Tuesday, December 28, 2004 El Minstrel VI
I think a lot of people are waiting for this entry to be up. I'm sorry it's up only now, because I did not have the time to write about it. I reached home slightly past 12 last night, and I woke up just in time to go out with my family this morning, and reached home with just enough time to take a short break before going for band practice.
Yesterday's concert was really very good. I enjoyed myself while playing music. Some things did not really turn out to be right, but the concert is still a success. I saved so many people yesterday. Firstly, the first clarinet files disappeared 10 minutes before the concert was supposed to start. I somehow knew where to find it. I actually tired asking a few people if they had seen the file but nobody knew where it was. Anyway, the first place I went to look for it, I found it. Next, the conductor's chair was not removed from the podium even when the whole band was ready to start the concert. Luckily I noticed it and Shirley removed it when she went back into backstage. I wonder what it would be like if the chair was not removed.
I think the dixie part for Japanese Graffitti IV was the best we have ever played. It was really very nice. As for Welcome, I think it is the first time ever the clarinets did not come in wrongly for the 4 semiquavers, and the soli part was the clearest ever. That was about it for the first half.
I must thank Xiu Yu and Fang Xian for coming for the concert and even buying gifts for me. I am truly touched, especially when I have a few friends who promised me that they would come but did not turn up.
I sat in the first row again for the pieces the alumni band played. For the first time, I sight read the first clarinet part for Whenever Wherever because I couldn't find the bass clarinet part. Anyway, it turned out fine. I am quite amazed because I have never played the first part before, not even during rehearsals.
Iris was not bad. The transitions were quite good and the solos were beautiful. The only thing that went slightly wrong was towards the end where there was a late entrance. Other than that, everything was very well done already.
I'll stop here for now. I'll write again when I have time.
ChenghuaT blogged on 12/28/2004 01:38:00 am
