Saturday, April 9, 2011

Hi all. Mr Foong here, sharing my thoughts after the very very long day we all had yesterday.

Even though Questband received Bronze and not the Silver award, I am extremely proud of every single one for you. From a concert band that nobody wanted to attend practices to what it is today, it is already an amazing feat.

As I sat down in the S'pore Conference Hall to watch your performance, I was truly moved by your music. I could feel that all of you played from your heart. My eyes turned red and almost wept as I watched your very moving performance. It showed how much all of you have grown together, as Questband. You played MUSIC that meant a lot to you. Your commitment to Questband and your music showed. To me, that is all that matters. You played MUSIC FROM YOUR HEART.

It broke my heart when some of you cried and said sorry to me. But really, why say sorry? All your instructors, teachers and principal could tell that you have put in your best. You have put in your heart and soul. That is all that matters to us. Only say sorry if you did not put in the effort. But the fact is, all of you have put in 110% effort. In the history of Questband, I don't think any batches have come this close to attaining a Silver award like you. So take heart that you have already wayyyyy surpassed everyone's expectations.

To me, you are a GOLD band in every way. You played music that came from a heart of gold. Like what Mr Lim said, medals will rust one day. But memories of your time and effort together as Questband will forever remain in your hearts. It was very apt that the set piece was titled "Memories Of Friendship". Years after you have left QTSS, you will remember the friendship that you have forged in Questband. :)

So take heart that you were part of this journey and experience in your Sec School life. I hope all of you will grow stronger and more resilient from this.

For now, let's wish all our Sec 4 members all the best for their N/O Levels. Work hard in your studies, just as you did for your music in Questband, then you will have no regrets when you graduate from QTSS. We, your teachers and instructors, will want to see all Questband members to be amongst the top students for the N/O Levels. Yes, we always believe that Questband members can achieve anything you want, as long as you put your heart and soul into it. After your N/O Levels, we will all definitely welcome you back with open arms as Alumni members. You will ALWAYS be a part of Questband. Once in Questband, always in Questband. :)

As for the juniors, it is also time to pick up on your studies too. Do well for your Mid-Year examinations, then we can all focus on the End Of Year Questband Concert. We will show everyone that Questband is the ONLY Aesthetic CCA in QTSS that can hold a full scale concert!

Keep the Questband spirit alive everyone! Don't stop believin'!


Yours,
Mr Melvyn Foong
Friday, April 8, 2011

Hi guys, Kin Leonn here.

Firstly, I would like to say that it has a been a real pleasure playing music with everyone one of you, especially my section, even though you buggers really infuriate me at times. The journey we've made together has really been great. I'll miss this band alot.

Secondly, I'd just like to emphasize on what I talked about the practice before SYF. Which is that YOU YOURSELF KNOW THAT YOU CAN PLAY GOOD MUSIC, THAT PEOPLE ENJOY THE SOUND THAT THIS BAND PRODUCES! SYF is just a small competition, something that "proves" you are worthy. But really, that "proof" is absolutely subjective to what the judges are feeling that moment. If they don't buy our music, like what Mr. Lim says, it's just suay.

But you have shown many people, including your fellow schoolmates, teachers, alumni and Mr Lim that you are definitely capable and DESERVING of that silver medal, that our standard is already a silver standard. Why do we need the official medal of those judges to prove that we are officially a silver band? Everyone here knows it already. Our performance at the SCH was one of our best and everyone who watched us and has seen us before know it.

The important thing now, though, is to SUSTAIN this standard. The Sec 4s are passing out already, so the rest of Quest Band have to make an extra effort to mantain a good attendance to further improve the overall quality of this band. Mr Lim says he wants a GOLD medal for 2013's SYF, and that is no small feat, I admit. Thus, it's vitally important for all of you to carry on this enthusiasm and spirit in Quest Band! If you guys get a gold, I tell you the whole school will be like OMGWTF! Keep improving, guys! Don't let the spirit die out like what happened after the last SYF!!!!! If we could reach this standard in half a year, imagine the effect reproduced in TWO YEARS! ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS AHEAD!

This is probably my last post as DM. You know I was never one for making good speeches like Hsin Ern normally does, but yeah here you go.

OH ONE MORE THING. Can the SLs collect $3 from your members for the upcoming gathering? TY!

Cheers! QUEST BAND!

-KL

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Hi all, Mr Foong here. Surprise surprise. My first blog entry here :)

First off, I must really say this. It truly warms my heart to see how much Questband has grown since the 2nd half of 2010. From a band with extremely low attendance and motivation, to a tightly knit unit today that can actually hit 100% attendance on a regular basis. Words just cannot describe how heartening it is for me to be part of growing Questband together with all of you, to what it is today. All of the teachers-in-charge, Mr Lim and Miss Chia feel the same way too. I assure you that.

I have watched all of you smile and cry throughout this journey. I can see a strong bond amongst Questband members now. To me, what matters the most is to see all of you having the bond to pull through difficulties together and support one another, and to watch all of you grow. That is something so precious and priceless that no amount of money can buy.

It reminds me of my good ol' days when I was in Tanglin Sec Military/Concert Band (TSMB). I was and am still proud to be involved in the band that was initially condemned as a COP standard band, but managed to obtain a Bronze at SYF. We went through the hardships together so much. We cried when we managed to get a Bronze award. We were no longer known as the 'hopeless COP band'. I am proud to say that I'm still in touch with several of the TSMB members even after 15 years!

With that being said, QUESTBAND is capable of so much more. SILVER is what you are going for and really, settle for nothing less. All your blood, sweat and tears over the past few months certainly deserve a silver award.

What is left for you to do is to deliver your best on the actual stage. Silver award will be in your hands, if you stay calm and perform to your potential. DO NOT allow any tinge of nervousness to affect you. All the exchanges and overseas trips thus far should have prepared you enough to overcome stage fright. Play with your hearts and be calm.

For this SYF, I hope everyone will be able to leave the stage this Friday with no regrets. Never shortchange yourself in life. Do your utmost best in everything you do.

I hope that when we receive the results on Friday evening, we will have tears of JOY.

For those who did not make the cut for this SYF, please do not feel disheartened. Cheer for your friends who will be on that stage. If they obtain the silver award, it will be YOUR TURN in the next SYF in 2 years time. You are the next generation. Always believe in yourself, because we do.

Lastly, I leave you with the words that I always tell all of you:
"Remember that feeling"

Remember how it felt when you played well in front of Mr Ang and Mdm Yani the other day? Remember that great feeling. I was very moved by that performance, really.

Bring that same feeling to SYF on Friday and you will do very well.

Yippee Ya Ya Yippee Yippee Ya!
QUESTBAND!!

LOVEEEEE QUESTBAND!
Ting Tong!!

Wishing everyone all the best on Friday. Stay healthy and don't stop believing in yourselves! :)


Yours,
Mr Melvyn Foong
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Hi All Quest Band Member,

Here is Mr Lim, i would like to tell the band that in another 6 more day, everything is ending. i would like to say that quest band have come such a long ways, since i take over the conductor post. actually when i first take the band i dunno where the i could turn the band around. and here 6 month after the band is bonded together. some time i did scold some of u. i hope u all understand i do that is because i care for u all. if i dun care i will even scold u all. anyway . on 8th april. i really don't know where the u all can achieve ur target. i always felt i am not gd enough for quest band seriously because i cannot Cfm a solid sliver for the band. sorry if that day the result did not go for us. i really love this band alot. cos this band thought me really alot on how to teach different type of student. since the day i took the band i have not regret . i would like to say i really don't know i can create any history with u all. i jus hope you all remember this syf with memories that you all spent as a band and also with me. i would like to tell every single one of you involved in one way or another . thanks you for coming for band practice and belief in the Mr Lim you all know. i really have a good memories with you guys. i will always remember hippe cheers you all created. I LOVE EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN QUEST BAND.

Queenstown Secondary School's
♫Questband;
we rock your world upside down and inside out.

Teachers I/C
Ms Azlina
Mdm Haryati
Mr Foong
Ms Liu


Conductors
Mr Jack Lim
Ms Chia
Excos
Band Major: Edmund
Drum Major: Clinton
Assistant Band Major: Sarah(Brass) Jeanne(Woodwind)
Assistant Drum Major: Nifer
Quarter Master: Lynn
Librarian: Yingqian


Section Leaders
Flute SL: Brenda
Clarinet SL: Jeanne
F.Horn SL:Yingqian
Saxophone SL: Sakthi
Euphonium SL: Shan Qi
Trumpet SL: Amir
Trombone SL:Sarah
Tuba SL: DingYuan
Percussion SL:JunYuan

July 2006 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 March 2011 April 2011 July 2011

Layout: hearteditorials
Codes: corsages

Band Practices

Monday
1500 - 1800 hrs

Wednesday
1530 - 1800 hrs

Band members should report at 30mins before time stated to set up instrument etc.
Band will officially be dismissed at time stated and practices will end at 30mins before for fall in and packing up of instruments.

Upper secondary students who have remedials, please do inform Edmund/Clinton/Mr Foong/Ms Azlina/Mdm Haryati/Ms Liu before hand that you will be late. In this way, you will not be punished. The duration of the Band Practice will not be compromised. Band Practice will be prolonged if it starts late, thus punctuality is compulsory.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Hi all. Mr Foong here, sharing my thoughts after the very very long day we all had yesterday.

Even though Questband received Bronze and not the Silver award, I am extremely proud of every single one for you. From a concert band that nobody wanted to attend practices to what it is today, it is already an amazing feat.

As I sat down in the S'pore Conference Hall to watch your performance, I was truly moved by your music. I could feel that all of you played from your heart. My eyes turned red and almost wept as I watched your very moving performance. It showed how much all of you have grown together, as Questband. You played MUSIC that meant a lot to you. Your commitment to Questband and your music showed. To me, that is all that matters. You played MUSIC FROM YOUR HEART.

It broke my heart when some of you cried and said sorry to me. But really, why say sorry? All your instructors, teachers and principal could tell that you have put in your best. You have put in your heart and soul. That is all that matters to us. Only say sorry if you did not put in the effort. But the fact is, all of you have put in 110% effort. In the history of Questband, I don't think any batches have come this close to attaining a Silver award like you. So take heart that you have already wayyyyy surpassed everyone's expectations.

To me, you are a GOLD band in every way. You played music that came from a heart of gold. Like what Mr Lim said, medals will rust one day. But memories of your time and effort together as Questband will forever remain in your hearts. It was very apt that the set piece was titled "Memories Of Friendship". Years after you have left QTSS, you will remember the friendship that you have forged in Questband. :)

So take heart that you were part of this journey and experience in your Sec School life. I hope all of you will grow stronger and more resilient from this.

For now, let's wish all our Sec 4 members all the best for their N/O Levels. Work hard in your studies, just as you did for your music in Questband, then you will have no regrets when you graduate from QTSS. We, your teachers and instructors, will want to see all Questband members to be amongst the top students for the N/O Levels. Yes, we always believe that Questband members can achieve anything you want, as long as you put your heart and soul into it. After your N/O Levels, we will all definitely welcome you back with open arms as Alumni members. You will ALWAYS be a part of Questband. Once in Questband, always in Questband. :)

As for the juniors, it is also time to pick up on your studies too. Do well for your Mid-Year examinations, then we can all focus on the End Of Year Questband Concert. We will show everyone that Questband is the ONLY Aesthetic CCA in QTSS that can hold a full scale concert!

Keep the Questband spirit alive everyone! Don't stop believin'!


Yours,
Mr Melvyn Foong
Friday, April 8, 2011

Hi guys, Kin Leonn here.

Firstly, I would like to say that it has a been a real pleasure playing music with everyone one of you, especially my section, even though you buggers really infuriate me at times. The journey we've made together has really been great. I'll miss this band alot.

Secondly, I'd just like to emphasize on what I talked about the practice before SYF. Which is that YOU YOURSELF KNOW THAT YOU CAN PLAY GOOD MUSIC, THAT PEOPLE ENJOY THE SOUND THAT THIS BAND PRODUCES! SYF is just a small competition, something that "proves" you are worthy. But really, that "proof" is absolutely subjective to what the judges are feeling that moment. If they don't buy our music, like what Mr. Lim says, it's just suay.

But you have shown many people, including your fellow schoolmates, teachers, alumni and Mr Lim that you are definitely capable and DESERVING of that silver medal, that our standard is already a silver standard. Why do we need the official medal of those judges to prove that we are officially a silver band? Everyone here knows it already. Our performance at the SCH was one of our best and everyone who watched us and has seen us before know it.

The important thing now, though, is to SUSTAIN this standard. The Sec 4s are passing out already, so the rest of Quest Band have to make an extra effort to mantain a good attendance to further improve the overall quality of this band. Mr Lim says he wants a GOLD medal for 2013's SYF, and that is no small feat, I admit. Thus, it's vitally important for all of you to carry on this enthusiasm and spirit in Quest Band! If you guys get a gold, I tell you the whole school will be like OMGWTF! Keep improving, guys! Don't let the spirit die out like what happened after the last SYF!!!!! If we could reach this standard in half a year, imagine the effect reproduced in TWO YEARS! ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS AHEAD!

This is probably my last post as DM. You know I was never one for making good speeches like Hsin Ern normally does, but yeah here you go.

OH ONE MORE THING. Can the SLs collect $3 from your members for the upcoming gathering? TY!

Cheers! QUEST BAND!

-KL

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Hi all, Mr Foong here. Surprise surprise. My first blog entry here :)

First off, I must really say this. It truly warms my heart to see how much Questband has grown since the 2nd half of 2010. From a band with extremely low attendance and motivation, to a tightly knit unit today that can actually hit 100% attendance on a regular basis. Words just cannot describe how heartening it is for me to be part of growing Questband together with all of you, to what it is today. All of the teachers-in-charge, Mr Lim and Miss Chia feel the same way too. I assure you that.

I have watched all of you smile and cry throughout this journey. I can see a strong bond amongst Questband members now. To me, what matters the most is to see all of you having the bond to pull through difficulties together and support one another, and to watch all of you grow. That is something so precious and priceless that no amount of money can buy.

It reminds me of my good ol' days when I was in Tanglin Sec Military/Concert Band (TSMB). I was and am still proud to be involved in the band that was initially condemned as a COP standard band, but managed to obtain a Bronze at SYF. We went through the hardships together so much. We cried when we managed to get a Bronze award. We were no longer known as the 'hopeless COP band'. I am proud to say that I'm still in touch with several of the TSMB members even after 15 years!

With that being said, QUESTBAND is capable of so much more. SILVER is what you are going for and really, settle for nothing less. All your blood, sweat and tears over the past few months certainly deserve a silver award.

What is left for you to do is to deliver your best on the actual stage. Silver award will be in your hands, if you stay calm and perform to your potential. DO NOT allow any tinge of nervousness to affect you. All the exchanges and overseas trips thus far should have prepared you enough to overcome stage fright. Play with your hearts and be calm.

For this SYF, I hope everyone will be able to leave the stage this Friday with no regrets. Never shortchange yourself in life. Do your utmost best in everything you do.

I hope that when we receive the results on Friday evening, we will have tears of JOY.

For those who did not make the cut for this SYF, please do not feel disheartened. Cheer for your friends who will be on that stage. If they obtain the silver award, it will be YOUR TURN in the next SYF in 2 years time. You are the next generation. Always believe in yourself, because we do.

Lastly, I leave you with the words that I always tell all of you:
"Remember that feeling"

Remember how it felt when you played well in front of Mr Ang and Mdm Yani the other day? Remember that great feeling. I was very moved by that performance, really.

Bring that same feeling to SYF on Friday and you will do very well.

Yippee Ya Ya Yippee Yippee Ya!
QUESTBAND!!

LOVEEEEE QUESTBAND!
Ting Tong!!

Wishing everyone all the best on Friday. Stay healthy and don't stop believing in yourselves! :)


Yours,
Mr Melvyn Foong
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Hi All Quest Band Member,

Here is Mr Lim, i would like to tell the band that in another 6 more day, everything is ending. i would like to say that quest band have come such a long ways, since i take over the conductor post. actually when i first take the band i dunno where the i could turn the band around. and here 6 month after the band is bonded together. some time i did scold some of u. i hope u all understand i do that is because i care for u all. if i dun care i will even scold u all. anyway . on 8th april. i really don't know where the u all can achieve ur target. i always felt i am not gd enough for quest band seriously because i cannot Cfm a solid sliver for the band. sorry if that day the result did not go for us. i really love this band alot. cos this band thought me really alot on how to teach different type of student. since the day i took the band i have not regret . i would like to say i really don't know i can create any history with u all. i jus hope you all remember this syf with memories that you all spent as a band and also with me. i would like to tell every single one of you involved in one way or another . thanks you for coming for band practice and belief in the Mr Lim you all know. i really have a good memories with you guys. i will always remember hippe cheers you all created. I LOVE EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN QUEST BAND.