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