Yes, ex-members are more than welcome to join us on our once-in-a-lifetime experience to Hong Kong Disneyland for the Winter Band Festival Competition. This 5-day 4-night trip will begin on the 29th of November and end on the 3rd of December. There will be competitions to join, clinics by esteemed musicians to learn from, behind the scenes of Disneyland to see and much more. Those of you who are interested to participate with us may contact our Top Four, Wong Phooi Yee (President)-0122101971, Tan Qian Ru Julie(Vice President)-0172021110, Law Ley Mun (Secretary)-0172320988 or Choon King Fung (Treasurer)-0125380610.
For further information on this, please visit their site for the festival info: http://www.ravegroup.sg/winterbandfest/festival_info.php
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Briefing of Hong Kong Trip
So, Mr. Steven from the Rave group dropped by on Saturday to give us all a briefing of the Winter Band Festival trip at Hong Kong. However, this meeting of parents, teachers, etc. had more of a purpose. Besides showing to the parents how their kids may benefit from this expedition, they may also provide suggestions and alternatives to our financial problems.
At approximately 10.18, everyone was seated and ready just as Mr. Steven arrived with Sir Eric Lee. Madam Hardeep, our wonderful teacher advisor, gave her speech and we moved on to Mr. Steven Phua's briefing.
Despite the fact that some of us may have scoured the internet for information on this trip, the briefing was still ratehr enlightening. The fee was steep because aside from including the usual lodging, all meals provided, transportation, etc. (we will survive just fine without a penny, according to Mr. Steven), we had added benefits too. We learnt that the reason why we had to stay in a 5-star hotel instead of a motel and save money is because the coaches are able to swiftly annd efficiently fetch us to Disneyland as it is not too far off. Speaking of coaches, another reason for the high price of our trip (approximately RM 3500) is because we have the coach are entirely ours for the day, due to safety reasons in case we're ever in need of a quick evacuation. During our time in Disneyland, we are also treated to many behind the scenes specialty which all ordinary visitors are not privilaged to. We get to see how certain aspects of Disneyland are run and even question professionals about their performance and such. After the fireworks (which will be different from any other year due to Disneyland's 5th birthday), the park closes for the day. Our party, however, are to attend a gala that the public has no access to. And (most important of all) the learning curve that is sure to come under the guidance of expert musicians such as Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser (President / CEO, Attitude Concepts, Inc.), Mr. Yasuhide Ito (composer, Senzoku College of Music), Dr. Christopher Hughes (professor of conducting / Director of Bands, Mahidol University).
If we have any spare time in which nothing is planned (not part of the package that includes Symphony of Lights and rides), it is up to our leaders to decide what to do. If it is decided we stay go shopping on the last day, we go; if it's decided we stay in the hotel, we stay.
These are just some extra tidbits of the whole package. From the photos shown on the projector, anyone could tell that this is a trip with class (chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, queen-size beds, interesting locations, etc.). Of course, Mr. Steven also warned us members to not be late getting down the hotel (people have apparently assume you can get down in 5 mintues), not to lock yourself in the toilet (the very modern settings have caused this before), and various other thigns that will make the trip more enjoyable for all.
Parents may follow their child on the trip if they wish to. The performances are open-for-all. However, the parents have to pay for themselves and are barred from certain events such as the clinics and gala dinner.
The briefing from Mr. Steven was humorous at times and enlightening in others. At the end of his briefing, a souvenir was presented to him. After this session, parents asked questions to which the teachers, Sir Eric and Mr. Steven answered. Parents gave some suggestions and alternatives for sponsorship were discussed. Roughly 30 minutes later, all non-band members proceeded to the canteen for refreshments and instrumental sectionals were in progress.
This day has reminded us again what a benefit it is to have such an opportunity of a lifetime. Besides memorable experiences at the world-famous park, we also have the small bonus of possibly one of the greatest learning curves of our lives. So, I hope as many band members may attend this function as possible. : )
At approximately 10.18, everyone was seated and ready just as Mr. Steven arrived with Sir Eric Lee. Madam Hardeep, our wonderful teacher advisor, gave her speech and we moved on to Mr. Steven Phua's briefing.
Despite the fact that some of us may have scoured the internet for information on this trip, the briefing was still ratehr enlightening. The fee was steep because aside from including the usual lodging, all meals provided, transportation, etc. (we will survive just fine without a penny, according to Mr. Steven), we had added benefits too. We learnt that the reason why we had to stay in a 5-star hotel instead of a motel and save money is because the coaches are able to swiftly annd efficiently fetch us to Disneyland as it is not too far off. Speaking of coaches, another reason for the high price of our trip (approximately RM 3500) is because we have the coach are entirely ours for the day, due to safety reasons in case we're ever in need of a quick evacuation. During our time in Disneyland, we are also treated to many behind the scenes specialty which all ordinary visitors are not privilaged to. We get to see how certain aspects of Disneyland are run and even question professionals about their performance and such. After the fireworks (which will be different from any other year due to Disneyland's 5th birthday), the park closes for the day. Our party, however, are to attend a gala that the public has no access to. And (most important of all) the learning curve that is sure to come under the guidance of expert musicians such as Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser (President / CEO, Attitude Concepts, Inc.), Mr. Yasuhide Ito (composer, Senzoku College of Music), Dr. Christopher Hughes (professor of conducting / Director of Bands, Mahidol University).
If we have any spare time in which nothing is planned (not part of the package that includes Symphony of Lights and rides), it is up to our leaders to decide what to do. If it is decided we stay go shopping on the last day, we go; if it's decided we stay in the hotel, we stay.
These are just some extra tidbits of the whole package. From the photos shown on the projector, anyone could tell that this is a trip with class (chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, queen-size beds, interesting locations, etc.). Of course, Mr. Steven also warned us members to not be late getting down the hotel (people have apparently assume you can get down in 5 mintues), not to lock yourself in the toilet (the very modern settings have caused this before), and various other thigns that will make the trip more enjoyable for all.
Parents may follow their child on the trip if they wish to. The performances are open-for-all. However, the parents have to pay for themselves and are barred from certain events such as the clinics and gala dinner.
The briefing from Mr. Steven was humorous at times and enlightening in others. At the end of his briefing, a souvenir was presented to him. After this session, parents asked questions to which the teachers, Sir Eric and Mr. Steven answered. Parents gave some suggestions and alternatives for sponsorship were discussed. Roughly 30 minutes later, all non-band members proceeded to the canteen for refreshments and instrumental sectionals were in progress.
This day has reminded us again what a benefit it is to have such an opportunity of a lifetime. Besides memorable experiences at the world-famous park, we also have the small bonus of possibly one of the greatest learning curves of our lives. So, I hope as many band members may attend this function as possible. : )
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