A weekend of music... and more!

Had the annual ACJC Choir workshop on Friday and Saturday. Rehearsal for 2 whole days - Friday at KKMC, Saturday back at college. We're basically rehearsing for the KKMC service today, where the choir is the choir-in-attendance. As well as for Su-fern's wedding this coming Saturday. (yet ANOTHER wedding...) 2 whole days of solid "musicing", and also not forgetting good fellowship with fellow alumni folk and college students. Think I'm getting to know some of them a wee bit better... which is good - build connections...! :)

The best part of the workshop, for me, was when we all watched a video on Yo-Yo Ma. It's really a humbling experience. Despite being a world-class musician, he still remains humble and unassuming. He just has no airs around him. Which, I think, puts most of us amateurish musicians to shame. Some things that I caught during the video: Ma is really sincere and passionate about what he does. He's not afraid to try new things. Quote (paraphrase): "I get very scared when it comes to trying new things, but I must love to feel scared, because I enjoy what I do." He is also willing to learn even from musicians who are less experienced and professional than him. Now, how many of us can actually humble ourselves and do that? And no matter what kind of music he plays - Bach, Piazolla, Tan Dun, he strives to play it to the utmost authenticity. Such is the versatility of a maestro! Makes me really reflect on who I really am and what I must work on as a musician.

And the charm he displays... *swoon*

Went for David Tao concert last night. Yet another musician so sincere in his music making. Though some people have remarked that he's getting too commercialised, and he's becoming more "money-minded"... But the concert was a blast! Though most of the songs he sang were the same as his last concert in Singapore, it was still good! My favourite part, however, was when he did a medley of the 80s English rock songs, among which he did songs like Sweet Child Of Mine, Every Breath You Take, True, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, Shout, Uptown Girl... It was very cool!!! The whole concert started with David's helicopter "crashing" into a woods, which explained the backdrop of the stage:

(see the blue thing in the centre? that's the helicopter...!)

Was so tired from the 2 full days that I couldn't wake up in time to watch the choir sing at KKMC. So went to church as per normal today, albeit a bit late. Was very unfocused today - couldn't seem to take my mind off what happened over the weekend. Silent Night and O Come O Come Emmanuel were stuck in my head the whole time Pastor E was giving his sermon... :( I clearly wasn't myself today. This is bad...

(And I'm still VERY sore with myself that I lost the Yanni MP3 CD that Charles ripped for me. Now I gotta ask him to rip another copy for me. Am still feeling very bad. Really sorry, Charles... :( )

Farewell lunch for Joy today was at this very interesting bar-and-grill restaurant at Science Park II. It's called The Blooie. The whole restaurant had a motorcycle theme to it. Here's what we saw:

(can you beat that?!? a motorcycle made of rattan!!!)

When we ordered our food, the owner of the restaurant posed us this question, which I will pose here:

(ok, not exactly a very clear shot... :p )

(a) Name the 2 actors and the movie from which this picture is taken from.

(b) Name another actor who starred in this movie which is not in the picture.

T&C: Those who were at lunch and their family members are not eligible to take part in this quiz!

Kae Tee got the answer correct (not gonna tell you how, though.. :p) and had what she ordered on the house. She was so sweet to pass the offer to Joy.

We also saw a stage with a drum set there. Then I found out that a live band actually plays on Friday nights...! :) Maybe it's an all-guitar band, and all the guitarists bring their own instruments. Hmm... Shall check it out! :)

Shared a Hawaiian Burger and a brownie with Rebecca. Good stuff. The patty was thick and succulent. Am looking forward to another oppoortunity to go there to try the rest of the stuff. Hope to go there on a Friday night... :)

So much for my weekend... Have choir camp tomorrow. Despite feeling musically refreshed from the choral workshop, I don't think it's enough to see me thru the 2-day camp. It's just... different! OK, maybe I should STOP thinking that way and be more postive towards things... At least I'm glad it's a day camp - at least can come back and rest and do things...

Which reminds me... gotta do work review... *ugh*