We Had Smores

Or at least most of us had during this year's band camp. As mentioned before, we were not permitted to stay over in school but we did get a visit from Peirce Wind Symphony from Singapore. The first day was the usual stuff; gather, clean up, shifting instruments, practices, marching, and such.

The second day however was when we meet up with Peirce. This was not the first time Catholic has interacted with Peirce. The last time our bands met was in Singapore in the year 2009. In fact, if you would like to, you could visit them at their blog. After lunch, the whole band made plans on how to greet our fellow musicians. It was decided that lots of energetic screaming and clapping would do the trick. When it was announced that they were close to the school, we waited for them with bated breath. When they finally appeared, we screamed our welcome, cheering and applauding their arrival. The usual formalities were exchanged and we took pictures with them. We had a little ice-breaking session in which Catholic and Peirce split up according to instrumental sections. After that was the interaction in which we performed for them before they took the stage. The next big event was of course special night. Aside from the usual sight of the ex-members making merry, Peirce appeared to be enjoying themselves too. Like Catholic, Peirce barbecued with their respective groups. When Peirce left, Catholic Band members lined either side of the road to bid them good bye for the day.

One of the highlights of the third day was the instrumental and section sectionals in which we learned more about Peirce and vice versa. We played Queen's Park Melody as well as Gold Rush. After we had lunch was the games session. Once we were through with the games, we were told that the session (which mostly consisted of 3 hours or so of solid running and exertion of energy) was tough and challenging but also enjoyable. We had a rest before dinner. After that, the two bands gathered at the auditorium and took pictures as well as mingled. We also had gifts exchange. We gifted them with the key chains and badges we had for our concert "An Evening of Music" this year while they gave us key chains and personally made cards. Despite exceeding the time, Catholic High School was still enthusiastic when we sent them off, shouting, waving, clapping and calling out names as they left us.

With Peirce continuing their journey to Penang, they did not return on the fourth day. We went back to a more mundane schedule after that, beginning our day with parade practice after breakfast. This was followed by instrumental sectionals until lunch which was followed by clean up. After our final gather at the Tapak Perhimpunan, it was time to say our farewells to this year's Band Camp.

Pictures, of course, will be uploaded as soon as possible. Have a nice day!