Spring Dance Band Performance 2008

On the 11th of February, the band auditions for Spring Dance 2008 were held in the school multi-purpose hall. In this set of auditions, a number of bands competed for the three available places for the actual Spring Dance Band Performance, held on 7th March. In the process of preparing for the auditions to clinch a place in the three, we practiced for four sessions, one hour each from our lunch and breaks, in our school’s music room, under the permission of Miss Carol Ling.

After the auditions, it was announced that my band, Ruffles (formerly Pipe Dream), was one of the three bands chosen. Having heard this piece of news, we practiced further at the Beat Merchants’ Studio along Jalan Pinang, for another four sessions, this time three hours each. On the 6th of March, the school required us to take part in the full dress rehearsal after school, for Spring Dance.

On the actual day, the 7th of March, we were the first band to play and our performance lasted around 30 minutes and onwards due to sound-checking.

We hoped to entertain the student population with music at this school event. In the process of this, we found it hard to have all members of the band present at every practice session. In the earlier stages of preparation, we felt that we were not going to be ready enough for the auditions and may not get a place. There was also the difficulty of the choice of songs. But eventually, we managed to overcome this problem as a band.

From this activity, I’ve learnt more about the importance of preparation and the different talents and personalities of the members of the band. I also learnt new songs and skills with the guitar and my ability to work with a band.

This activity benefitted the student population and the overall success of Spring Dance 2008. If we were to do this activity again, we would choose not to be the first band to perform and we would prepare our songs sooner.

Softball Module 2008 Term 1

Softball is played between 2 teams on a large field called a diamond, comprised of a dirt infield and a grass outfield. There are 4 bases on the infield (first base, second base, third base, home plate); the bases are arranged in a square and are typically 45 to 60 feet apart. Near the center of this square is the pitcher's circle. The object of the game is to score more runs than the other team by batting a ball into play and running around the bases, touching each one in succession.

The module took place across the months of January, Feburary and March. The first week of this module involved us learning the basic rules and techniques of softball, both pitching and batting alike. We were able to familiarize ourselves with the above mentioned in the following weeks. In week two, three and four, we practiced ‘pepper batting’ and various kinds of ways to receive, or catch, a ball, it being high or low. However, I was physically inept during week two and three due to an external event. In the last few weeks of the module, we were introduced to the real game of softball, as described above. In the final week, we played a proper game of softball, managing only two innings, but with the aim of three, due to time constraints.

In the period of this activity, I have achieved many things. Firstly, I have exposed myself to learning and experiencing the game of softball. I believe and hope that these few sessions will benefit me in my later life, should I choose to take up this sport again, or one similar to it – baseball. Secondly, I have learnt to work as a team, not only in the sense of how ‘batters’ are arranged, but also in whom to pass the ball to. With this, I have learnt to use my options wisely. Lastly, I feel that I have learnt humility, and that not everyone can be the best at everything. At the end of this module, I feel that I have actually learnt more than what I have set out to achieve.

During this module, I faced the difficulty of not being able to participate in more rigorous activity for the two weeks I was injured.

Mr. Justin Teh, the head of this module, not only made these sessions, but also the sport, and even more interesting and convivial experience for us.