Metamorphosis 2007

28th July - Metamorphosis

"Metamorphosis" was a concert to showcase all our talents in the performing arts. As the school had a bountiful harvest of awards for performing arts, we thought it would be a good platform to let the students perform and share it with their family, friends and the school. Preparations got underway in March, and we later decided that the concert takings could go to the school building fund as well. Needless to say, there was a lot to be done, but we perserved and managed to put up a good show. Even staff from other schools in our cluster came down to support us and complimented on our ability to put up a show of this scale.

Pictures will tell thousands of words, so here goes:

Our soloist, Wang Qing and percussion-cum-yangqin instructor, Mr Casey Ng

Needless to say, teachers also came into the picture...

Of course, we musn't forget the fun moments...

or the beautiful memories that we keep...

Graduating members of BBSS Chinese Orchestra 2007

Racial Harmony Day 2007

This is the first time we are celebrating Racial Harmony Day in the holding site, and sadly, not all the students appreciate the chance to dress up and take photos to remember their friends and schooling days.

Naturally, some of the teachers also came in their finest. Unfortunately, there was limited time and we could only capture some of them on film.

Some students from my 2N2 wore costumes to school, so a photo-taking session is needed to capture the best moments before the chance slips away!

I would say other than graduation night, Racial Harmony Day is the other perfect opportunity to take photographs with students in all sorts of costume, for they leave beautiful memories, capturing some good moments in life. Do miss a number of our former students...

Sec 2 Subject Selection Exercise Briefing

In 2007, Sec 2 Subject Selection Exercise (formerly known as Sec 2 Streaming) took place online, with the students logging online to indicate their choice of subjects, then getting a verification slip for parents to acknowledge. Students were given a printed handout with step-by-step instructions on how to log on and the whole process went relatively smoothly.
It is hoped that based on students' academic performance, they will be allocated to subjects that they could do well in, not subjects that they like or dislike. Ultimately, getting good results in 'O' levels and going on to a desirable course in a good institution is definitely more important than just joining good friends in the same class or taking too big a bite for one's own good.

SYF Chinese Orchestra Presentation

10th July was the Chinese Orchestra Presentation. As usual, tickets were hard to get. This year, things are a little different because a number of our students were nominated to perform at the presentation, which was quite an honour and pleasant surprise. Despite our best efforts, I could only get a handful of tickets. Nonetheless, we went to support our members and take a look at the performance of renowned orchestras.

Present at the concert were of course, the winners of the Gold (Honours) Award for SYF, namely
1) Dunman High School - "Ode to the Tangerine Tree" 《橘颂》－屈原赋之一
2) Hwa Chong Institution - "Return of Spring"　《大地回春》
3) Pasir Ris Secondary - "A Va Mountain"　《阿佤山》
4) Temasek Junior College - "A Glimpse of Taklamakan, Op.38 Second Movement - Mirage"　《塔克拉玛干掠影》（作品38号）第二乐章－漠楼
5) Nanyang Girls' High School - "Jasmine Flower"《茉莉花》

The highlight of this year's concert is actually a combined Secondary Schools Orchestra and a combined Junior Colleges Orchestra comprising of the best selected members from the participating schools.

6) Combined Secondary School - "Spring by the Yi River"《春到沂河》
- "Winds Cresenti"《渐快的凉风》
7) Secondary School & JC Ensemble (Percussion & Woodwind) - "The General's Command"《将军令》
8) Combined JC - "The Great Verdigris Bell"《绣绿的洪钟》

Although the pieces performed were difficult, they didn't leave a lasting impression on me then. The pieces chosen by the various schools were not hot favourites for most concerts, and were pretty lengthy. There is no doubt the schools which chose to perform the songs were high in standards, but if we are to reach out to the masses, I feel that difficult pieces which had interesting styles of performance or highlight some performing techniques of certain instruments might have been more well-received. Some of the pieces were indeed majestic and full of grandeur, but I guess they're simply not my cup of tea.
Whatever the quality of experience, I do hope that our members have broaden their horizons and were inspired to do even better, not only in performing in an orchestra, but also to be aware that there are many out there striving for excellence, and they should do their best and feel proud of their efforts.