift decrescendo before a gradual crescendo as the strings and the brass follow the timpani's lead, charging the orchestra towards this symphony's majestic end.

My thoughts: One of the very few classical pieces that drove me to tears when I first heard it. Most likely will do so if I saw it live again. I feel it's a shame that his 9th symphony is so much popular than this one because between the two, I much prefer the grandeur of this symphony than his famous 9th Symphony. I still have about 6 more symphonies I haven't quite listened to yet (I have the CDs here somewhere...) but as of this moment, this is most definately my all-time favorite symphony (second is Mendelssohn's 5th Symphony: Reformation).

~Guangyi

2006-12-31T23:37:00.000+08:00

Well here we are...my last post of 2006. I guess you can say it's had its share of ups and downs...super brief summary:

1.) My completion of my medic course
2.) Not getting shipped off to Taiwan for a year
3.) The formation of the Soka New Century Orchestra

All in all, this year hasn't been too bad, but hopefully next year will be better. Things to keep in view for 2007:

1.) Personal goals (see entry from a few weeks ago)
2.) Success of February Concert
3.) Growth of the string section of SNCO
4.) Finding a permanent conductor for SNCO before I leave (hopefully)
5.) The start of a successful freshman year at University of Rochester

And of course this year is the year of THE phrase that every Singaporean male waits to shout out...

"ORD LOH!!!"

My hope for you all, my dear friends, is that all your wishes and desires may come true in this new year, 2007. Strive to do your best, be honest to yourself and others, and just live your life to its fullest!

See you all next year.

~Guangyi

----------BLOG CLOSED FOR THE YEAR 2006 BY LCP CHUA @ 2337 HRS----------

2006-12-26T00:52:00.000+08:00

First off, Merry X'mas to all my American friends, Merry late X'mas to all my Singaporean friends, and happy late Hannukah to all my Jewish friends.

Alright, so in the past few weeks I've seen two movies and I guess I'll just write a bit about them for those of you who are debating if you should spend your 10 bucks on watching them or not.

Eragon

Overview: A boy hunting in the forest stumbles across a mysterious blue egg, which turns out to be an egg. It hatches, and before he knows it, he is caught up in a war between the Empire and the Varden, both of which are fighting over who he will swear allegiance to. He only has his dragon Saphira and a mysterious man named Brom to aid him in his quest.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Comments: This movie is based off of a book named Christopher Paolini. I am an avid fan of his books (Eragon and Eldest), but watching this movie was a huge disappointment for me. So many changes were made to the plot, essential parts were left out (e.g. Murtagh's reluctance to go to the Varden, the werecat's prophecy, and the Twins), and the overall feeling was generally very cheesy. Also, dwarves were of normal height and the Elves didn't...seem very Elf-like at all. In general, it was not as intriguing as the novel Paolini wrought.

SPOILERS END HERE

Overall: If you read the books, don't expect anything much out of this movie. Don't expect it to be as faithful to the stories as LotR (even then, even Peter Jackson made his share of cuts). In general, just try not to waste your time.

A Night at the Museum

Overview: A man struggling to keep a steady job finds himself as the night watchman of a natural museum of art. On his first night, everything comes to life and the fun begins...

Comments: Based on a book that I didn't read, I found that it was a hysterically funny movie. The monkey was cute, witty one-liners from various characters and a historically accurate film make for a very enjoyable two hours. Look out for cameos from big stars like Ben Stiller (starring), Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, and Dick Van Dyke. Characters that come to life in the museum include Teddy Roosevelt, Attila the Hun, Lewis and Clarke, Christopher Columbus, and a T-rex.

Overall: A movie well-worth watching. You'll have a good time and you feel almost sad that the movie ends because it's just so funny. You will not regret going to watch this.

Other than all this, been enjoying my days off (it's that clearing leave time of year) and been rehearsing in preparation for the Februrary concert. Just did a short thing at Singapore Conference Hall with SSA Choir on Christmas Eve.

Christmas itself was a rather subdued affair other than present opening at midnight and a party at Sheng's house (which I'm still at). I realized that I still haven't written about my Italy trip from like 2 months ago, but the photos are up! You can find them at http://photos.yahoo.com/guangyic

Alright time for me to stop being anti-social. Need to get back now.

START THINKING OF YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOLKS!!

~Guangyi

2006-12-16T11:57:00.000+08:00

Last night, I had a more-than-usually realistic dream...I think I was at home and practicing in a chamber group preparing for some small concert. In the middle of a really tough passage, I dreamt my violin's bridge cracked and collapsed, causing a really bad hairline crack resulting in a split and a hole on the left side of my violin.

For those of you that don't know, when that happens to a violin, even if you repair it, your violin will never sound the same again. And so in my dream, I just started crying...only to wake up a few seconds (or was it minutes) later, also crying in real life.

I've had this for 10 years, even though I've been playing for 12 years now because the first two years, I grew into this sized violin. Does it seem really silly to you all that I have...feelings for an inanimate object? That I hold it so close to my heart after 10 years of owning and playing it?

~Guangyi

2006-12-12T20:58:00.000+08:00

Before we get to the main event, I just want to highlight a few random facts.

1.) After many months, Megami has finally released the final episode of Zegapain! The ending...could've been better, but it was definately better than the endings of some other animes *cough cough Flame of Recca cough cough* So now, once Sheng gives me back my HDD, I can transfer the last 3 episodes of Zegapain onto it and mark it "COMPLETE"! Now, I'm just following Bleach, Soukou no Strain, and Death Note.

2.) No rehearsal this Saturday for strings (which is just as well...read the main part of my entry below), so instead, Sheng is throwing a barbecue for all those born in '87 and attended RSS Primary during our time. Should be interesting...I've seen some of the names of the people coming and I vaguely remember them.

3.) Got my haircut on Sunday and the auntie that does my hair told me I have a lot of white hair on top of my head. OHHH NOOO!!!!

4.) Finally, that same day, I got a new black shirt, and a suit that actually fits me from Mark's and Spencer's. It's very comfy :D

Coming back to Saturday...everyone commented I looked very tired/sian that day. I guess it was mostly the fact that I didn't sleep as well as I should have the previous evening, the stress from work and the upcoming audit on Monday (which is finally over), I ran late coming from Esplanade for the choir rehearsal and just...a lot of other things, that resulted in the way I looked on Saturday.

Anyway, rehearsal was horrendous. The kids were up to their usual antics, practicing had not been done at home, they were being disruptive, etc etc. I tried, I really, really tried to keep my temper in check (something that used to be quite difficult to do when I was about 14 or so), but by the end I had had it. People not listening and watching, purposely being rude and disrespectful while Yew Kay or myself was speaking, walking into the middle of the rehearsal ring WHILE I WAS CONDUCTING...so...

At the end I lectured them. I wasn't shouting, but I most certainly wasn't talking at my usual, Guangyi-like voice. I could feel my pulse in my head, I could feel myself flushing, but I fought my instinct to scream and throw things and scream obscenities (the worst thing I said during my lecture was "crap").

Basically I told them something along the lines of I knew they could do better than what they were doing; that it was unacceptable for their playing to still be so uncoordinated and not being able to hit their notes was not an excuse because they've had the music for so many months; that in the end they'd be the ones up there embaressing themselves on stage if they really didn't care about the music. Something like that. Then, afraid that I would start yelling and/or crying spontaneously, I left the room.

Now that I've cooled off, I can sort out my feelings a bit better. I'm extremely disappointed that (no names) certain individuals do not deem this as something that is important to them. Their priorities are not straight. They think that this is a sort of "come-and-mess-around-and-just-fool-around" session every Saturday. Bad sitting posture, not practicing the music...some of them even going as far as using the excuse "we're not learning anything" for their behavior. Honestly, I haven't felt quite so offended in a long while.

I voluntarily give up my Saturdays to come for rehearsal. I do it because I love music, I do it because of the friends I've made and the people (obviously I'm referring to the SWE people), I do it because I want to support the cultural groups of SSA that strive for world peace through music and the arts. I could easily just opt not to come every Saturday that there's string rehearsal. I don't HAVE to put up with your nonsense...I don't HAVE to see your childish antics every Saturday...I could think of a host of other things I'd rather be doing on a Saturday than playing Discipline Master for you lot. You really need to learn to respect and behave yourselves among people that don't treat you as kids, but as professionals. Maybe you'd like it if I just mollycoddled (learned that word from Mrs Rowling heh) you all like the young, angsty teenagers you are.

Now, I just have to see how they behave on the 23rd, the next time I see them. We'll have percussionists that day, and I really hope I won't be wasting their time, and I really hope the kids would have woken up their bloody idea (thank you Sgt Faizal) and start behaving like the adults that I treat them as.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

~Guangyi

2006-12-10T00:43:00.000+08:00

I have a lot to write about (maybe not a lot...but I guess a bit of a rant), but I'm not particularly in the state of mind nor the mood to write it, so for now here's something to think about/do:

Survey for 2006

1. Did you do something you would never do?
Not that I can think of.

2. Did you keep any New Year's Resolutions?
Haha I don't even remember what new year's resolutions I made...maybe I should write them down this new year

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Mmm not anyone close, but I know someone who did :)

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. Did you visit any countries?
I went to Malaysia and Italy this year...go look at the photos! http://photos.yahoo.com/guangyic

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Material: Perhaps a new violin and/or bow, upgraded lappie, sunglasses?
Non-material: Being registered for good classes in the fall, not being late for school because of SAF....and a few others which I don't think I'll write here :P

7. Will any date from 2006 stay etched in your memory forever?
Absolutely none...2006 has been a very dull year

8. What was your biggest achievement of 2006?
Getting my medic certificate I guess. Like I said, dull year

9. What was your biggest failure?
My biggest failure was my inability to save money this year and to not improve my short-temperedness with regards to my parents. Must amend next year!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Flu...stomach virus last last week...nothing serious.

11. What was the best thing you bought in '06?
Bought...my Vertikal slingbag which I bring EVERYWHERE nowadays.

12. Did your behavior change over the year?
That's a bit hard to say...I guess it has. I'm not as young and inexperienced as I was last year...it's hard to explain. I think SAF and being in charge of an orchestral group has definately changed my behavior.

13. Where did you spend most of your money?
Books and gifts to other people...most definately hahaha

14. Are you happier than this time last year?
Oh most definately...was horribly depressed (alright not HORRIBLY...but I wasn't terribly happy either).

15. What song will remind you of 2006?
Pirates of the Caribbean wahahaha

16. What do you wish you would have done more of?
Practiced my violin, studied more academic stuff instead of wasting time after work at home, exercise.

17. What do you wish you would have done less of?
Lazing around, spending money, despairing over stupid things

18. What did/will you do for Christmas '06?
X'mas this year is still empty. Will keep this updated.

19. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Maybe...

20. Did you get your heart broken in 2006?
Yes...at the very beginning. I don't care anymore though I've been over it for months.

21. Favorite TV program of '06?
GREY'S ANATOMY!!!!

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didnt hate this time last year?
Yes...

23. What was the best book you read and/or movie you saw?
Hmm...that's another toughie! Mmmm.....gwar let me watch Eragon and Death Note 2 before I answer this properly hehe

24. What was your greatest discovery?
That my violin teacher was right the whole time about my technical skills being there and that I was able to play much tougher pieces than what I was managing...it's just that I lacked the patience to sit there and slave through each note carefully (as I'm doing with Mendelssohn now). I'm glad I discovered that as I improved a great deal with violin this year (though not as much as I'd hoped I would).

25. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
On my 19th birthday, I went out with my parents for lunch and other than that, I stayed home and...that's it hahaha.

26. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2006?
My usual....jeans and sneakers...the top (t-shirt and collared shirts) would be the only thing changing, as well as the color of the jeans haha....uniform for work was white shirt and track pants so I think I'll never wear that color combo ever again when I leave the service hahaha

Aspirations for 2007...

27. What do you want to do in '07 that you couldn't in '06?
Learn how to drive! And....yeah...*scribbles in journal*

28. Any resolutions?
I'll think of some and post 'em on New Year's Eve (if I remember whahaha)

29. Anything you want to change about yourself for 2007?
My temper, my inability to save, my physique, the way I feel about myself

30. Do you want to make more friends in 2007?
OF COURSE WHO DOESN'T?!?!

That's all for now. Physically and mentally exhausted from today. Good night!

~Guangyi

2006-12-03T21:58:00.000+08:00

So you can say that the past week's been very busy...much preparation going on for IQA coming up on the 11th (Internal Quality Audit) for Occupational Health and Safety and ISO (International Standard of Organization)....so it's been hell. There's a checklist of about 26 pages long, and I have to know quite a bit by heart and the rest, I have to know where exactly in our big manual to flip to in order to answer the auditors' questions. Sigh...oh not to mention there's an external audit in January.

Anyways, I'm over my stomach flu and I think I lost a bunch of weight in the process haha...went back to work on Wednesday. Oh yeah...forgot to mention my clerk and my upper-study will have both ORDed officially this Wednesday, making me most senior (omg...) among the 3 medics in the centre, as well as our new clerk. Means I'll be expected to know everything...but also means can become Legolas liao :P

Friday
So work, work, work (and while at work we mug, mug, mug for audit) until Friday. On Friday there was this stupid thing at Nee Soon camp that we had to go to which resulted in us leaving the camp at about 1830...by the time I got back to Tampines to teach Suky, it was quite late.

Looking for Suky's place was...interesting hahaha....I completely misunderstood what she told me. Want to know how?

She said: "Go up any one of the three slopes."
What I did: "All the slopes leading into the stadium are fenced off...." *ventures into the stadium via massive detour* "Ahh...maybe she meant the audience stands...there's three seperate sections." *sits down*
What she actually meant: There were literally, three slopes in the OPPOSITE direction of where I had gone.

ANYWAYS....I eventually found her and we went to her place. Upon inspection of her violin, turns out her bridge is warped, sound post is out of alignment, bow hairs are missing and dead. So I call a few people. The lesson itself was quite okay...lot of explaining and a lot of corrections given, but eventually she got the hang of holding it. Just need to practice it now...

Afterwards, I met up with the usual gang of guys at Simpang for supper. It was a bit different than usual because Jia Cun and Shun Qian didn't come, but instead, Tong Pui's girlfriend Ying Chun and Wen Sheng's sister Amanda came. We sat there eating and just talking nonsense for quite a while...some memorable quotes:

TP: I trying to imiate my encik now..."nevamind nevamind nevamind!" (he proceeded to say this many times the rest of the night)

Amanda: Ko...she lives down there la...turn right down there.
Zi: How come your sister knows better than you where your friends stay?
Sheng: I dunno...
Me: She hang out with you too much already lor...you see all the bad habits she pickup from you and us.
Sheng: Aiya it's okay one la...she would've learned them anyways, might as well learned from me right?
(everyone -_-")

There was more funny stuff la, but I can't remember everything because I was quite tired that day. Went home and plunked straight into bed.

Saturday
Woke up early to go and teach Jing Jing in Tampines. After I went down, her father called to postpone to Sunday. Fine. So I bum around until about 1430 and me and Suky went down to Jurong for rehearsal. I had rehearsal with Soka choir at 1700 so I basically had to just bum around for an hour. Wei Fen's right eye looked pretty bad...she said something about her contact lens might have possibly cut her cornea so she had to go home, leaving Louis to run the show.

The choir rehearsal was quite short, but I do wish the conductor wasn't so impersonal (we were referred to as "the violin" and "the cello" the whole rehearsal). She seemed like a very pushy kind of person, but I guess that's to be expected since she's a reporter by profession.

Rehearsal with my kids was...taxing. As usual. Still trying to decide what our third piece is because they don't like the Mama Mia! medley, but then again they can't play Chicago, so they're offering me a third alternative next week. I guess they've made a large improvement from when I first started conducting them, but they're still crazy because they're all from the same family and they've all practically grown up together. But they're a lot more manageable now (thankfully). Next two weeks should be interesting though...Yew Kay will be at reservice so I'm going to running solo hahaha...hoo boy.

After rehearsal, I went down to Paya Lebar to meet the guys again (ran into Gerald the paramedic on the train...but nothing really worth mentioning) and we went to play WC3 at Katong Shopping Centre then went for supper...got home at about 3. Wahh.

Sunday
Woke up at about 11 to get ready to go down to Tampines (again) to teach Jing Jing...but once again, cancelled. This time, before I left the house though, so I left the house a bit later. Me and Suky were going down to Esplanade to Frank Brothers to get her violin repaired (just dump it there first before she goes on holidays). So we picked out a bridge, and then left it at the shop to be prepared. I left my bow to be rehaired and I borrowed a bow from them that feels the same as mine. However...WHY ARE THERE TWO NEW PEOPLE WORKING THERE?! They don't know ANYTHING about the instruments I think. They're sales people. That's all they are...I really don't think they care about the instruments, I think they don't know anything about them, and they can only just recite prices at us. I knew when the sales girl asked me "You want to borrow what price range bow?" instead of when I asked Matthew a few months ago about bows, he asked me "Why TYPE of bow are you looking for?" (top heavy? bottom heavy? carbon fibre? wood?) Sigh. Incompetence.

Afterwards, we had some time to kill because Suky was meeting her friend at about 6 (she thought it would take longer than half an hour to dump off her violin and do the paperwork hehe), so we basically just walked around...U-turned at least a dozen times (wahahaha) and took random photos of wire things.

After I got home, went out with the parents to Parkway for dinner at Sakae Sushi. That's about it. Came home and here I am now. Hahaha..longest entry you've seen in like a long time right? :P

Here's the schedule for the next month or so:

December 7th: ORD Party for my upperstudies at AMK
December 9th: Rehearsal with SSA Choir and my kiddies at Jurong...be there by 1700
December 11th: IQA Audit at work
December 16th: RSS BBQ at East Coast Park
December 19th: Follow Up Appointment at TTSH with orthopedist
December 23rd: Rehearsal with SSA Choir and my kiddies at Jurong...same time same place
December 24th: Concert with SSA Choir at Victoria Concert Hall at 1900.

Other than that...I have a podiatry appointment tomorrow that I need to postpone...I'm on leave on the 15th, the 18th, the 26th, and the 27th. MARK YOUR CALENDERS KIDDIES! :D

That's it for now.

~Guangyi

2006-11-30T22:15:00.000+08:00

Hi all...just need your opinions and eyes and fingers to just help me with this if you have the time...it's my biography for the concert in Feb. This is subject to change, but please let me know if you spot any grammer/spelling errors, think it's too long/short, doesn't cover enough...just basically what you think. Would appreciate it very much...thanks!

~Guangyi

Guang Yi began studying violin at the age of 9 in the USA. Over the years, he has achieved the highest standard attainable for violin from the New York State School Music Association and he has also participated in quite a number of chamber groups and symphonic orchestras, including the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. His conducting experience came with his role as Assistant Music Director and Pit Orchestra Conductor for his school’s production of the Broadway show, Bye-Bye Birdie.
He came back to Singapore in 2005. Since then, he has been both leading the string ensemble and participating in the Soka New Century Orchestra as principal violinist.

2006-11-29T23:29:00.000+08:00

Have any of you fine people out there ever heard of the phrase, "Live and let live?"

Obviously, my parents haven't. Or more specifically, my mother.

I mean I was just joking with my father in the car on the way to dinner, because we were driving down Maxwell Street and he was saying how I should just wander through Singapore instead of going to the same old places.

Me: Aiya...wandering through Singapore very boring la...must have someone (Note: I didn't specify ANY kind of someone) to go with leh...
Dad: (as a joke) Then get a girlfriend and walk la!
Mum: (butts in from the back seat) I don't think so lor...then have to spend money on her la...call her la...not to mention you're going back next year and have to sort that out (gee, mum, really? I had absolutely NO IDEA!)

I mean, come on, I'm almost 20 years old for crying out loud! I can think independantly! Don't you think I can make these decisions for myself? Maybe unusual circumstances may dictate something beyond thy own straight and narrow, ever non-deviating path.

My apologies, I'm ranting. But you get the point...do any of you get frustrated by the fact that one (or both) of your parents are incapable of taking a joke or tries to dictate the way your social life should be? Insisting on knowing who you're going out with and where you met them, under what circumstances? Frustrated by the fact that they don't trust you enough to make your own decisions?

I know I am.

~Guangyi

2006-11-28T15:51:00.000+08:00

Here's Chapter 1 continued:

Riane took her time getting out of bed. The sun was pouring in through her window even though it was only eight in the morning. Ah the pains of having an east-facing window. She stretched, rolled out of bed and grabbed her bathrobe as she made her way to her bathroom. She had just…what did the locals call it…”gotten into town” just a few weeks ago and was still floundering around in this new country called America. Despite a few differences in lingo, it was more or less the same as home, albeit a bit more modern.

After taking a quick shower, she glanced at herself just as she was towel-drying her hair. She didn’t think so, but she was so absolutely stunning that she didn’t even have to fuss about such a thing as makeup. She wasn’t too tall, but she held herself in such a poised, elegant way that people would think she was six feet tall. Long auburn hair flowed down just past her shoulders, framing a suntanned, weather-beaten face with a smile that seemed like it could light up the midnight sky. She starred at herself with crystal blue eyes just to make sure her hair was alright before moving off to her closet to get dressed. She had a meeting and she was definitely running late.

She was just running out there door when she caught a glimpse of something in her closet and thought: “Hmm…it wouldn’t do if I forgot to bring that along, would it?”

2006-11-27T22:42:00.000+08:00

Chapter 1

The reigning saber champion had just been challenged to a friendly match by one of the freshmen. All of the fencers had scoffed when the challenge was issued. They always lost to Ian, no matter how hard they tried, and started betting on the number of blows the freshman would be able to fend off before Ian scored a touch. He was, after all, attending the school on a fencing scholarship.

The ring of steel meeting steel now echoed through the halls. Jaws dropped as each parried the other’s blows to follow with a sharp riposte, answered almost immediately by a counter-riposte. One of the seniors jabbed his younger sister in the side, who was also a freshman. “D’you know who that new guy is?”

She shrugged. “Just moved in yesterday from what I heard. His dorm’s just down the hall from mine. Lives in a double by himself from what I could see. Kinda cute too…” Her brother just rolled his eyes and continued to watch the two exchange swift, furious blows.

That was the beauty of the saber discipline of fencing. It wasn’t as limiting as the foil, which only allowed you to use the point of the foil and you weren’t allowed to strike the opponent’s head; nor was it as slow and calculated as the epée, which allowed you to strike anywhere on the body (once again, with only the tip of the foil), but its competitors spent so much time on the defensive that it was just too boring to watch.

Saber, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of epée. You could score hits with the point as well as both edges of the saber, but you could only strike anywhere from the waist up. This was modeled after the days of the traditional cavalry, where the upper body was the only feasible target.

Ian was enjoying himself. He hadn’t had this much fun fencing in a while and this guy was as good as he was (and that was saying something). He dodged an overhead swing and lunged forward, striking his opponent in the chest. The buzzer sounded as his opponent’s vest registered the hit. “Touché!” said the fencing coach, who was just as amazed at this newcomer’s skill.

“The score is now 3 to 3. Next touch wins. Fencers to your starting positions. En garde! Prêts? Allez!”

Ian wasn’t quite ready for the immediate lunge. Gasping slightly, he parried carelessly and almost lost his balance. He recovered his wits and rebalanced his weight by taking a couple of bounds back, making some space between the two of them at the same time. He lunged forward, with his signature move in mind as he was determined to end it before the match got totally out of hand. This renowned move was a swift vertical slash that hi a lot harder than it looked like it would because all the power came from the wrist, followed by a quick thrust forward into his opponent’s chest while the opposing saber was deflected away from the force of the blow. He went for the overhead strike.

His opponent threw up his saber to block. “You’re mine,” Ian thought.

At the last split second, his opponent dipped his knees into a kneeling position, right knee almost touching the ground, ready to absorb the force of the blow. When Ian’s blade finally crossed his, the force from the strike didn’t hit as hard as Ian had intended it to. The other saber parried easily and at the same time, his opponent disarmed him with a flick of the wrist.

This all happened so quickly that the only thing his brain immediately registered was his coach shouting “Touché!” and the silence that followed the proclamation.

His opponent removed his helmet, and handed Ian his saber back. “Nice move.”

Ian removed his helmet as well and they both shook hands. “Superb counter. Good match.” He paused for a second. “I don’t think I caught your name…”

“My name’s Ryan. It’s a pleasure to have met and crossed blades with you, Ian.” With that, Ryan set off towards the changing room while everyone else just continued to watch in awe.

2006-11-27T14:53:00.000+08:00

So today's one of those oh-so-horrendous days where I had to stay at home sick...haha...stomach flu. I have a feeling it was the seafood at the Bedok 85 market we ate on Friday night. Stingray and sotong to be exact hahaha...*sigh* Guess I'm feeling a bit better now, just that I've only had three slices of bread, a cup of milo and porridge water in the past day and a half. Funny thing is I'm not hungry...haiz...

The attendance for band on Saturday was a bit lacking, mainly due to the zadankais as well as those people preparing for them the following day. Nonetheless, it was still quite okay. I had to conduct for the first time in like, months, and so I have to say I was quite rusty. Had absolutely NO IDEA Phantom was so long...shoulder wave baton until it was very, very tired.

After rehearsal, we left and had dinner/late dinner/supper at Jurong Point. I went with Suky, Jun Wen, and Wei Li...
Wei Li: So where should we eat?
Suky: Anything lor...
Me: *shrugs*
Jun Wen: The other day me and my RJ friends...
*I smack him and bump him out of the circle*
Me: So...I anything la...

Haha...anyways, we ended up going to Mos Burger...and we were shortly joined by Louis, Wei Fen, Nikee, and Shini. In the end, since it was my first time at Mos, I just ordered something from the menu without knowing what it was...and I was rather stunned when I got...

A piece of chicken wrapped in lettuce. -_-"

So anyways, Jun Wen and myself were..well...like motormouth like that...after a while I felt kind of bad because we were leaving Wei Li and Suky out of the conversation, so I tried to steer it towards the direction of including them...but failed miserably hahaha...he was even going on about how him and his friends were bored the other day and calculated how much money we lost just because President Bush came the other day and delayed Singapore by an hour...really lor...too free...oh not to mention he was disappointed in an A2 in English...

ANYWAYS, met up with my usual gang at Clarke Quay after that (Wen Sheng's back from Australia!) and eventually we all got home at about 0230.

Next day, the stomach pain and flu started and I've been in bed since then, other than to see the doctor...haiz...HATE being sick...

~Guangyi

2006-11-25T00:41:00.000+08:00

Perhaps it's jealousy, or something else...
Me and her were best friends which became much more...
And then after that, we lost all...
I don't even speak to her anymore...
I'm glad it works out for them...
But...

Can you hear it too? The sound of my heart crying?

2006-11-09T22:42:00.000+08:00

Just a random update I guess...just finished a good session of practicing with Uncle Felix (Mendelssohn). I finally realize that I actually have the technical skill to play this, but I've got to slowly build the patience to stay with piece all the way through. It demands a lot, and I just have to give everything I have.

In other news, I decided to give Neil Gaiman's books a try today. I bought a book called "Fragile Things", which is a collection of short stories compiled by him, a lot of which are award winners. I've only read the intro so far, but it looks good.

Work has been hell. All our leave and off has been blocked off between December 1st and January 17th because we have both an internal AND external audit to attend to in that time frame...which has led to my boss transforming into Legolas and us all having very short fuses. In the words of "Hokkien peng" from Mr Brown, "Wa lao eh...teo kan liao. Lim bei tapai teo eh".

So that's life at the moment. I'm reading "Fragile Things", learning "Violin Concerto in E Minor" by Mendelssohn, writing a book tentatively titled "Sword Symphony", going to register for driving soon, having multiple migraines at the same time at work, and wishing yet not wishing September 07 was here already.

That is all.

~Guangyi

2006-11-01T23:34:00.000+08:00

Prologue

The wind howled through the trees, rustling as if possessed in the dead of night. Rain had been pelting on the park’s open field for the past few hours. The wet soil left no trace of the events that had happened earlier that day: dogs running around happily, couples having picnics under the warm sun, and the marks of young teenagers thoughtlessly playing soccer on the grass…no trace at all.

The clouds hid any light the moon would have shed on that park. The flowers that grew in their brilliant colors were muted viciously and mercilessly in the darkness. A beautiful park had become a desolate graveyard in just a few hours.

Lightning flashes as the wind picked up and howled loudly. In that brief moment, if anyone had been there, a dark, tall figure would have been visible in that light.

A young man. So unsuspecting and so free. Caught in the rain after a long day at work and desperately running homeward. The shortcut across the park. Across the field. “Fastest way home,” he assured himself.

Another flash of lightning illuminated the night, this time a large crack of thunder followed almost immediately. The young man stumbled, but nothing was going to deter him. He had just finished his last day of work at a camp for the summer and he was going home to his family for the first time in months. The train home had already been late and by the time he got back to his town, he was ready to just run home even though he had heard the rumbling of an impending storm as he had set off.

Just as he had almost crossed the field, he caught sight of that hooded figure by the light of a timely lightning flash. Despite his haste, he paused to see if that person needed any help. Someone who was just standing stock-still in that manner in this kind of storm was probably in need of assistance, thought the young Samaritan. Thus, thinking in this way, he ran over to where he had seen the figure.

The rain had let up a bit, but even so, the field was as dark as ever because there were no lights in the surrounding area. The earth had proven too difficult (even with machines) to dig through to lay down power lines and erect lights, so the constructors had simply just built around it. The light from the closest lamp illuminated the outline of the figure’s billowing black cloak.

Just as the young man approached, the figure seemed to sense the movement behind and spun about quickly. Blazing blue eyes bore into his, the intensity between them as charged as the lightning strikes far above them. In that split second, he blinked and the figure was gone.

The weather lightened up almost immediately, leaving the young man standing there, stunned and wondering what had just happened. Convincing himself he had been imagining things, he set off towards home again, aided by the crescent of the moon that had just peeked itself out through the clouds.

Comments and suggestions and impressions please!

~Guangyi

2006-10-26T23:41:00.000+08:00

Hi all...apologies for still not updating on the Italy trip. All the photos have been uploaded and the good ones have been printed. So now I just have to rename the photos on the site and get typing...

Just wanted to write about the inspiring concert that SSO did with Nestor Torres and Jacomo tonight. It's one of those things that is very hard to describe in words or writing...but Nestor was absolutely charming, amazing, and just...mind-blowing. Had absolutely no idea that a flute could churn out so many notes.

He didn't hesitate to talk about being a member of SGI and talking about his experiences, and Mr Jacomo, despite the fact that he's not one of our members, still acknowledged the fact that he's good friends with us as an organization. But his conducting...that's another story.

He's very energetic, he feels the music, he definately knows what he's doing...but the style that is conducted in...seems like a windmill. Flashing white sleeves everywhere, hard to see the shape and structure of what he's beating. But very, very energetic. Just going to be absolutely fun trying to follow him hahaha...we'll see. Maybe it's not as hard as it seems.

As an encore piece, Nestor played Over the Rainbow, and he finished with Beach of Morigasaki. Absolutely inspiring. Ehh...I could go on and on about it, but basically...just...wow. Hahaha...

Which brings me to my next point. He played Carmen and it was so good that I'm probably going to have to replace it on the strings program hahaha...it was TOO good ;)

Next Thursday, there is a concert by SSO. They're playing Movie Tunes. Specifically, E.T., Harry Potter and the Sorceror's (or Philosopher's) Stone, and Concerto from the Red Violin. It's a very good concert. I'm fairly familiar with all the pieces and so I think I'm going to go. I'll be running down to SISTIC tomorrow at about 6 pm. If anyone wants to go with me, SMS or call me! Have to check what seats are available first though...

Well I should go to bed now. THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY TOMORROW! WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!

~Guangyi

2006-10-22T23:19:00.000+08:00

Hey all...regarding the update about Italia...I'm uploading my photos at

http://photos.yahoo.com/guangyic

under the Italy folders. Labels need to be changed, rearranged, etc.

After I do that, I can start typing up my trip here, so just keep your eyes open! :D

~Guangyi

2006-10-14T23:31:00.000+08:00

Hey all! Now that Blogger.com has finally unlocked my blog, I can give a semi update as to what I'm up to.

I'm still in Italy and I've been keeping a bit of a travel journal which I will type up when I get back into Singapore and I'm not paying stupid prices (about 2 Euro for about half an hour on the internet...that translates into about four singapore dollars).

We're moving off to Milan tomorrow and I should be back on Wednesday morning if everything goes according to plan. Who's free for the rest of the week???

I hate Italian keyboards...what else...

I've got a ton of photos which I'll eventually upload somewhere...not necessarily here because then it'll slow up all of the comps that are using 56k modems and all that fun stuff. Believe me I know...I was on a 33.6 modem for about 5 years...*shudders*

Well in summary, the sights here and absolutely amazing, but everything's expensive as hell (see about for reference to internet). Not many souvineirs due to said expense, but I've got some good stuff. Also made a bunch of acquaintances here and there...but if I feel like talking about that with you guys I will :P

Haha and has anyone ever noticed how absolutely gorgeous Italian women are (and even though I'm a very straight guy, I have to admit that these Italian guys are good looking too)? Hahaha...

Anyways, I'm alive and bouncing anyways, so don'tcha worry.

And to all you SNCO people out there, I hope the combined rehearsal went alright tonight...(it IS a combined rehearsal today right?) Sorry I couldn't be there...now you'll see how awesome Louis is and will probably ban me from ever picking up a baton EVER again...

Off to Milan tomorrow, so I'm not too sure about the computer situation there. But I'll be back soon, so I'll catch up with all of you properly soon. Ciao!!!

(can't find the squiggly line on an Italian keyboard) Guangyi

P.S. I must make a public apology to my violin (who's name shall remain hidden hahaha) for neglecting her for the past week or so while I've been on vacation

P.P.S. I'm REALLY sorry for my dog, who's currently under the care of some pet shop owner that my AUNTIE knows...poor June!!

2006-10-04T23:51:00.000+08:00

You know guys...we don't HAVE to stick to the prophecy.

What if...somehow or another...Harry IS the 7th Horcrux, and in order to kill Voldemort, he has to kill himself or let Voldy kill him? But then that'd be a bit daft of Voldy...killing himself off like that...unless Voldy think his 7th Horcrux is something else but actually isn't...get what I mean?

Argh...I want this book so bad now....

STUPID VERITASERUM FORUMS! *shakes fist*

Now I won't be able to sleep and I'll be real grouchy tomorrow morning...

~Guangyi

2006-10-03T23:55:00.000+08:00

Oh my goodness...after a long conversation about HP today, I've gone Potter mad...again.

I've spent the past two hours catching up on some of the rumors for book 7 and getting all Emma Watson and Katie Leung obsessed hahaha...

AHHHHH!

Sad to say I have to go to work tomorrow, so I can't spend the whole night on Veritaserum's Forums catching up on ALL the theories and rumors lol.

DAMMIT JO! GET WRITING AND FINISH ALREADY! AND YOU'D BETTER ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU SET US ALL UP FOR!

~Guangyi

2006-10-02T22:40:00.000+08:00

4 days...I can just smell the fresh air!

Viva la Italia!!!

2006-09-26T23:09:00.000+08:00

http://kevan.org/johari?name=Guangyi

Do it! I tag...ALL OF YOU! :D

2006-09-24T23:06:00.000+08:00

One. Think of 10 short bits of interesting stuff about yourself. And they've gotta be true.
Two. Come up with 5 false statements regarding yourself, but for fun's sake keep them in the threshold of believability.
Three. Jumble them all up together and list them in any order.
Four. Post them on blog and let people guess which the five false ones are!
Five. Get 5 others to do the same.

1. My sergeants at SMM called me "kantang" (potato)
2. I used to play piano
3. Blood freaks me out
4. I wanted to be a rubbishman when I was a kid
5. I'm from Bedok South Primary School
6. I hate flying on airplanes
7. I live in a three storey house
8. Magic the Gathering used to rule my life
9. My dog is actually my sister's dog
10. My hands are always warm unless it's very very cold
11. People think I'm 26 years old
12. I can sprint at a competetive level
13. I played soccer for my High School team
14. I love looking at art pieces
15. I played tennis when I was younger

I'm not tagging anyone...do it if you want :)

2006-09-20T23:11:00.000+08:00

I really don't get it. It's funny...I mean...2 months and you're already moving in with him? Come on! He drinks and (from what I understand) is irresponsible and god knows what else. This is what you want your life to be?

Be my guest.

I'm done. Hope you're happy with what you've chosen.

Do you read this? I don't get you. We're through.

2006-09-18T22:33:00.000+08:00

Tagged by Fong Yee

*THE CANs
Can you blow a bubble?
No...one of my greatest regrets haha

Can you dance?
What's your definition of dancing? They taught us to ballroom dance (waltz, lindy, cha-cha, foxtrot, and tango) and line dance and square dance. I can also dance (but not very well) in the modern context as well. *shrugs*

Can you do a cart wheel?
Nope.

Can you tie a cherry stem with your tongue?
Umm...I don't think so?

Can you touch your toes?
HA! No. I'm as flexible as an oak tree.

Can you whistle?
Kinda

Can you wiggle your ears?
Nope

Can you wiggle your nose?
Nope

*THE DIDs
Did you ever run away from home?
Nah...no real reason to

Did you ever want to be a doctor?
I STILL DO!

Did you ever want to be a fire fighter?
Mmm no...I'll leave that to Benedict

Did you ever want to be a police officer?
Nope

*THE DOs
Do you know how to swim?
Not very well...

Do you like roller coasters?
Hehe I guess so

Do you own a bike?
Nope

Do you think you could handle the stuff they eat on those reality shows?
EWWWWW no. Would YOU like to eat a sausage full of leeches? *waits* I thought not.

*THE DOES
Does hair loss run in your family at all?
No

Does your car get good gas mileage?
N/A

Does your family have family picnics?
We used to when I was younger. Think once you're above a certain age you just don't do it anymore

*THE HAVEs
Have you ever been on a plane?
Heck...I've been on planes since age 3 I think

Have you ever asked someone out?
In the non-dating context: Of course
In the dating context: Yeah

Have you ever been asked out by someone?
In the non-dating context: Haha all the time
In the dating context: Nope...would be considered quite weird if a girl asked me out on a date before I did haha

Have you ever been to the ocean?
I used to live by it for 6 years

Have you ever gone fishing?
Once...my friend Christina took me

Have you ever painted your nails?
Nope

*THE HOWs
How did you find out about Friendster?
Wen Sheng told me about it

How many of them have you met in person?
All of them

*THE WHATs
What are you listening to?
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor

What is the temperature outside?
Warmer than in here?

What radio station do you listen to?
Class 95...one other station but I forget which one hahaha

What was the last restaurant you ate at?
Pastamania

What was the last thing you bought?
A card case that matches my wallet
Food:Pasta

What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water

What was the last thing on TV you watched?
The news

*THE WHOs
Who is your newest friend you have on Friendster?
Fong Yee/Jasmine

Who was the last person you smsed?
Shini

Who is the last person you talked to on the phone?
Jia Cun

Who is your current crush?
N/A

*SEVEN LOVES

Seven things that scare me
1. Drowning
2. Being left alone in the world
3. Not being able to go to medical school
4. Having my heart broken again
5. Being unable to take care of my parents when they're older
6. Screwing up big time
7. Being forced to eat stuff that's on Fear Factor hahaha

Seven things I like the most
1. LIFE!
2. Music
3. Reading
4. People who make me smile
5. Scenery
6+7: Doing the things I like in general hahaha

Seven most important things in my room
1. COMPUTER
2. Violin
3. Bed
4. Pillow
5. Cell phone
6. Ipod
7. DVDs+VCDs

Seven random facts about me
1. I trust too easily.
2. I'm not locally qualified musically.
3. I know how to knit, cross-stitch, paint, draw, sculpt, mold, and just about every form of art you can think of
4. I wanted to be a sanitation worker (read: rubbishman) when I was in kindergarten
5. I speak three languages
6. I've picked up some phrases and many habits about Japanese people (verified by my mum who stayed there for a few years) just by watching anime.
7. I wish I had never dropped piano and taken it a lot more seriously.

Seven things I would like to do before I die
1. Graduate medical school
2. Become a world class surgeon
3. Get really good at violin
4. Have children and grandchildren
5. Learn how to spar like they do in Pirates+Count of Monte Cristo (hahaha)
6. Play/sing/act solo in front of a full house
7. Help Sensei achieve world peace

Seven things I can do
1. Play violin
2. Sing
3. Write
4. Type at ridiculous speeds
5. Figure out and learn music pieces just by listening (with the exception of some instruments)
6. Raise my eyebrows individually
7. I/V people

Seven things I can't do
1. I/V myself
2. Coordinate my hands well enough to play percussion
3. Tread water for longer than a minute
4. Sit cross-legged for very long
5. Unwrap a Starburst with just my tongue
6. Run for extended periods of time
7. Fly...obviously

Seven things I say the most
1. Hey
2. What?!
3. Hmmm?
4. Grrr
5. Yes/Sure
6. Oops
7. Haha

Seven people I would like to see do this
1.Jessica
2. Rui Qi
3. Audrey
4. Jesse
5. Tong Pui
6. Benedict
7. Wen Sheng

2006-09-18T00:18:00.000+08:00

Computer's back...at a price. HP controls their prices and so...180 dollars. Paid cash and got it for 170 bucks. But it's still a lot...I guess it's alright since the first one lasted me about 3 years. *sigh*

Of course that doesn't leave me with much money for some of the stuff I've been wanting to get.
1.) New strings (I'm gonna have to spend this money eventually)
2.) M2 expansion card for my phone
3.) Birthday gifts (aunt and cousin)

Gwar...when's the next pay day coming again?

So on my day off yesterday I went to my OC's (at SMTI) farewell BBQ...she's joining Mercy Relief (which incidentally works with SSA). Got a bunch of other business cards from ORD personnel.

Went to the gym with Tong Pui and Jia Cun today. Got dinner and then me and JC (TP had to book in) caught a movie. "John Tucker Must Die" to be exact. I have to say, Brittany Snow is very pretty. Her eyes are gorgeous! Hahaha...it was a bit chick-flickish but the comedy is quite good since I can relate to the environment (American High School) and all the cliques inside and all that stuff.

Back to work tomorrow..gwar.

Oh that and...梁山伯與祝英台 (Butterfly Lover's Concerto) has been consuming my life. Haha...

~Guangyi

2006-09-16T11:09:00.000+08:00

So here's the latest goings on:

I gave my SNCO strings the week off to study and spend some time with their families before prelims and their O's/A's. Meaning I have today free...sister's coming back from Hong Kong today for a week to pick up her stuff and then leaving again next week.

In other news, my laptop's battery charger/adapter has short circuited, meaning I am without laptop. I'm currently on the family comp (meaning I can't stay on for copious amounts of time). Have to go find that adapter soon or I'll die....haha

~Guangyi

2006-09-11T22:33:00.000+08:00

The Symphony of Two Souls

Ryan Matthias Langley. Angela Elise Norwick. Two people with different upbringings and different lifestyles are brought together by friends, fate, and music. The tale tells of life's ups and downs, the unity that music brings, and teaches of love.

A relationship between two people-any sort of relationship-can be described as a song. Fights are composed as fiery passages; romance is written down as lavish tales of joy; loss translates into a tear-welling line of sorrow. The story is divided into five parts, each representing not only a different part of their lives, but the joys and sorrows that came in each part.

Movement I/Allegro: Impressions
Movement II/Maestoso: Ends and Beginnings
Movement III/Vivace: Opportunities
Movement IV/Grave: Life
Movement V/Finale: Across Mountains and Valleys

This is their story. Their symphony. The symphony of their two souls.

What I wrote above is a rough blurb summarizing what I'm currently working on. Plot line's semi done, chapter 1's more or less done...just has to be typed. But do tell me what you think. :)

~Guangyi

2006-09-07T19:03:00.000+08:00

Symphony of Life

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

2006-09-06T23:17:00.001+08:00

Hmm...I've made some headway and I'm about done with the first chapter. According to my plot outline, this book'll be in 5 parts, as follows.

Part 1: First Impressions
Part 2: An End and a Beginning
Part 3: Opportunity Knocks
Part 4: Life Crashes In
Part 5/Epilogue: Across the Mountains and Valleys

Most likely, I won't let many people read as it progresses, but I'm sure I'll think of at least a couple of people with LOTS of free time and who are, of course, willing to read my first attempt at such a book as this. *muses* The first chapters of Part 1 are going to be a bit draggy though by the looks of it, because I have to introduce both protagonists and I'd like to familiarize the readers with them before moving the story along. But my hope is that once through that part, I can garner your/people's interest and keep them reading to the end (if I get the story to the end....must be committed to finishing this time around!)

Now the question is...should I type each chapter as I go or just write the whole thing out before typing...ahh I know...write out a full part first before typing...then I can easily work on different parts simultaneously if I need to since each part represents a different stage of their life :)

I'm gonna work super hard on this one...hopefully I'll be able to juggle working on this and studying bio and (hopefully) driving. Wish me lots of luck :-D Now...sleep calls and tomorrow, the end of chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2!!

GOOD NIGHT!

~Guangyi

2006-09-05T00:10:00.000+08:00

Toughen inner skin.

I do not care.

I do not care.

I do not care.

It no longer concerns me.

I do not care.

I do not care.

I do not care.

I have no right to care.

Good, because I don't care.

Right?

Hello?

2006-09-04T23:22:00.000+08:00

After about two hours of slogging, brainstorming, and interrupted thinking, at work, I finally have a good plot outline. Like really. Parts divided nicely, key points to hit on each part, character sheets for the protagonists drawn out, mode of narration and flow. Now I just have to write.

After failing at 2 attempts to write fiction, I decided to give it a break and move on to something more simple. Modern day drama/romance. Yes, it sounds a bit sappy, but what I have so far looks good (and for those of you who know me, I rarely like my own work). I'm going to develop this some more based on my outline and see how it goes.

Hit the gym yesterday for the first time in a long time...my muscles hurt...but it feels pretty good. Heading back later this week I think. Oh and then karaoke with mum...that was fun too. Anyways, Grey's is on. And I need to get back to my story. Ryan and Angela call :D

~Guangyi

2006-09-01T00:41:00.000+08:00

So I went to the convention at Expo...I have to say I was quite impressed. Got some stuff, and me and my dad are looking at possibly getting more stuff. Very cool.

Only thing is we came home kinda late so my evening's been kinda crunched...so just a short entry now because of the hell-like hour it is now. Hey, at least tomorrow is Friday.

Ohh and excitement! Parents are talking about definately going to Europe this October (with me :P)...question is whether they want to go to Austria or Italy. Both would be absolutely gorgeous (not to mention cold) but if we go to Italy, I'm SO going to Florence...it's that or Waldorf will disinherit me as an alumnus forever hahaha.

~Guangyi

2006-08-30T21:17:00.000+08:00

My back was turned from where Jamie entered, but I heard the crowd collectively draw a breath as soon as she appeared on stage. I thought it was silent before, but now it went absolutely hush still. Just then, from the corner of my eyes off to the side of the stage, I saw Hegbert's jaw quivering. I readied myself to turn around, and when I did, I finally saw what it was all about.

For the first time since I'd known her, her honey colored hair wasn't pulled into a tight bun. Instead, it was hanging loosely, longer than I imagined, reaching below her shoulder blades. There was a trace of glitter in her hair, and it caught the stage lights, sparkling like a crystal halo. Set against her flowing white dress tailored exactly for her, it was absolutely amazing to behold. She didn't look like the girl I'd grown up with or the girl I'd come recently to know. She wore a touch of makeup, too-not a lot, just enough to bring out the softness of her features. She was smiling slightly, as if she were holding a secret close to her heart, just like the part called for her to do.

She looked exactly like an angel.

I know my jaw dropped a little, and I just stood there looking at her for what seemed like a long time, shocked into silence, until I suddenly remembered that I had a line I had to deliver. I took a deep breath, then slowly let it out.

"You're beautiful," I finally said to her, and I think everyone in the entire auditorium, from the blue-haired ladies in the front to my friends in the back row, knew that I actually meant it.

I'd nailed that line for the very first time.
~A Walk to Remember, Nicolas Sparks, pg 121-122, Time Warner Books, 1999, Great Britain

2006-08-29T23:51:00.000+08:00

A Walk to Remember is a very good movie...considering Mandy Moore was only 18 at the time that she did the movie. I wasn't actually expecting much because I don't really have faith in singers-turned-actor and vice versa, but in this case, she did a really good job in my opinion. So this movie makes the second one that I've liked based on a novel that Nicolas Sparks has written (the other being The Notebook). Maybe I should try reading some more of his books...he's a really good plot writer (although I don't know if his writing style is good or not).

It's irritating when you keep practicing a passage and no matter how hard you try you can't get it. Well in my case, it's just this one shift, but I can't get it up to a certain speed...it's supposed to be presto (fastest clicks your metronome can set) and it's in 16th notes (semiquavers)...I'm stuck at allegretto right now and it won't get faster *grumbles*

Sleep is good.

~Guangyi

2006-08-27T23:12:00.000+08:00

"Hero" (you know...the one with Jet Li and Zhang Ziyi) was just on Channel U...and I have to say that the story was one of the most brilliant I've seen in a while. Yes, I realize that the movie's fairly old, but watching it for the first time was just...amazing. What I don't understand, though, is...why is it that a different version of the story was told, they were wearing different colored robes (went from orange to red to blue to green to white I believe)? I mean, artistically, it was aesthetically pleasing of course, but what was the reason behind it? Anyone know? Or am I just pondering over something completely pointless? Haha...

I'm currently downloading A Walk to Remember...it sounds a lot like a modern day Moulin Rouge minus the copious amounts of singing, but we'll see. Maybe I'll like it better. For some stupid reason, I confuse A Walk to Remember and The Road to Perdition in my head. Don't ask me why...it's just one of those stupid things that one really shouldn't think about too much.

Boston Legal's on right now...second favorite show...but why oh WHY did they have to cancel Grey's Anatomy tomorrow for the Emmy's?!?!? *roars* Oh and my knee hurts like hell...

And oh...Family Day meeting today...hit above our target of 30 :D Good stuff.

Went around a bit frustrated for most of the day...still am a bit...but I'll live. Gwar...I need to sort my life out and make up my mind at some point. But in the meantime...

Rehearsals for the concert are going pretty well...minus the fact that I'm shy about 8 violins, 5 violas, 3 cellos, and about 2 double basses. Hmm...drilled them to hell and back on Pirates of the Caribbean yesterday. Shame I won't be conducting that...least I'll be playing :D Oh and the concert date's been moved to January 20th. Wonder why they pushed it back a week...whatever...one more week of rehearsal is always good...right?

On a final note, I have to say that my 8 year old cousin is a better womanizer than I am. He walked into a semi circle of 5 university women, introduced himself and proceeded to "charm them" (as my mother aptly puts it) and within minutes has them laughing. Until...

Girls: Who do you think is the youngest one here?
Cousin: Umm...*points at one*
Girls: Haha okay...which one do you think is the oldest?
Me: Don't answer that.
Cousin: Umm....umm...
Me: No, really...don't.
Cousin: *points at one*
*general chaos breaks out*

Haha...it absolutely made my day though...even though he picks women up better than I do hahaha...that's all for now.

~Guangyi

2006-08-26T01:17:00.001+08:00

Quick couple of things. My friend was about 45 minutes late the other night for dinner, so while waiting I did the following based on what was in my direct line of vision:

I'm a bit rusty as you can see...perspective and proportion's off in a few places, but you get the general idea, right? Woohoo for a Waldorf education haha.

I'm inquiring about UWA's MBBS program and am considering it strongly seeing as it'll be cheaper and I'll be closer to home and I'll be a doctor a few years sooner. Tempting? Yes. *muses* Have to think and discuss more with my parents first though.

And on a final note, someone got me started on C-Pop (finally hahaha). I'm kinda stuck on this one :D

That's all.

~Guangyi

2006-08-23T21:17:00.000+08:00

I like this song a lot...just thought I'd share

Melodies of Life
Emiko Shiratori

Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain
Melodies of life--love's lost refrain

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold
In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name

A voice from the past, joining your's and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds--forever and beyond

So far and away, see the bird as it flies by
Gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky
I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings
Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings

In your dearest memories, do you remember loving me?
Was it fate that brought us close and now leaves me behind?

A voice from the past, joining your's and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds--forever and beyond

If I should leave this lonely world behind
Your voice will still remember our melody
Now I know we'll carry on
Melodies of life
Come circle round and grow deep in our hearts
As long as we remember...

~Guangyi

2006-08-22T00:35:00.000+08:00

Yes, I realize that it's almost 1 o' clock.

Yes, I realize that I have to work tomorrow.

Yes, I realize that I should be in bed.

It's just one of those nights that you know you HAVE to fall asleep soon...but your body and mind refuse to shut down. Just one of those stupid things. My head's too full of stuff...can't get it out. *sighs*

At least there're good TV shows on hehe.

Gotta love Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Frasier (in that order hehehe)

Anyone have good ideas for killing insomnia? Obviously this is for future reference because the rest of you people with brains actually are in bed already haha...

SLEEEEPPP!! WHY WON'T YOU COME TO MEEE?!?! *cries*

~Guangyi

2006-08-21T00:32:00.000+08:00

Ohhh and rehearsal on Saturday was outstanding! Like....I was pretty impressed with the way it sounded considering how many (or how few) we have. My only gripe is...THEY'VE NEVER HEARD THE PIRATES SOUNDTRACK OR ANY OF THE SONGS FROM MAMA MIA (the group ABBA sang them)!!! *roars* I have to burn some CDs this week and let them listen to them next week.

Boston Legal's been kinda eh lately.

At least Grey's Anatomy is on tomorrow ^^

Stupid Emmy awards are making Grey's Anatomy not air the Monday after.

Anyways, bedtime for me. GOOD NIGHT!

~Guangyi

2006-08-21T00:19:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...redid my blog but in the process of me trying to change my Cbox's background colors, I found that I could no longer log into my admin account because...the account no longer exists! *scream* So I had to make myself a new one. Hope you guys like the new look!

2006-08-17T23:23:00.000+08:00

I finally have someone to help me loosen the tension in my neck (dad! weeee). Waaah...my neck's so sore right now but it's a good kind of sore.

In other news...

ALL MY MUSIC IS FINALLY HERE! LET THE OFFICIAL CONCERT PREPARATIONS BEGIN!

JANUARY 13TH, HERE WE COME!!

~Guangyi

2006-08-15T21:44:00.000+08:00

So guess who's feeling a bit bored...hahaha

*Really Long Survey (over 200)*
What is your name?:	Guangyi "Archangel" Chua
Are you named after anyone?:	No
What's your screename?:	Archangel1806
Would you name a child of yours after you?:	No
If you were born a member of the opposite sex what would your name be?:	Umm..."Kayoko", which incidentally translates to Peifen, which is my sister's name...long story. Ask and I'll tell.
If you could switch names with a friend who would it be?:	Hmmm....I dunno. I like my name. It's unique.
Are there any mispronounciations/typos that ppl do w/ your name constantly?:	HAHAHA! You meet a Caucasian person that doesn't know Chinese lately? o_O
Would you drop your last name if you became famous?:	No...it's part of who I am
Basics
Your gender::	Male
Straight/Gay/Bi::	Straight
Single?:	Yes
If not, do you want to be?:
Birthdate::	June 18th, 1987
Your age::	19
Age you act::	People think I'm in my early 20's...good thing for now I guess.
Age you wish you were::	I dunno...don't actually care
Your height::	176 cm (I think...5 foot 9)
Eye color::	Dark Brown
Happy with it?:	Sure
Hair color::	Black
Happy with it?:	Yeah
Lefty/righty/ambidextrous::	Righty
Your living arrangement::	3 storey semi-d with parents, sister, dog
Your family::	See above
Have any pets?:	See two questions above
Whats your job?:	Full-time National Servicemen, Singapore Armed Forces
Piercings?:	None
Tattoos?:	None
Obsessions?:	Nope
Addictions?:	Internet haha
Do you speak another language?:	Two actually :D
Have a favorite quote?:	No...but I have a lot
Do you have a webpage?:	This blog silly
Deep Thoughts About Life and You in it
Do you live in the moment?:	In a way
Do you consider yourself tolerant of others?:	Well it really depends on the situation...
Do you have any secrets?:	Of course
Do you hate yourself?:	Sometimes...
Do you like your handwriting?:	Hahaha I think it's cool!
Do you have any bad habits?:	Who doesn't?
What is the compliment you get from most people?:	That I'm very generous/kind/nice? shrugs That's what they tell me
If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called?:	The Man who could not Settle Down in ONE Country
What's your biggest fear?:	Losing everything that matters to me
Can you sing?:	A bit
Do you ever pretend to be someone else just to look cool?:	Ewww no
Are you a loner?:	Haha I'd die if I was a loner
What are your #1 priorities in life?:	Presently, get through med school, pay off debt, establish self and pay back parents
If you were another person, would you be friends with you?:	Sure!
Are you a daredevil?:	Not really
Is there anything you fear or hate about yourself?:	I'm afraid of my deep, hidden temper that hasn't flared for years
Are you passive or agressive?:	Passive most of the time...
Do you have a journal?:	Yes
What is your greatest strength and weakness?:	I trust very easily
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?:	I'd make myself more thrifty
Do you think you are emotionally strong?:	Only sometimes
Is there anything you regret doing/not doing in life?:	Yeah
Do you think life has been good so far?:	It's been alright...it could be a lot worse
What is the most important lesson you've learned from life?:	Don't think life is just going to go smoothly in a certain way, because it'll just you a curve ball just to spite you
What do you like the most about your body?:	I dunno...my hands and the things they're able to do (violin, paint, write, type, etc)?
And least?:	MY BUM!! shrieks
Do you think you are good looking?:	Eh
Are you confident?:	About...?
What is the fictional character you are most like?:	I haven't come across one like me...I know I have a few I'd LIKE to be
Are you perceived wrongly?:	Some people think I'm a super-slacker. I don't know WHERE they get that idea from
Do You...
Smoke?:	NEVER!
Do drugs?:	NO!
Read the newspaper?:	Online
Pray?:	Yes
Go to church?:	Nope
Talk to strangers who IM you?:	Haha it depends
Sleep with stuffed animals?:	Nope
Take walks in the rain?:	Yeeaaa
Talk to people even though you hate them?:	Only if they talk to me and I have to be polite
Drive?:	Going to learn soon
Like to drive fast?:	N/A
Would or Have You Ever?
Liked your voice?:	When it was trained and in practice...not now haha
Hurt yourself?:	Nope
Been out of the country?:	Ohhh don't get me started. I've been on aircraft since I've been a baby
Eaten something that made other people sick?:	Yeah
Been in love?:	...
Done drugs?:	NEVER!
Gone skinny dipping?:	Lol no
Had a medical emergency?:	Nope
Had surgery?:	Nope
Ran away from home?:	Nope
Played strip poker?:	Hahaha...no
Gotten beaten up?:	Nope
Beaten someone up?:	Nope
Been picked on?:	Yeah I did...when I first got to the US...people had issues understanding my accent
Been on stage?:	Many many times
Slept outdoors?:	Yea...Army.
Thought about suicide?:	No
Pulled an all nighter?:	Several. Stupid projects (or should it be...stupid procrastination?)
If yes, what is your record?:	3 days with 2 hours of sleep
Gone one day without food?:	No
Talked on the phone all night?:	Nope
Slept together with the opposite sex w/o actually having sex?:	...does 10 years ago count with my sister?
Slept all day?:	HAHAHA yes
Killed someone?:	...funny you should ask ;) Of course not
Made out with a stranger?:	Nope
Had sex with a stranger?:	Nope
Thought you're going crazy?:	Haha at one time in Senior year
Kissed the same sex?:	Nope...don't swing that way
Done anything sexual with the same sex?:	Nope
Been betrayed?:	Yeah
Had a dream that came true?:	...could we not?
Broken the law?:	Every time I cross the road on red, baby!
Met a famous person?:	No
Have you ever killed an animal by accident?:	Yeah...stupid earthworms on the track
On purpose?:	Nope
Told a secret you swore you wouldn't tell?:	No
Stolen anything?:	Nope
Been on radio/tv?:	Nope
Been in a mosh-pit?:	What's that? No seriously...
Had a nervous breakdown?:	Yeah. 2
Bungee jumped?:	Nope
Had a dream that kept coming back?:	Nope
Beliefs
Belive in life on other planets?:	Yes
Miracles?:	Of course
Astrology?:	Not really...but sometimes
Magic?:	Ohh yeah
God?:	Many gods, yes
Satan?:	No
Santa?:	Nope
Ghosts?:	Yes
Luck?:	Yup
Love at first sight?:	Depends on my mood
Yin and yang (that good cant exist w/o bad)?:	Yes...it's called balance. Newton's Law of...crap I forgot.
Witches?:	I wanna
Easter bunny?:	No
Believe its possible to remain faithful forever?:	Yes
Believe theres a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow?:	Haha no
Do you wish on stars?:	Shooting stars yes
Deep Theological Questions
Do you believe in the traditional view of Heaven and Hell?:	No
Do you think God has a gender?:	If I believed in one God, I'd say God was male
Do you believe in organized religion?:	Yes
Where do you think we go when we die?:	Reincarnation
Friends
Do you have any gay/lesbian friends?:	Yes, both
Who is your best friend?:	That's a tough one
Who's the one person that knows most about you?:	Adam?
What's the best advice that anyone has ever given to you?:	Nothing that comes to mind...
Your favourite inside joke?:	"AND Ben"
Thing you're picked on most about?:	N/A
Who's your longest known friend?:	The Simpang Gang...but Zi Heng and Shun Quan longest of all. Primary 1/6!!!
Newest?:	Kenneth the Med Store guy in Tekong haha
Shyest?:	shrugs
Funniest?:	One of the guys back in the US hehe
Sweetest?:	N/A
Closest?:	Adam
Weirdest?:	ALL OF 'EM! screams
Smartest?:	All my friends are very smart.
Ditziest?:	Haha probably one of my old Waldorf classmates
Friends you miss being close to the most?:	That's a hard one...
Last person you talked to online?:	Wen Yang
Who do you talk to most online?:	Cat
Who are you on the phone with most?:	One of the other conductors in SNCO hahaha
Who do you trust most?:	Adam without a doubt
Who listens to your problems?:	Many of my friends actually. TP most recently
Who do you fight most with?:	...
Who's the nicest?:	ALL OF THEM!
Who's the most outgoing?:	MOST? Probably Jesse lol
Who's the best singer?:	Joanna
Who's on your shit-list?:	Haha...now THAT'S a secret my friend
Have you ever thought of having sex with a friend?:	No
Who's your second family?:	The Stuckenbrucks (my legal guardians duh lol)
Do you always feel understood?:	Not always
Who's the loudest friend?:	Jared. No question
Do you trust others easily?:	Too easily
Who's house were you last at?:	Tong Pui's I think
Name one person who's arms you feel safe in::	...
Do your friends know you?:	Of course they do.
Friend that lives farthest away::	Ashley, in Cali
Love and All That
Do you consider love a mistake?:	Sometimes
What do you find romantic?:	Surprises
Turn-on?:	Smile and beautiful eyes
Turn-off?:	Bad (table) manners
First kiss?:	7th grade (Sec 1)
If someone u had no interest in had interest in dating u how would u feel?:	I'd be flattered, but I'd tell them nicely I wasn't interested
Do you prefer knowing someone before dating them or going:	Before
Have u ever wished it was more socially acceptable 4 a girl 2 ask a guy out:	Haha I think a lot of guys have wished that
Have you ever been romantically attracted to someone physically unattractiv:	Mmm....no
Do you think the opposite sex finds you good looking?:	Haha honestly? I think not at all lol
What is best about the opposite sex?:	They tell you things about you (or other people) that it'd be considered socially unacceptable for guys to say
What is the worst thing about the opposite sex?:	PMS being taken out on you (been there, done that)
What's the last present someone gave you?:	Rui Qi got me chocolates
Are you in love?:	Not at the moment
Do you consider your significant other hot?:	N/A
Who Was the Last Person...
That haunted you?:	...
You wanted to kill?:	Haha...same logic as the shit-list
That you laughed at?:	Adrian Pang on TV
That laughed at you?:	My boss
That turned you on?:	muses
You went shopping with?:	Mum
That broke your heart?:	...next question please
To disappoint you?:	Don't remember
To ask you out?:	On a date? No one EVER. Out just to hang out? The Simpang gang. Duh.
To make you cry?:	This book I finished reading on Sunday.
To brighten up your day?:	N/A
That you thought about?:	My sister who's in HK right now
You saw a movie with?:	Rui Qi (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN!! w00t w00t)
You talked to on the phone?:	Mum
You talked to through IM/ICQ?:	Wen Yang
You saw?:	Dad
You lost?:	My paternal grandfather
Right This Moment...
Are you going out?:	Nope
Will it be with your significant other?:	N/A
Or some random person?:	N/A
What are you wearing right now?:	Grey t-shirt, blue Waldorf Athletics shorts
Body part you're touching right now::	My elbow's on my stomach
What are you worried about right now?:	Money
What book are you reading?:	Currently I have nothing to read
What's on your mousepad?:	My thumb
Use 5 words to describe how you're feeling::	Full, tired, fat, frustrated, uncreative
Are you bored?:	Slightly
Are you tired?:	Very
Are you talking to anyone online?:	No one's on
Are you talking to anyone on the phone?:	Nope
Are you lonely or content?:	Currently? Lonely...but I'll live
Are you listening to music?:	Yeah
Take this survey \| Find more surveys You've been totally Bzoink*d

~Guangyi

2006-08-14T22:26:00.000+08:00

First I have to apologize for yesterday's posts...I was just having a horrible day yesterday and had to vent somewhere. I'm sorry if I worried some of you.

Work was alright. I just got home because I was out shopping for Adelene's birthday present (took me long enough to decide!) haha...Kevin came along and helped so it wasn't too bad.

I'm just waiting for Grey's Anatomy to come on now. I just took a picture of things that summarize what my life is like right now (it's on my Friendster and on my MSN display photo). I like it :)

And finally,

How You Are In Love

You fall in love quickly and easily. And very often.

You give completely and unconditionally in relationships.

You need your space and privacy. You don't like to be smothered.

You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change.

You stay in love for a long time, even if you aren't loved back. When you fall, you fall hard.

How Are You In Love?

That's all!

~Guangyi

2006-08-13T14:56:00.000+08:00

I revel at the fact I have just over a year left in service.
I despair that I must leave my young, fledgling orchestra when I return to study.
I revel that I even have the opportunity to study abroad.
What I despair in most...

Is that the thing I crave for most...
The thing I yearn for the most...

Is something I can't have because my future is so uncertain and my time here so short.

And thus, I despair.

~Guangyi

2006-08-13T00:17:00.000+08:00

I still feel lethargic...ugh...been feeling off the whole day and I still feel like I've run a mile just from climbing up the stairs. AND I've been thirsty all day. SOOOO tired...

Rehearsal from 3-9 doesn't help that much either. Haha whatever...we sightread Sound of Music and Phantom. We're scratching Harry Potter because it's too hard and we're waiting for the go-ahead to purchase Pirates :-D Can't wait!

Had supper with the guys and just got home (had supper because brunch was at 12 and "dinner" was at 4 haha). But yeah...exhausting day. Arm hurts (too much baton waving).

~Guangyi

2006-08-12T00:04:00.000+08:00

Well I guess I'll start with NDP. The parade this year lacked cultural items...a lot more focus on the parade part and the fireworks. Don't get me wrong, fireworks are pretty...but in excess...loses the effect ya know? But the parade was cooler now that I actually understand how a parade works and what's actually going on. Appreciate it more hehe.

Last night was a bit weird...I couldn't sleep because I had this really weird nightmare. Hard to explain...just...bad. Really strong feelings of abandonment...despair...loss. Couldn't sleep all night. Dragged my feet around the entire day.

Then I went over to donate blood...most ridiculous thing ever, I mean the IVs I did while I was on course hurt so much more (then again, I didn't have an anaestethic when doing IVs). They gave me this ridiculous sticker "It's my first time. Please be gentle". I still have it...ask me and I'll show you next time it's hysterical. Overall it wasn't too bad...I'm just feeling a bit light-headed and slightly giddy. Doc says I should be okay by tomorrow.

Rehearsal all day tomorrow. Guess I should go to bed. Night!

~Guangyi

2006-08-08T23:44:00.000+08:00

So today I was walking home (you know slowly from the MRT, minding my own business and everything), and then my phone rings. It's my old colleague, Mr. Kevin Chua. Fine, whatever. So I pick up the phone. Now, we have this thing when we answer the phone when we call each other:

"Mr. Chua?"
"Yes, Mr. Chua?"

And then he says to me...

"You're walking outside Bedok Secondary now, aren't you?"

And I like...literally stopped dead in my tracks and I just spun around in a circle looking for him...and I saw nothing. I was like...totally panicking and I was like..."Dude...where are you?" because I totally couldn't see him at all. No one in sight.

"Oh..just on bus number 10. Just drove past you."

*silence*

Well that was the scariest thing EVER! Hahaha...it's like in The Ring, after you watch the movie and tyour phone rings and it's like "SEVEN DAAAYYYSSS". But I didn't watch the video! "Yes you did...I know these things." Well...now I'm going more along the lines of Scary Movie...but w/e...same concept haha

Just thought I'd share :P

~Guangyi

2006-08-07T23:19:00.000+08:00

OMG I LOVE GREY'S ANATOMY!

Dr. Shepherd: I don't need the ice.
Chief: Put the damned ice on your 2 million dollar a year hand! What I want to know is what my Head of Neurosurgery is doing punching out some guy on MY floor!
Dr. Adison Shepherd: ...that was Mark.
Chief: Who's Mark?
Dr. Adison Shepherd: We were...close friends back home...
Dr. Shepherd: That's until I walked in on them screwing each other in bed.
*awkward silence*
Chief: Did you put your weight behind it, Shep?
Dr. Shepherd: Yes, sir...
Chief: Good man! (walks out)

HAHAHAHAHAAHA.

That is all. I LOVE this show

~Guangyi

2006-08-07T00:27:00.000+08:00

OMG I must be crazy...

I just ordered the sheet music for all (yes all) the songs that you can hear in the YouTube video below...my sole purpose?

To learn that last piece...the one where he's playing alone in the concert hall.

Should be here in 1-3 weeks...

But damn.

I'm CUUURRAAAZZZZYYY!!!!! :D

~Guangyi

2006-08-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

Program is more or less finalized (except for my end hahaha)

Wind Ensemble
20th Century Fox Introduction
The Little Mermaid
Star Trek

String Ensemble
Carmen Suite
Everything else TBA....

Symphonic Group
The Sound of Music
Phantom of the Opera
Harry Potter
(Pirates of the Caribbean)

*roars* The only reason pirates is in parentheses is because we haven't ordered it yet and if we don't meet the required half an hour of music for the symphonic group, we'll order it :D Personally? I think we'll have to due to...my own self timing.

The guest conductor is from SSO, but until he shows up for our rehearsals, between me and Weifen, I have Phantom and Sound of Music, and she has Harry Potter and she WILL have Pirates if we order it. Maybe I'll swap Sound of Music with Pirates if it gets to that bwahahaha

This concert's looking good, but our biggest problem is attendance right now. If we can get EVERYONE that's written down on paper, this thing will be a huge success. But overall? This whole weekend has been dedicated to my orchestra. Yes I'm tired, but do I regret it? Not at all...it's the kind of exhaustion I love and hate at the same time (I love music but I HATE feeling so tired and going out to Jurong).

*stretches* Can anyone tell me how to embed an MP3 into my blog? I've been looking all over the place but I can't find a small unobtrustive player that won't bother anyone and that they'll only listen to it if they want to you know? So...anybody??? lol please let me know if you have the HTML code for it thanks :)

Oh but life...drives me nuts in more ways than one but I love it hahaha

~Guangyi

2006-08-03T23:29:00.000+08:00

Watch this and don't take violinists for granted.
Hours of practice go into these so called "boring pieces" that some people don't know how to appreciate.
Watch and be wowed. :)

2006-08-02T22:30:00.000+08:00

Hmmm....

1.) Lord of the Rings
2.) E.T.
3.) Phantom of the Opera
4.) Les Miserables
5.) Over the Rainbow (from Wizard of Oz)
6.) Star Wars
7.) Pirates of the Caribbean
8.) Sound of Music

AHHHH! SO MANY GOOD CHOICES (and I think I'm missing a few more here and there) ! What to do?!?!?!

~Guangyi

2006-08-01T23:40:00.000+08:00

You know what's amazingly pathetic? I went to Ang Mo Kio to look at a music library. Well he sells and rents out BAND music but carries no STRING or SYMPHONY music. Reason?

According to him, there are over 300 bands or some form of symphonic band in Singapore.

How many symphony orchestras are there?

Three. SSO, SYO, and Braddell Heights SO.

My group, SNCO, is the fourth orchestra to come about.

That's just SAAAADDD!

So basically I have to go buy my stuff online. *sigh*

~Guangyi

2006-08-01T00:03:00.000+08:00

I found this when I was cleaning out my LiveJournal. It's a verse that was given to me as an alumni of the Waldorf School. They don't give this to you until the day you leave because only then are we able to comprehend the full meaning of this poem. And true enough, Dr. Steiner's words rang true on that day and still do today and I thought I'd just share.

The Leaving Verse from Dr. Steiner:

In den Weiten der Lebenswege
Soll sich spiegeln
Was im lieben Jugendhause
Wie das Siegel
Echten Menschenwesens
In das herz
Sich geprägt~

In der Tiefe der Erinnerung
Soll sich stark erweisen
Was die Seele durfte finden
In Herzenskreisen ~
Durch die Geistesführerschaft,
In den Kräften
Lieber Lebensschulung~

In English:

In the ever-widening paths of life,
May there be reflected,
What in the golden years of youth,
Impressed itself into the heart
Like a seal of true humanity
May, what the soul was granted to find
In heart-warmed companionship
Show its strength
In the depths of memory~

Through the spiritual guidance
Of the strong forces
Of a cherished schooling for life~

2006-07-30T23:21:00.000+08:00

We had a discussion on the music we were going to play in January today. We came up with the following possibilities for symphonic pieces:
1.) Les Miserables
2.) Selections from Cats
3.) Phantom of the Opera
4.) 007 (seriously!)
5.) Harry Potter

Among others...I'm desperately looking for Pirates of the Caribbean to play...no luck so far though. Guess I'm gonna have to look online. Hopefully we can finalize the program within the next week. Chamber music wise, I've got nothing for my kiddies other than a couple of movements from the Carmen Suite. Haha...Habanera's so much fun to play...and conduct. :D

I was on the bus today and I was just observing a group of deaf/mute people signing at each other. I have to admit I was rather interested at how this worked because for the first time, I noticed that it's not only the hands that talk, but it's also facial expression. At times, I could tell one guy was joking because he put out his tongue in a comical manner and sure enough, after a series of motions, his friends started laughing. I find that I enjoyed listening to these people laugh because...I don't know...I find that it's one of the true feelings they can still express very well, even with their physical challenge. This man had a very delightful, booming laugh that you can't help but smile at when you hear him. Maybe I'll take up sign language in school if I have time...it's a good thing to know.

Other than that I slept the day away because I had to wake up so early to get to that meeting this morning haha...I'm just waiting for Boston Legal to come on now. Later all.

~Guangyi

2006-07-28T20:54:00.000+08:00

*ahem* Ladies and gentlemen I have an announcement to make...

The Medical Degrees offered by University of Rochester have officially been recognized by Singapore. Which means I now have the option to come back to Singapore and practice if I want to.

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

*jumps around*

~Guangyi

2006-07-27T23:02:00.000+08:00

YO U ... C A N ... O N L Y ... T Y P E ... O N E ... W O R D !

N O ... E X P L A N A T I O N S !

1. Yourself:
Friendly

2. Your other half:
Nonexistant

3. Your hair:
Short

4. Your Mother:
Chatty

5.Your Father:
Quiet

6. Your Favorite Item:
Violin

7. Your dream last night:
Samurai

8. Your Favorite Drink:
Water

9. Your Dream Home:
Windows!

10. The Room You Are In:
Warm

11. Your Ex:
American

12. Your fear:
Water

13. Where you Want to be in Ten Years?
Doctor

14. Who you hung out with last night:
Noone

15. What You're Not:
Sad!!!

16. Your Best Friend:
Which?

17. One of Your Wish List Items:
SCHOLARSHIP!!!!!!

19. The Last Thing You Did:
Textmessage

20. What You Are Wearing:
Shorts

21. Your Favorite Weather:
Cool

22. Your Favorite Book:
Many

23. The Last Thing You Ate:
Lycheeeeee

24. Your Life:
Exciting

25. Your Mood:
Chipper

26. What are you thinking about right now?
...nothing...^^

DO IT!!

~Guangyi

2006-07-26T22:49:00.000+08:00

PTE Guangyi "Archangel" Chua --> LCP Guangyi "Archangel" Chua.

Need I say more? :D

*does victory dance with FFVII victory music*

2006-07-25T22:31:00.000+08:00

Hate being sick. It's just not cool. I've had this runny nose since Saturday (now it's just stuffed so I generally just can't breathe), a dry cough and a chronic headache that came on yesterday (that I still kinda have). Bright side? No fever. Although sailing on the Tekong ferry probably wasn't the best idea in the world because felt really giddy when I stepped onto dry land haha...guess you shouldn't sail if you're sick, yeah?

I'm auditioning three people for my ensemble this people. One viola and two violins I believe...I hope they're good. I mean, my group so far, skill-wise, they're all up there. Most of them are Grade 8, with one or two Grade 6. I know for sure that one of the auditioning vioinists is a Grade 8 as well, but I'm really hurting in the lower string sections. I need at least another cello or two and (if I take the violist audition this Saturday) at least 2 more violists. Or at least one of each because it's irritating when your only viola and/or cello doesn't show up for rehearsal, you can't conduct a proper one. *sigh* Least I have my baton again...they know I mean business :P

Hmm...I SHOULD be learning how to drive soon. Anyone wanna learn driving with me? Haha...I still haven't taken any theory or anything yet, so I'm going to be learning from scratch. Manual all the way baby!!

The...unnamed story is coming along alright. Been struggling to get back onto my creative streak but I think I'm starting to get back into the swing of things.

BUT ARGH! I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I'M GONNA GET THE KIDS TO PLAY FOR THE CONCERT IN JANUARY! *grinds teeth* I haven't the foggiest idea and they wanna know by this Sunday. What'm I gonna do? *paces around room* Guess I should go think about it. Maybe I'll practice a little too.

~Guangyi

2006-07-23T15:48:00.000+08:00

I'm finally done with that god-forsaken seminar that my unit decided to do to show that...well...I guess it was to show that it's not a complete waste of government funding and that we're actually doing something? Haha...the late nights at Kranji were completely unnecessary in my opinion though. Whatever...we're done for the year...and maybe forever since someone told me that they don't do these seminars every year anyway.

Wen Sheng went back yesterday. It was a much more...subdued event than the first time . It was just Zi, Ben, TP, me and his family (Amanda and parents). Silly boy's been chionging every night for like the past week. And by chionging I don't mean drinking and clubbing, I mean...food. All over Singapore at obscene hours in the night. It's funny because...honestly...can food in Australia really be that bad? Haha...

So after the airport thing (it was quite early), I went to Tampines Mall and Century Square. What's funny is how small Tampines is because I ran into Sergeant Raymond (one of my medic instructors), and while we were talking, he ran into somebody else that he knew. It's crazy! Well..just shows you how small Singapore really is.

Hmm...what else...TP has 6 more weeks in SISPEC I believe before he's done with BSLC. I have a concert in January and I STILL have no idea what I'm gonna get the kids to play. Grrr....least the kids are behaving better nowadays. Now if I can actually act like I know what I'm doing maybe I can get them to start respecting me...

Is it a bad sign that they think (and actually a lot of people think) that I'm in my twenty's? Makes me think I dress too old for my age or that I'm aging too fast. What if I look seventy when I'm actually forty? Haha...now that's a scary thought. Aiieeeee....maybe it'll even off or something. Or maybe...I'm just worried about nothing. Haha...I'm so weird...

~Guangyi

2006-07-21T00:48:00.000+08:00

My parents are talking about taking me to Paris or Japan at the end of the year. Very tempting...*thinks about the Louvre* Problem is I haven't taken a day of leave or off since December because my branch is short on manpower and lord knows if my big boss will let me take two weeks of leave to go overseas. *frustration*

Sometimes I feel like life likes to play games on me. Always throws curve balls at me and sometimes I wonder how to deal with it. But I'm learning how to slowly deal with these things on my own intuition...we'll see hehe.

I tried a TENS machine at work on Wednesday. It's a portable electrical stimulator. Made my arm funny haha...involuntary muscles spasms. It's pretty amazing because they use this machine for stroke victims and it helps to massage their muscles and helps them to regain control over their muscles again (especially after watching Wednesday's episode of Life Story about the stroke patient). But still...I exhausted my muscle doing that haha. I like how my physio warned me about exhausting my muscle from using the machine AFTER I've used it for half an hour :P

Anyways that's about it I guess. I'm moving my Livejournal here and will update more often because I should...umm.."try to make something of" my boring, repetitive life hehe.

What does the opposite sex love about you?
Created by arfal and taken 28533 times on Bzoink
Name
Age
Sex
Favorite Number
What makes you irresistable	looks
What makes you cute	kind heart
What does the opposite like best about you	your ass
What is first seen in you by the opposite sex	smile
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