{Underneath the Stars.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! + Tired!!!

3/19/2009 06:24:00 PM

Got back home from Jurongville Band Camp!!!

Before the camp, on Sunday, went to the IT fair with my aunt and sister, and the place was super crowded until I didn't have any much air to breathe!! But went there, bought a Norton Virus Security Disc for my laptop as it was cheap and a 4GB thumb-drive was given as a free gift. After that, went to Ngee Ann City to get my sister's new phone and while they were buying the phone, I went to the super market to get some instant noodles for the camp as some of my band friends wanted them!! After I bought them, I felt damn embarrassed as I was walking around town with a plastic bag with 12 bowls of instant noodles as everyone who I walked pass kept staring at me!! How humiliating that was!! After that, we took a cab back home.

On the first day of the camp, went to school with Sery as she asked me to meet her at 11am and I felt embarrassed as my bag really looks like a luggage as though I am going for a holiday! When we got to school and went to class 4D to report, I left my bag outside and stood there as I am embarrassed to go in!! After awhile, people started to come to me and talk to me and I asked them whether do they want any instant noodles for supper and they need to pay me 50 cents for each bowl!! After awhile, those who were in the classroom went down to the canteen for a quick lunch as Boon Lay Secondary School had arrived. After eating, the members went to the band room to prepare their instruments and the percussion needed to bring the instruments down, while Tiac Woo and I sat in the canteen to look after the lunch for the rest of the members who had a mock exam earlier on. When they came, Tiac Woo and I left the canteen and I went to the percussion to help them out with the arrangements for the music exchange as Mr Chua was coming for sectionals! Awhile later, Mr Rashul came!! Its been a long time that I last saw him and he recognise me!!! The both of us had a small chat as he wanted to find his old colleagues. After that, went to help with the percussion and helped the percussionists to introduced themselves with Boon Lay Percussionists. After that, talked to Tiac Woo and Samuel Wee about taking pictures and talked about what should I do if Mr Chua couldn't come at the last minute. Awhile later, he came and so does Deyi Secondary. So all three schools had their section session! So Mr Chua took the three School Percussionist while I take some photographs and sat together with my section when the other two showed their part and we need to answer Mr Chua's question of how they played! Before Boon Lay and Deyi went back, the three school percussionist played an ensemble piece that Mr Chua gave and the first time, we took out every percussion instruments that are suitable for the piece! And Mr Chua asked me to play the Timbale! First time in my percussion times where we played an ensemble, I need to play simple rhythms as my rhythms are way too much and I got to keep on moving back and back! After a long session, Boon Lay and Deyi Secondary went back to their school while the band went for dinner! While the band had their dinner, Mr Rashul, Mr Chia, Khai Seng and I talked to each other about the past and some parts to improve the band!!! After awhile, Mrs Tan asked me to eat and asked me to serve Mr Rashul and Mr Chia drinks!! After that, the band went to the training room for combine with Mr Chia. Before that, Mr Rashul and I talked about the past while walking up to the band room and met Elijah there! After awhile later, Farhan came and the both of us went to the training room as Mr Rashul and Elijah were not in the band room. After combine, the band really sound much better than the previous time!! Serious!! "Let's give a round of applause to Jurongville Concert Band!!" After their combine, it was time for them to take their shower. While they were having their shower, I went down to the canteen with the instant noodles and boil some water! When some of the members came down, I collected $3 for the instant noodles from them and had some chat with Vania and the rest! After their supper, Elijah, Amabel, Annabel, Samuel and I went to take our bath in the Staff Room while Tiac Woo accompanied us and talk with us. After that, went to the band as the twins, Samuel and Elijah wanted to do their homework and Tiac Woo just helped them along while I sat the Clarinet section and watch The Matrix on my iPod. Around 3 plus in the morning, we went down to the canteen to have a bottle of milk and chat a little about the past. Do miss the old times!! After that, went up to the band room and have some sleep. Only had an hour and a half of sleep and was super tired throughout the day!

On the Second day, went to get a cup of coffee without any sugar and milk to wake myself up! And had breakfast too!! After breakfast, the band prepared their instruments and we head off to Boon Lay Secondary for a Music Exchange and a workshop with Mr Tan! During the first half, the three schools combined together and played their set piece, Overture No.1, and Mrs Chee, Mrs Chia and Tiac Woo took turns to conduct them. After that, each school played their choice and set pieces. At the first time, Jurongville didn't sound really that good as some parts they were rushing and Kenneth played kinda loud during Flying High at the jazzy part! At that moment when Tiac Woo conducted Jurongville Band Flying High the second time, they sound really great until I had goosebumps all over me!!! Serious!! and slowly, everyone wants to look at the video that I recorded. After that, we went lunch, and I sat together with the alumni and I was like left alone as I didn't really talk much as I don't get what they were talking about. After that, the band went up to the hall to practice while waiting for Deyi to finish their workshop with Mr Tan. While waiting, the percussions went to join Boon Lay percussionists to practice a drum line piece that Mr Chua gave us. Awhile later, Azri and Kamarul came and we had a small chat, and awhile later, the three of us went to a mini-shop to get ourselves a drink. When we went back, Deyi finished and the band went to Boon Lay's Band Room to have their workshop! After a two hour workshop with Mr Tan, the band had change with the way they played and the tone and the dynamics! and it was time to head back to school. The winds went up the bus first and the brasses including the percussions had to wait for quite sometime for the bus to arrive! When we reached back school, the band left their instruments in the band room and they went for their dinner! During dinner time, Liyana asked me whether did I have my medical check-up taken and I said no and asked her when is the deadline, and she told me that its on the 17 of March which is the second day of camp! I panicked and went to ask one son of a bitch teacher and she wont allow as she said she don't want to get any scolding for allowing students to enter the Staff Room. I was like come on, I am no longer a student in Jurongville any more and like there are cameras everywhere and she even can see me do it!! What The Hell!!! At that time, I am burning up!! Not only she don't allow to enter the room, she also chased the alumni out as she said the workers wanted to close the gate. Come on, its only 7 plus and the school keys are with the teachers. When I went up to the Dance Studio, the guys were cheering me up and luckily I have Mr Tan's numbers, so I messaged him and he said he was coming. Thanks to him, I can print the documents I needed for the check-up! After that, took my shower and went to the canteen as the band is having their self-study and I needed to teach Sery Maths if she needs any, but she forgotten to bring them and she asked my physics instead. After an hour later, went to talk with Vania and the rest who sat near us as Sery didn't need me anymore as she can handle with her Chemistry. Around 10pm plus, Mr Tan came and we head to the Staff Room to do the printing. After printing, Mrs Alice brought some Roti Prata, that Mrs Ang gave them to eat, to give Mr Tan a pack and Hysham another. When I went to the canteen, Mr Tan asked me to help him eat half of the Mutabak and surprisingly, its Sardine, and I hate Sardine. So I had no choice but to help him eat as he helped me with my stuffs. After that, Hysham, Haziq, Mr Tan and I went up to the Dance Studio to sleep, however, Haziq, Hysham and I couldn't sleep as we were full and Mr Tan understands us! So while waiting to go to sleep, I went asking the guys to sleep and Deon told me not to do anything as its the last night and he gave them freedom. So I went back to my spot and watched Behind Enemy Lines; Columbia and its nice!! Around 12 plus, I fell asleep.

On the last day, Khai Seng woke me up around 5 plus in the morning as I told him to so that we can take our baths. After bathing, I went to Jurong Polyclinic to have my check-up done. During the check-up, I was stunned as they took my blood test twice until my entire right arm went numb. After that, went to another room to allow the doctor to check my blood pressure and my stomach. Suddenly, after the doctor pressed my stomach, he asked me whether did I work out as my stomach is hard and my weight I tested was 69kg, so I told I did and the weight is because of my heavy Levi's Jeans and my HE Polo T-shirt, and he said OK and he told me that I have packs! I was happy that I have packs but can hardly be seen because of my extra skin. After that, paid my bill and I was shocked that it cost me $43!!! There goes my money!!! and went back to school to the training room as the band is having a combine with Mr Chia! That time, the band really made all my hair stand and gave me goosebumps as it was way better than in Boon Lay!!! Its really really nice with the effect of the dynamics and the tune they played!!! Around 10.45am to 10.50am, the band was released for lunch and the percussions went down later as they need to pack their instruments and sticks!! After lunch, they went up, took their instruments and head to Deyi Secondary. When they reached, they went to one classroom while I waited at the concourse for Farhan. An hour later, in the classroom, Mei Hui told me that they forgotten to bring Chimes Mallet, so we went to Boon Lay to borrow as they were opposite the class. After that, I stayed outside and listened to Yu Ying Secondary as they played their choice piece, A Tone Poem For Wind Orchestra and Then The Ocean Glows, as from far, the dynamics they played made me have goosebumps again!! And Tiac Woo told me and Farhan about the song and let us hear it though his MP3 player. A few hours later, the band head to the hall for the exchange with 7 different schools. Schools including Boon Lay, Deyi, Yu Ying, Punggol, Green View, Queenstown and one more which I forgotten, but its a girl's school. When it was our turn, I felt that the band were feeling nervous as they played kinda bad than in Boon Lay and in the training earlier on. But they did a good job as they sound better than the other schools except for Yu Ying. But I believe that they can do better!!! Go JVCB!!! You all have my support!!! I believe you all can do better!! Don't need to be scared!!! Just be confident in yourself and you can do it!!! After that, we head back to school and headed back home!!!

A message to JVCB: Don't be afraid during the actual SYF as if you do, you will suddenly back out or either can't play!! Just be yourself and be confident!! If you are scared, look at the person in front of you, I don't mean Mrs Chee since some of you don't want to look at her, or either the clock in front of you!!! Best is to try to look at her for the tempo!! Hope you all get a silver or maybe a gold!!! I know you all can do it!! GO JVCB!!! ALL THE BEST DURING SYF!!! See you all there!!!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

I WANT THIS BADLY!!!

3/14/2009 05:32:00 PM

I WANT the new Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Double Pedal!!! After watching so many professional drummers commenting about the video, it sounds really cool as there are a lot of new specifications about the pedal!!

First, it has ultimate smoothness and speed through the use of ultra-precise components. Self-aligning spherical bearings are used to insure the footboard.

The Direct Link Adjustment can allow me to adjust for a heavier feel for more power and finesse or a lighter feel with just move the link back for heavier feel or moving it forward for a lighter feel. During the previous types of pedals, the pedals have either a belt or a chain, and when we move the footboard up, the chain or belt will collapse and the footboard will go to different direction. Not only that, the response is much lesser. With the Direct Drive Pedal, it gives us a quicker response and the footboard will forever stays in place!

The Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive is the first pedal which uses Ninja Bearing. Ninja Bearings are usually use for skateboards and the Demon Drive Pedal is the very first to use them. It allows us to have a better response of the pedal after kicking it with amazing low friction!!

The Z-Link, also known as the Zero play, allows the pedals to have a perfect positioning and flex-free energy transference for precise feel, where previously, over the years, a slight difference between the left and the right pedal because of a little of play universal joint. Meaning, for my experience of my Pearl Eliminator P2002B, I have to use a little bit more leg strength for my left pedal where I will get tired easy and have some leg cramps where I play fast!! But with the new Demon Drive Pedal, there is a balance between the left and the right pedal!!

The Demon Drive Pedals are also Tailor-made To Our Feet, whereby the most unique features of this pedal because of the exclusive Duo-Deck, the world first convertible footboard, where I can have a longboard or a shortboard with just 4 screws under the footplate for convert it!! Usually I like mine to have it long because I can go fast by step near to the back of the pedal while for the shortboard, I can use it for some simple drum fill like Samba, Latin, Jazz or Blues piece!!!

The Beater Stroke Adjustment can allow us to adjust a choice of 2 position for a light or heavy feel by loosen the clamshell to change the position. Not just the angel of the beater, but also allow us to take the beater holder and moving the beater closer or further away from the bass drum head! When the closer to the head, the shorter the stroke and also the finesse of the stroke. When the further to the head, the longer the stroke and also the more power of the stroke! And there are index marks for adjusting the height and the angel of the beater that we want!!

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The Click Lock Spring Tension prevents the tension knob from loosening and the index marks are for the spring tension we want to adjust! The Footboard Height Adjustment allow us to adjust the height of the footboard we want by loosening and rotate to desire the footboard height. Rotation is clearly indexed for optimal repeatable. Index marks are also given for us to adjust!!

The Adjustable Traction Plate allows to vary the amount of slip or grip for our playing as this is a aluminium dot plate where it allows us to have a smooth slip while the rubber dot plate allows us to have a good grip of the pedal where it sticks to our feet!!

The Control Core Beaters has either a wood beater or a standard beater, the wood beater is the orange one and both beater features anti-vibration elastomer core where it gives a solid stroke when kicking of the pedal!!!

A Ninja oil and a travelling bag are also given when we purchase the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive!!!

Here is the full picture of the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive P3002D Double Pedal!!

The Pearl Demon Drive..."Heavenly Feel, Wickedly Fast!!!"

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

BlahBlahBlah!!!

3/11/2009 12:42:00 AM

Usually at this time, I should be sleeping by now. But what the heck, let's post!

Past few days was kinda moody and all because of loneliness, jealousy and best of all, I started to miss someone again!!! But I guess this is not the right time yet for me to go after her again, as I will be starting school on the 20th of April and I do not want to ruin my friendship with her!! And also the holidays are different from mine and hers. If I got into Nursing, I may consider to stay or to change to Optometry or Film, Sound and Media!!! But to get in that courses, my overall results must be 3.2 points or less!!! Man its tough!!!

OK! Enough of that, during that past few days, I create another drum solo of my own and its not really that perfect as I still need to buck up on my left hand and the ghost note which I need to practice for my left hand!! My left hand sucks when it is played without my right!! ARGGGHHHH!!! And also, practice some songs on my guitar!!

Today, after my lunch and read the papers, played with my PlayStation 3 as its been a long time that I last touch that since after the last time when Kamarul, Sery and Eelin came over to my place, which I forgotten when was it. LOL!!!

So..That's it!!! And I am kinda alright by now.............I Think???!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

.....

3/07/2009 12:45:00 AM

I, myself, don't know why suddenly I feel sad about myself. Seeing my friends, great friends, happily together while I just sit at one corner alone watching. Its really stupid anyway for being sad because of this. But I feel that I am unlucky in this type of stuffs because like whoever I like, I will not have the chance to win their heart. Then seeing them happily, makes me happy also, but in the inside makes me feel depressed.

" Why must this always happen to me???!!!!"

That's all I gonna say...