~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

Originally composed by Pablo Beltran Ruiz, Michael Buble's version is my favourite which is why I've included it into the concert repertoire.
It's exactly 1 month after the concert but the songs are still lingering on my mind.
The idea of holding an orchestra or symphonic band concert was once crossed my mind during my high school time when I was leading the Music & Choir Club but it was mere thinking since there were no music instruments and other resources.
I've never dreamt of I'll be organising one during my university life.
Indeed, it was the 3rd event that I've been chairing in my lifetime.


Nevertheless, this time was kind of different that I was not only working at the backstage but performing on the stage too (which was way busier compared to the previous events in which I only need to coordinate everything behind the stage).
In other words, there were enormous tasks to do and time spent on organising, practising and associating with guest players.
It was another level of time, stress, human resource and crisis management I would say.
I'm glad that organising this concert has provided me another platform to expose with all kind of challenges and deal with people (not only among members, crew and even external parties) from all walks of life.


The theme of this 3rd TUSO concert was dance, which was initiated in my mind and proposed in last year.
Current generation are of anime & video game addicts and hence, it's inevitable that there are suggestions of anime & video games theme, not to mention Disney and movie theme.
Considering that it seems like a norm that most of the orchestra & symphonic band play those aforementioned themes, and perhaps, the audience might be kind of getting bored with it, I've decided to go on with my idea.
Yeah, whenever people heard of 'orchestra concert', classical music with hypnotic magic tend to spring up in most of their mind.
In order to captivate the audience throughout the show and for players' pleasure, I've came out with a selection of famous dance repertoire ranging from classical to pop songs, adding with some spice - featuring dancers on the floor when the music plays.


Receiving compliments regarding the repertoire selection especially when it was the main attraction for them coming to watch the concert was such a great pleasure.
It was not an easy task as there are few factors that need to be take into consideration: difficulty level, availability of scores, popularity, availability of instruments/ players, duration, genre and price.
Though the proposed repertoire was initiated since last year, the finalised repertoire was only out few weeks before the concert.
In order to reduce the cost, I've searched all over the Internet for free scores.
Well, in fact, not all the songs are readily available for orchestra and certain instruments.
Thus, I've transcribed & arranged some parts for string and some other parts, note by note.
Thanks to the advent of technology, music notation software has enabled me to get the scores organised and present in a more professional way.
Thinking back, it was really time consuming.
Wonder why was I so determined and consistent in doing these. lol


Actually, I'm very thankful that the years of my experience holding posts during my high school life and community band that have equipped me with some basic knowledge on getting things done.
One thing that I've realised quite similar with my high school: MBSSKL & Taylor's is that... there are a lot of standard of operating procedures!
Basically there was no position in the executive committee list that I have not been assigned to.
Yes, including minor posts such as assistant secretary, assistant treasurer (though I really dislike dealing with money-related chores), music librarian, conductor (nah, not for orchestra & symphonic band) and as normal as an ordinary committee member aka AJK.
Of course, being an idle member wouldn't benefit in any way.
Uh oh, I was sort of active in extra-curricular activities those days (yeah I know it's hard to believe when I am not that kind of out-going person and don't speak much) with crossed posts in a few organisations and societies which made these possible.
In addition, working in some event companies has given me some rough picture in dealing with external parties e.g. suppliers & prospective sponsors and the flow of the event.
Besides, I was very lucky to have club advisors: Ms Faith from Student Development Hub, Ms Suja and even seniors + founders: Sunny Chew, Daphne Kua & Siosen to guide us throughout the period.


In fact, Sunny purposely applied work leave and returned to Malaysia from Macau just to lead and conduct the orchestra with his mentor while Daphne came back to Malaysia deliberately from Aussie to support TUSO.
Undeniably, there were times where I was so stressed out that I nearly collapse, both physically and mentally.
Glad that they noticed about it and gave me strength at the nick of time.
Apart from that, I was very fortunate to have a bunch of musician friends whom I've personally invited to enhance TUSO.
And yeah, most of them are music teachers and even lecturer!
I feel touched upon knowing some of them applied for work leaves just to come for the rehearsal.
A few of them shared their experiences with me and pointed out some problems that they have observed so that I was able to rectify it.
Moreover, I would like to thank my friend, Woon Leong, the conductor and band director from SKY Band who lent us the crash cymbals and bells at the eleventh hour since the instrument that we have on hand was found kind of defective.


There was an utmost crucial issue that I realise in the organising team: it's vital to get the right person to do the right task.
This concert may appear to be successful in the eyes of the public but tell you what, most of the teams in the organising committee were way behind schedule regardless of whether the assigned person is an exco of the club or normal member.
This was still happening no matter they were given deadlines and being explained clearly of their job scopes few months prior.
As a consequence, we were rushing like never before with tremendous pressure at the last few weeks before the concert.
Brainstorm is a sure thing.
The concert was nearly unable to run as scheduled.
Human factor.
The aftermath of not being able to meet the deadline in this situation even though there was only 1 team can be fatal, to be frank.
True enough, Chris, the co-organiser was once said that it was our fault of getting the wrong person to uphold the task.
It was real saddening when one breached your trust on them.
Also, there were some internal issues arouse among the committee members that were kind of heart-breaking which caused some barriers in carrying out the tasks.
Anyhow, glad that it was covered up without affecting the performance quality during the concert and settled after that.
I bet most of the members did not aware of that until now.
Phew...

Another significant key is communication.
Good communication is essential in not only conveying message but promotes bonding among people.
It is of importance to have a strong committee to run an orchestra concert or a big-scale event successfully.
It was never a one-man show.
Ms Faith is right, the situation was very real that it was very similar to what we will be facing at the workplace.
Nonetheless, I noticed some potential members in both administration & performance aspects upon delegating responsibilities to them which is good for the club in a long run.
They really did a great job.
Also, I'm very grateful to have a team of people collaborating and helping out in making this concert a success (yes, including the 2 dance clubs!).
I truly appreciate some members and crew who contributed for the club though they were not able to make it for the concert.
For instance, Kit Shen, the official photographer of the club who purposely came back to uni just to help and take portrait photo of every single performer even that was just a few days he left in Malaysia before studying abroad at UK.

Della Kueh, the creative designer who was supposed to play with us in the concert too but have to forgo the chance upon being swamped by assignments and clashing of class with the concert hour.
Yeah, she was the person behind the awesome designs of the concert from crew tag to poster!
Also, there is one more person who should not be forgotten: Teng Hooi who helped to transcribe the parts for orchestra, note by note using software from a condensed score with tiny printing on it.
In case you don't know, he is now studying at US since last year yet still aiding TUSO in whichever way he could.
TUSO is still able to play the piece at some other time though it was not being able played in the concert, and perhaps when he's back to Malaysia for break?


Of numerous sponsors that I've contacted, I'm very grateful to have few sponsors replied my request (it's very normal that these days, many people are complaining the slow economy and so on).
Guess what, 2 of them even became the main sponsors of the concert!
What a big relief for me and for the orchestra!






Of course, not to forget my family and friends who came all the way far to come and support the show!
Especially my parents who care about me.
There were times where I must have chinese herbal every night and high dose of vitamin C to ward off sickness (no, I can't afford to fall sick at the critical period), leaving campus at 10pm+ and don't even have time to take a proper meal thoughout the day (which caused my gastric to riot), not to mention sleepless nights.
It was my parents who have back up plan for me though I don't really get to see them.
Ah ha, must not be forgetting my coursemates especially See En who helped me a lot in my academics!
Without their help and consideration, I doubt if I was still able to proceed with my studies that smoothly.
And, a big thank you to my double bass teacher, Mr Chan who sacrificed his dinner time in order to slot me in to his hectic teaching schedule.
Otherwise, I wouldn't be to play the double bass on the stage.


As a matter of fact, it was a tough time for me of going through all these.
I apologise for any action or word that may offended some of you.
I hardly put a smile on my face usually, not to mention when I was in a stressful period.
However, I'm very thankful to have all of you who have been being with me in pulling through all these and contributed towards the success of this concert.
And yeah, what doesn't kill me makes me stronger!
It was truly a fruitful experience though sacrificing month of my semester break and even applied leaves from work.

Anyhow, the end of the Expressions concert signifies the end of my 7th year being the president/ organising chairperson.
It's time to let go and focus on what I really want and of course improve myself besides catching up on what I've left behind.
Likewise, restore my health.
Well, it's a misconception that most of the people thought that I'm a full-time music student when Taylor's don't even have a music faculty at the moment.


With ♥,
Kit Yee
Organising Chairperson
Vice-President TUSO 2011/2012

Expressions - Moving Souls in Symphony,  a concert with fusion of orchestra & dance was successfully held on 21 September 2012 with the aid and support from the organising team, sponsors, dance clubs and of course, guest players!

No no, it's a misconception when people thought that we (TUSO) are music students.
As a matter of fact, there's no music faculty in Taylor's University while all of us are studying courses e.g. business, mass communication, pre-u, architecture, tourism and hospitality and so on.
It is not easy to gather music enthusiasts (especially orchestra players) from Taylor's to form a orchestra.
Therefore, I've personally invited a few guest players in enhancing the orchestra.
Take a glimpse into the world behind the scenes in order to acknowledge the many professionals who played indispensable roles in the successful completion of this concert and they are (names are arranged in random manner):

Violin soloist of the night who plays the Carmen Fantasy
If you are a MPO/ MPYO concert go-er, you may be able to recognise him  :)
Ah yes, he is brother of James Ng, the principal cellist of MPYO.
Needless to say, be amazed by his profile (flip to page 12!) as shown in the programme booklet.
They are music prodigies!


Professional oboist from RTM Orchestra
You may often see him playing in RTM Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), KLPac Symphonic Band, MPYO too.
Ah ha, he's one of the founding members of High Winds Ensemble from MPO and a music lecturer from UiTM.
Besides, he's a reed maker in which many local oboists are highly-sought after.
Some people are indeed, so surprised that he was playing with us in the concert!
We're honoured to have him regardless of his uber hectic schedule.

Principal French Horn player from UiTM Orchestra and National Youth Symphony Orchestra.
He's also a full time music student from UiTM who plays in KLPac Symphonic Band, KLPac Orchestra and Istana Budaya too.

Violist from UiTM orchestra
President of La Bella Orchestra

Violist and violinist from Sunway University Ensemble (SUE) and SPO
One of the founding members from KLPac Orchestra who teaches violin and viola
Actively engage in TUSO's funtions since last year

Flautist from KLPac Symphonic Band who learns flute with Mr Takahisa Ota
Ah yes, he was the one being interviewed on behalf of KLPac Symphonic Band and played the solo piece on NTV7 on the first day where he came to our rehearsal.


Principal Double Bassist from Selangor Philharmoinc Orchestra
Appreciate for spending time with us regardless of having a very tight working schedule and your guidance on playing double bass.
Feel so sorry after knowing your double bass was hit by the door at Taylor's :(

French Horn player from PJ Philharmoinc Orchestra


Principal Euphonium player from KLPac Symphonic Band
Helped us in last year's concert as a Tuba player


Cellist from Selangor Phiharmonic Orchestra (SPO)

Cellist from SPO and PJ Philharmonic Orchestra
A music teacher who teaches violin and cello
Violinist from MPYO, SUE and SPO
She's also a FTCL holder who teaches piano and violin
Helped us during last year's concert too

Cellist from SPO and SUE

Violinist from SPO and SUE who teaches violin
Ex-president of SUE, helped us in last year's concert as well

Violinist from SUE who teaches violin
Thank you for spending time with us before leaving to UK and helped us once again in this concert


Robin Kim Seong Shik
A very committed and good violinist from Monash University
Joined TUSO since the very first practice of TUSO in 2012 (not for concert rehearsal!)

Violinist from SUE who teaches violin too
Actively engage in TUSO's functions since last year
 
Violist from SPO



Indeed, I'm very grateful to have all of you in making essential contributions for the success of this concert.
Some even shared your thoughts and gave suggestions on improving not only on the music playing, setting up and even managing the orchestra.
It's a blessing to be friend with all of you.
Debts are not usually very pleasant, but I am delighted to acknowledge all that I owe to all of you.
Thanks for your guidance and particiption! ♥
 

What will spring up in your mind when you heard of "orchestra concert"?
Classical repertoire, lengthy and sophisticating show, only for audience with music background? for old folks or even... another type of show that's boring where you can see and hear some audience actually snoring?

Inspired by Andre Rieu's version of 2nd Waltz from Jazz Suite, composed by Shostokovich (yes, I ♥ the moment when not only the performers but the audience are enjoying during the concert regardless of different age groups as well), I've decided to organise a dance-themed concert for Taylor's University Symphony Orchestra (TUSO)'s 3rd annual concert and so, the idea was running on my mind and started to plan in last year.
Some may be asking why we were not playing the orchestra version but string orchestra version instead for the Waltz No. 2?
Well, the answer is simple: I somehow can't get to find the orchestra version of the music scores since last year. However, this version arranged by Paul Lavendar is quite good.

Though I was trained more on classical musics (no, I wasn't from any school band that many people may think as I play flute usually in the orchestra), I understand the feel when you're watching the concert with so high standard and sophisticating pieces that you can hardly enjoy the gist of it and may even fall asleep.
Therefore, I've selected an array of well-known dance repertoire ranging from classical to pop songs.
Uh oh, you may not familiar with the names but I bet you've heard the music from the movies or somewhere else before.


There are actually few songs that I wish to play:
Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez (gosh, I ♥ the one conducted by Gustavo Dudamel)
Golliwog's Cakewalk by Debussy
Waltz from the Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian
La Cumparsita

Due to time constraint and limited sources, we have to forgo these :(
Anyway, hope the audience enjoyed listening to this repertoire!

Well, I joined the Dance Club (TUDC) before I was officially joining the Symphony Orchestra (TUSO).
I always admire the dancers whenever I pass by the Student Life Centre, watching them dancing freely (I can never synchronise my hands and legs well. lol)
This sparks my interest of collaborating with the dance clubs: Latin & Ballroom Dance Club & Taylor's University Dance Club (TUDC) to have a different touch and whole new experience for both players and audience in this concert.

Ah yes, in case you don't know, these are the songs that were featuring by:
Por Una Cabeza (TUDC)
Sway (Latin & Ballroom Dance Club)
Hungarian Dance No. 5 (TUDC)

Also, there were solo performances by Taylor's Latin & Ballroom Dance Club!

I feel so grateful to have them in spicing up the performance!
 ♥ you all...

Thank you Latin & Ballroom Dance Club and TUDC!

Music & Dance lovers listen up!

Taylor's University Symphony Orchestra (TUSO) is BACK once again for their annual theme concert! As they never fail to fascinate their audience with their spectacular performance, this year, they are set to SURPRISE their audience with a BIGGER & BETTER show!

For the first time ever, TUSO will be collaborating with Taylor's Dance Club and Latin & Ballroom Dance Club to put on a different touch into their show this year, EXPRESSIONS!

"EXPRESSIONS" is a dance themed concert featuring an array of dance repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary dances such as tango, waltz and salsa. By combining two wonderful art elements together, MUSIC & DANCE, TUSO promises another remarkable and exciting night where one will be fascinated by the mesmerizing live music and dance!

Some of the repertoire that will be played in the Expressions Concert 2012 are:

Sway
 Selections from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky
 Blue Tango by Leroy Anderson
 Waltz from Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian
 Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms
 Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite by Shostakovich

and many more...


Curious and wanting to know more about TUSO's Expressions Concert 2012?

Do contact the following contacts as listed below for further information:

i) Chris Fong - 012 617 2663
ii) Valerie Koh - 016 748 7118

Tickets are selling fast! Hurry, get yours now as we go according to first come first serve basis! You don't want to miss this AMAZING performance by TUSO..

Pricing:
RM20 (Normal) | RM40 (VIP)
Special Group purchase discounts (buy 10 tickets FREE 1)*
*Subject to availability!

Photo shoot?
Nah, I'm not that kind of people who likes to use any gadget with camera that's on their hand, i.e. iPad, iPhone, Tablet to camwhore.
It's a different thing though if you're mentioning about photo-taking of object, scenery or other people.
Yes, I like to take photos especially on food!

This blog entry will be kind of special that I will be uploading photos of mine (which is rare!).
lol
Nothing much, just a random session requested  by my sis to help her friend for some photo-shooting.
Don't ask me why or for what as I have no idea... D:

Photographer of the day: Kent C and his lovely wife, Connie L as assistant

Being dragged from the bed at 5am and spent my only holiday in May - Labour Day for this session.













Looks fun?
Not at all.
We went there early in the morning yet the sun at 9am was as scorching as though at 12 noon!
Apparently I got tanner and took me months to recover from 2-toned skin colour on my back.
I am just too easily get tan. sigh
* forever dark *

Well, as you can see most of my pose in the photos were almost the same and stiff.
Anyway, thanks Connie & Kent for the day!