Dear band,

It has been 1 week after SYF. How have you been? It's nice to see some of you around, greeting me politely when you walk past me. It was brought to my attention by a few subject teachers this week that some of you are

1) Still upset (as of Mon)about SYF
2) Telling parents that you stay out late this week due to band (Lie?)
3) Not putting in your best attitude or behaviour during subject lessons

With regards to this, 1 band colleague can't help but asked me on Fri "Ms Neo, why can you stay so calm after SYF results that day? I actually cried too. I feel upset for the band. Don't you feel anything?"

Well, I cried before too when I went for my own SYF. I cried too when I accompanied SPF band in 2007 Indoor (tears really dropped) and 2008 Outdoor SYF (I held back my tears). This year, I didn't. Not because I don't feel anything, but because I already understood what are the 'greater' things that you can take away other than outcome. Outcome is a bonus only.

Just ask yourself 'Have you tried your best?' If the answer is YES, you had done your part. The outcome is not something that is only determined by you - something that you should understand. It is determined by everyone else, your competitors, school support, etc.

Look forward - God gives us eyes that are positioned as such for us to LOOK FORWARD.

I got a table calendar. On April 10th, it states

"The only difference between 'happiness is nowhere' and 'happiness is now here' is not the event, but how you see the event. Perception is the key.

I know I can never make you see things the same way I see it. But if you try, you may see the things I perceive. Who knows?

Today, April 17th, it states

"A lot of happiness is overlooked because it doesnt cost anything."

So, move on. Stop giving yourself excuses for not putting in your very best in other important things such as STUDIES. I spoke to some of you, especially my sec 1s. Be consistent and never create any more troubles or excuses for you can be suspended. You know who you are. I believe in you, but you got to prove yourself worthy of praises.

Only when you know what you take away, can this learning journey be complete. No point missing band practices now as you SHOULD concentrate on studies. EXCEL in studies. Then, you can be back without parent's objection. Too many parents objected and hoped you can quit. You may not know. But a lot of your parents are my 'friends' now. Only when you can assure them that you can cope well, will they feel less worried.

Well, Mrs Tang suggested this year's ORD and SYF thanksgiving ceremony to be held in May after exam. This can be something that we look forward to. Subjected to further planning and confirmation.

For me, after SYF, I resumed focus on things that I had neglected. I took away (10) if you remember. I thank all who allowed me to be stronger, not fearful about abrupt situations or doctor's words. I started my phase 1 of heart treatment. Literally. I always see it coming. Just like how I know my band will move on for sure too after 10th April. I have not given up in everything despite there are times I wish I can. Have you? Is life just about SYF? =)

Your next focus - STUDIES - Determine the outcome by working on it. Believe strongly, with concrete actions. It works, only if you FOCUS and put in your very best with no other excuses or distraction.

FOCUS ON STUDIES!

Ms Neo HJ
Band Teacher IC

Dear band,

The 'big' day was over. But the things that 'SYF 2010' had given you will never expire. Recall the 10 things I listed for you in the video, and they are also listed in my previous blog entry. List more things that this learning journey has given you.

To add on, a few students mentioned to me

- Band gives me a family I feel that I belong to
- Band gives me a sense of accomplishment that others (not in band) would probably not experience
- Band fulfills my dreams of playing music though I am from UG band

List down these things on a piece of paper, your blog, or simply counting these blessings in your heart.

I thank everyone - band, alumni, instructors, parents, teachers, P, VP, CCA HOD and anyone if I missed here - for this learning journey.

Only you yourself can make it complete if you know what you take away with you.

Take care. Focus on studies now. Till we meet again - next Wed 21st April - Returning of Band Uniform at Band Room.

Cheers,
Ms Neo HJ
Teacher IC

Dear Band,

Are you surprised at how near it is to THAT day? Ask yourself - why are we working so hard for? Is it for a silly day with a ? outcome? To me, when you have endured and completed the whole preparation process till the actual day when you have to stand in front of so many people to present your show, you are a winner in a way!

But always ask yourself - can you do better? 100 PLUS - Outdo yourself! Always find the goodness in every situation. But, do not compromise to be of a lower standard if you have the capabilities to be the best.

Today, 1 girl broke down as she don't feel good physically plus emotionally after being scolded. When you scold, you probably care for the band as a whole. But dont forget to care for the particular individual. Everyone is unique. Everyone's tolerance level is different. But I asked her - are you confident? She said 80%. I asked if she wanted to join us back on the field to regain the 20% that she lacks to outdo herself and makes people who scolded her praise her? She walked back to the field. This SYF preparation has sharpened her life skills and allowed her to build confidence!

What has this band SYF given me to date? A lot. So much that you wont know.

I give thanks everyday in a little book I have as my one dear student taught me to. I thank many of you in my little book for the little hiccups that we had, that made me a better person in reacting to sudden situations. It is an important practice for me to handle things in my life currently. I thank those who were unwell, went to doctor, took medication diligently as it gives me strength to know that it isnt that fearful to see the doctor and hear some cruel facts. I thank the opportunities that some created for me to just shout at you to scold you or keep you quiet as it allows me to waste some energy and don't think too much about other things. I thank all who had eaten breakfast, lunch or dinner with me as it allows me to force myself to really swallow food, talk and carry on. I thank my alumni who love my band and help in ways that you can when I cant sometimes. I thank my conductors for always telling me to take it easy and dont be so stressed though I am not really stressed by band at the back of my mind. I thank God for the good weather so that we can stay healthy and train in the sun rather than in the rain. I thank many ...

So, do you really know what have SYF given you? Ask yourself ...
1) Excuses to be lazy in other things?
2) Opportunities to be more confident?
3) Friendship or Love that can last a lifetime?
4) Darker skin colour that may stay with you?
5) Opportunity to perform like a superstar at Indoor Stadium?
6) Exercises that allow you to shed some weight?
7) Reasons to laugh heartily?
8) Reasons to cry in whatever emotions you are in?
9) Opportunities to know that nothing is impossible and you can outdo yourself?
10) Simply beyond what I can describe here?

For me, it is (10). For you?

Hang in there. Counting down 3, 2, 1, 0 ...

Ms Neo Hui Jun
Band Teacher IC