So 31st August was our national day. 20 years ago, I was part of a huge marching band that performed during the national level celebration here in Kuching, at Padang Merdeka. There were more than 500 of us band members and flag girls, chosen from 5 secondary schools throughout Kuching, namely St. Teresa, St. Joseph, Green Road, Kuching High and Kuching Town.
An instructor, Mr Png and two assistants Mr Simon and Mr Goh, all from Singapore, were given the impossible task of producing a band display in 8 short months, for this grand celebration! It would be performed in front of the King and broadcasted live to the whole nation.
When he got here, he found St Teresa only had girls who read music but never played band instruments, nor were they familiar with drills. Some schools had only a rudimentary recorder and bells band, and others; basic marching bands with members who did not even read music.
Band display consisting of formations and dance were unheard of in Kuching then. It's amazing that he had so much faith in us and took on this challenge.
I remember first we had to learn to play the instruments, then combine that with marching. The first time we marched round a track while playing a simple song, it was chaos! People were out of step and the music was getting jumbled up!
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| my section: clarinet |
I remember first we had to learn to play the instruments, then combine that with marching. The first time we marched round a track while playing a simple song, it was chaos! People were out of step and the music was getting jumbled up!
After weekly practices under the sun (it got more frequent nearer to D-day), and band camp (3 days of intensive training), lotsa sweat and tears, plenty of push-ups and 8 gruelling months later, we were amazing! If I do say so myself! hehe...
It was an incredible experience. It took a lot of discipline and was nothing short of a miracle! From practically zero, we were able to make complex, precise formations and play magnificent music as one! It taught us that anything was possible with determination and hard work!
Well, in 1993, Sarawak was celebrating 30 years in Malaysia. That was why we hosted the celebrations that year. This year, 20 yrs later, we decided to meet up at the Padang Merdeka for a sort of 20yr reunion. It was a last minute thing, so only about 10 of us showed up.
But this started an avalanche of wonderful memories. Starting with Mr Png, everyone started posting 20 yr old photos on our FB group page. We got to know each other again and now we are planning a bigger, proper reunion, end of this year, with Mr Png and other teachers in attendance. Let's hope it will materialize!
It was an incredible experience. It took a lot of discipline and was nothing short of a miracle! From practically zero, we were able to make complex, precise formations and play magnificent music as one! It taught us that anything was possible with determination and hard work!
Well, in 1993, Sarawak was celebrating 30 years in Malaysia. That was why we hosted the celebrations that year. This year, 20 yrs later, we decided to meet up at the Padang Merdeka for a sort of 20yr reunion. It was a last minute thing, so only about 10 of us showed up.
But this started an avalanche of wonderful memories. Starting with Mr Png, everyone started posting 20 yr old photos on our FB group page. We got to know each other again and now we are planning a bigger, proper reunion, end of this year, with Mr Png and other teachers in attendance. Let's hope it will materialize!
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