SainsKu Winds

PHEW!

2011-05-19T14:59:00.003+08:00

We told you 2011 was going to be challenging.

Cash flow was initially a problem due to certain rules and regulations which we have to follow. This predicament really hammered into the band administrators the need for us to go "private" - as in make money through performances so we don't have to scrape and beg.

There were also other issues which reared their ugly heads. Discipline - or the lack of it. How are we going to progress if we don't adhere to the plan? How are we going to create a world class band if we're laid back over basic things such as coming on time, taking care of your own instruments, cleanliness? Hmm?

However, we learnt, didn't we? There are shortcomings still but i believe we've overcome the major ones.

Even through it all, we made it to the Wind Orchestra Festival and although we did not get a Gold or make it to the Grand Finale, we persevered, overcame the odds stacked against us and fought for a well deserved Silver. Honestly, i am prouder of this Silver than any achievements we've won in the past because EVERYONE pulled together and created a most beautiful sound during the Comps. You did your best and that is all we can ask of you.

From this point onwards, we should aim higher and reach for the stars!

2011 A year of challenges

2011-01-27T14:52:00.002+08:00

The orchestra has been busy, busy, busy!

We had our first call-out performance a week and a bit into the term (the earliest ever!) and bookings for another one soon. We had Suhaimi training the band about two weeks ago and will probably have him over soon. Haris is now going to begin a Swing Ensemble and once we're able to get him over, we'll post more information about it.

SM Sains Kuching is slowly dealing with being a Trust School and discovering what it entails. For us in the band, it means that we have to work harder and especially this year onwards, make money for the band's survival.

In the next post, we'll give you a rundown of how much it costs to operate a Wind Orchestra.

We Have Been Busy, again

2010-11-09T08:53:00.002+08:00

So much so that we forgot we had a blog! Please accept this as our apology to you, faithful readers. Over the next few days, we'll be posting our activities since March (with pictures!) and give you an idea of "Where Next?" direction for 2011.

Let me tell you, it's been an exciting roller-coaster of a year for us with shallow lows and steep highs!

A Busy Time

2010-03-08T20:22:00.002+08:00

Since term started, we've performed for the following:

- The Deputy Minister for Science & Technology and members of the press at Merdeka Palace.

- The Education Counsellor & Project Manager of the Australian High Commission.

- The Chairman & Board Member of the Australia-Malaysia Institute.

- Representatives of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

- Representatives of the Australian High Commission (again!).

- Education Officers & Teachers from South Kalimantan Indonesia.

- Education Officers & Teachers from Central Java Indonesia.

Now, if only we can begin to perform for money. Don't get me wrong, we love performing and we love entertaining guests but, if we don't start earning our keep, we won't be around long enough to be remembered...

The money is going to run out. We need to make more money. We must never rely on anyone else but ourselves to safeguard our survival. If we can't, then, we don't deserve to.

That sounds harsh but that's life.

How much do we need? Well, reeds are expensive. Oils are expensive. Instrument repairs..??? Don't get me started.

In our next post, we'll put up a list of how much we need to spend in order to stay afloat. And, i can say for certain that NONE OF US HERE ARE TAKING ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO US !!!

If you find it in your heart to help through donating, we welcome you. Better still, find us events to perform in.

We're not desperate, we're forward looking. We're saving for a rainy day and the storm clouds are gathering.

It's Only Just Begun...

2010-01-28T10:15:00.002+08:00

SainsKu Winds is an engine which runs on diesel. It starts slowly at first but when it's hot and running, it goes the distance; surprising even the 'drivers' !

Here's a big SainsKu Winds 'Thank You' to Nazri Kawi (2008 ?) for giving up a part of his holidays to train the Trombone section.

We truly appreciate all 'family members' who return to help.

Meet The Coordinators!

2010-01-14T08:19:00.003+08:00

1. Ms. Rabiah Ghani is the Orchestra Chairperson - she drives it along with wisdom and sometimes, with raw power!

2. Ms. Goh Hui Leng is the Music Education Coordinator - She ensures that the orchestra stays musically sound.

3. Mr. Abdul Qahar Yusop is the Training & Performance Coordinator - He plans practices, rehearsals & shows. He makes sure that the students stick to the schedule!

4. Ms. Rosmuna Putit is our Welfare Coordinator - She troubleshoots emotional issues within the organisation, resolves conflicts and ensures that they have something to wear while performing.

5. Mr. Clement Joe Gilbert is the much respected Property Coordinator - He manages the instruments, the Orchestra House & all within its four walls. Woe betide any poor soul who drops his instrument!

6. And finally, there's Mr. Andee Yeo who is the Administrative & Finance Coordinator - He ensures that there is money for training, maintenance & development. He also looks into the documentation of every aspect of the Orchestra.

All these Teacher-Coordinators have one aim for the orchestra - Developing a Division One Wind Orchestra in Every Aspect: Music, Performance, Attitude & Administration.

A CALL FOR HELP & THE VIBRAPHONE

2010-01-14T07:50:00.008+08:00

We so need help from YOU. The WO Festival is less than 3 months away and they're not ready. If YOU could, please come to give us that extra push and assist with the coaching.

Remember what we talked about last year?

The one about developing an active alumni culture?

Yeah... that's the one.

Why not start now?

If we don't, we'll never get started, y'know.

We have selected our pieces and we're still keeping them under "wraps".

Come round to find out!

We're performing this Saturday at the Merdeka Palace Hotel ballroom for a Media Appreciation Dinner hosted by MOSTI (Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation). If you're interested to join us, CALL US !!!

Almost forgot to mention...

The vibraphone has arrived and it's not a student model.

Ssweeet !

If SainsKu Winds alumni would like to view, call Mr. Qahar or Mr. Andee.

YOU have their numbers.

2010: An Odyssey of Discovery

2009-11-16T13:57:00.006+08:00

What a year! (and we pause here for a second to think back... okay, let's move on!)

We did something unexpected and discovered the champion in us. All of us dug deep into ourselves and, at that most crucial point, found our inner Wira & Wirawati. We disregarded our fears and found courage. We threw caution to the wind took a risk. We became more than what we were.

What next?

2010 holds the key to our future direction. What will we become?How far do we want (or are willing) to travel on this adventure? To date, this is what we want to achieve next year:

1. Enable our students to master their instruments (technique, technology, training).

2. Improve their level of musicianship (music knowledge, music history, musicality).

3. A credible 1st Div outing at the 2010 Wind Orchestra Festival (NOT finish last!!!).

4. Gain experience by performing shows locally (both Kuching & Sarawak).

5. Increase our ready repertoire to 17 pieces at any moments notice (currently, it's 10).

6. Explore the possibility of performing revenue shows.

And, if we can tackle all that, we could probably think about, say, initiating a Kuching Wind Orchestra Festival in the near future? Or, organising Wind Orchestra Camps for budding primary school musicians? Or, even, initiating scheduled open Master Classes for musicians in Kuching?

If these ideas sound big to you, it's because they are. Shouldn't we think big if we want to achieve big? If you're ready, then welcome aboard for the ride.

You Have Brought Honour To Our Clan

2009-11-13T10:43:00.012+08:00

Crouching (L to R): Jethro, Zahin, Hasbullah, Josper, Azman

Standing (L to R): Ruzaini, Firdaus, Benson, Felix, Fatin, Phyllis, Bradley, Mr. Haris, Mr. Suhaimi, Rosemary, Hidayatur, Winston Ully

This has been a whirlwind year for our 2008-2009 Seniors and by far, the most memorable. They've had to deal with a sudden influx of recruits, training replacements, and mentoring new leaders to take their place - not to mention having to deal with cranky teachers! It is a tradition in the orchestra to be independent and self-reliant for that has been the way since our founding in 1997; not by choice but, by necessity. I am glad that they have embodied this band tradition.

These ladies and gentlemen had spearheaded our efforts to be 'second to none' and at the same time 'a friend to all'. They have behaved responsibly & conducted themselves with honour.

We wish them the very best and pray that God will be the wind beneath their wings and the breath behind their song!

So Busy ! So Much Fun !

2009-11-10T14:47:00.009+08:00

October - What a month ! We've had 2 "in-house" shows - The Graduation and the Malam Apresiasi (Appreciation Night) Dinner. Hasbullah decided to take a break from 'arm swinging' and left it to Jethro. He banged away on the timpani instead, mistakes and all!

We've also had 2 workshops - with 3 talented teachers (Mr. Michel Hogenes from Codarts & De Haagse Hogeschool and the evergreen Mr. Suhaimi Yacub & Mr. Haris Fadzillah; need i say more?). Both have very different styles but our Boys and Girls benefitted tremendously.

20 Orchestra members are busy rehearsing as part of OPES (Sarawak Education Department Orchestra) for the Reading Safari & Khazanah Buku (Book Chest) launching by the Chief Minister today (Friday 13 Nov). They did really well in the rehearsals leading up to the event and proved themselves to be disciplined and polite.

What's next?

Waterfront Performance

2009-10-02T12:38:00.004+08:00

Another performance is coming up! SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2009:> We'll be at the Kuching Waterfront performing at a State Education publicity gig. They've given us the 0900 to 1000 slot. This will be the first time out for a number of our junior (very new) members.

Songs to be played are:
Crunch Time (the anthem for our band since 2000!), Bunga Rampai, Hula Hoop Medley, Suria

Celebration Overture, Hujan di Tengah Hari, Lagenda & Can't Take My Eyes Off You.

The band will also be performing at the 5th Formers' Grad Day and School Appreciation Dinner at the end of October.

And Oh, some goss...

we've just received a G*****N set. Students from Forms 1 & 2 are being recruited and trained. Although under the Wind Orc, this will be managed by the Kebudayaan (Culture) & MUTRA (Musik Tradisional - Traditional Music) Club. No band members will be allowed in. This is to enable more students to be engaged in the music programme.

What's next? The SainsKu Rock Band? WHat do you think? Do comment.

2009-06-16T14:33:00.003+08:00

Performed at our school's teacher appreciation day. We had alumnus Ahmad Muslim (2007) backing up the Horn Section. Dress rehearsal for our district level teachers' day celeb will be held on Thursday in SMK Matang Jaya. Supporters and alumni are also welcomed. The actual event will be held on Saturday.

AAARGH !!! exams...

2009-05-15T09:47:00.003+08:00

2009-05-09T12:29:00.001+08:00

Some updates: although competition season is over, the orchestra hasn't been resting. 1.Sections are in the process of trying out & selecting would-be members; teaching younger ones the basics; strengthening their sectional repertoire of songs, and harassing their teachers for newer (read, more expensive!) ones. 2. We are now seriously 'sniffing around' for a vibraphone, and will probably purchase one once the money is available - our lack of experience with a vibraphone scared the daylights out of us at the very start of our performance; it very nearly changed our fortunes that morning. Thank goodness for the whole team gelling together and carrying it though to the end. Lesson learnt=get vibraphone, don't get caught with pants down again. We may or may not go for a Yamaha. Depends... Any thoughts on that? 3. We have a performance coming up. It's a 5 song thingy. When? Sometime in June. Where? Smk Matang Jaya. Why? District Teachers' Day celeb. Who? Everyone. We're also thinking of more free performances around the city to get us used to performing in front of a crowd. We'll keep you updated as to the where and when. So, stay safe and to the current Orcs, do well in your semester exams next week! Top 30 in every Form, okay?

Now, For The Muzak!

2009-05-04T12:36:00.002+08:00

We've got our instruments, we've got our new home... Let's all put our heads together to find ourselves some 'crack-a-lackin' music to perform!

I've decided to divide this into 3 sections: Concert, Competition & Shows
So, for starters, we're thinking of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture for competition and a whole load of Christmassy songs for money earning shows this December. But, those are just my thoughts. What about yours?

Let's hear from all of you.

They Have Arrived!

2009-04-30T22:09:00.001+08:00

Our Timpanis have finally arrived! I received a call from our contractor at half past ten asking if it's OK to send the instruments today, like... YES PLEASE NOW!!! The delivery lorry arrived at half past eleven, and we help unload the instruments. The look on everyone's faces was that of relief & joy. We're now well on our way towards maturing our sound. We're serious about what we do and we want to thank all of you for making this journey - up till now - memorable and worthwhile. So, what's next? A set of tubular bells? Hmm...

Tired Mumblings...

2009-04-29T17:08:00.005+08:00

Our Timpanis are NOT here yet... Apparently, they're stuck in a ship between Batam and Kuching. Can you believe that???

Now, an update on our repaired instruments...

Most of the instruments came back safely and somewhat repaired (although we're not very happy with the quality of work). HOWEVER, our two beloved Tubas were badly hurt. We nearly cried when we saw the damage done to them.
NEVER AGAIN WILL WE SEND ANYTHING BACK TO "THAT PLACE"!!!

One Tuba is now in KL at Yamaha Malaysia and repairs are estimated to be in the RM1000 - RM1200 range. Therefore, the other one should also be around that price. We're working towards reaching a settlement with "THAT PLACE" on covering the cost of repairs.

If any alumni members want to help out the orchestra, please contact Ms. Rabiah Hj. Ghani, Deputy Principal (Extra Curricular Affairs) at 082-642544 (office hours) or FACEBOOK her! Yup, she's on FB too!

We've Done It!

2009-04-28T14:00:00.004+08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We've actually done what we dreamt of doing when we first started the Wind Orchestra seriously - We've bagged a gold medal award. Goodbye, Division 2 & Hello, Division 1.

Our Boys & Girls have also managed to coax the judges into giving us the Anugerah Peningkatan Kualiti Terbaik (Best Improvement Award) and the Anugerah Ketrampilan Terpuji (go figure in translating this, i can't...).

Well done, everyone. Thank you so much to our Orchestra alumni who came to help us when they were on holidays. We appreciate what you did.

Shall we move forward next year? Shall we progress to greater heights?

I have very low standards so a Silver Award would make me very very glad. What about you?

New Instruments Update

2009-01-10T13:34:00.003+08:00

Hey, all!

We've just completed the inventory of new instruments received. A big thank you to the current Windies who assisted Mr. Yeo in completing this most arduous task. Our new instruments (from First Round) includes the following:

4 Bb trumpets 2 Tenor Trombones 2 Euphoniums

2 BB Tubas 2 French Horns 1 Alto Saxophone

1 Tenor Saxophone 1 Baritone Saxophone 1 Piccolo

4 Flutes 6 Clarinets 1 Oboe

1 Bass Clarinet 1 Glockenspiel 1 Concert Xylophone

1 Concert Bass Drum 1 Concert Snare Drum 3 Cymbals

Our original instruments are in the process of being repaired and come Tuesday, we'll find out how many survived! Second Round instruments will be arriving after the Chinese Lunar New Year. Our first Training & Rehearsal Workshop for 2009 will be held from the 16th - 18th January.

Thank You for Registering

2009-01-10T13:31:00.003+08:00

Dear SainsKu Windies,

Thank you for registering online. We appreciate your efforts in doing so. We apologise for asking you to fill in the registration form this week even after you had signed-up online. There were some phantom registrations and the only way to weed them out was to get you guys and gals to do it on paper in school. We promise that our next online exercise will be smoother with more security features included.

A NEW START

2009-01-05T10:07:00.002+08:00

Welcome back, SainsKu Windies & visitors! The Instrument Rooms and Rehearsal Area is still under construction. Builders blamed it on bad weather and i am inclined to believe. The concrete just isn't drying in all this humidity and dampness.

All of our First Round instruments have arrived and should be released to the Windies after the inventory process is completed. Yours truly picked up the last 6 boxes - personally - from Yamaha Malaysia in Kelana Jaya last month. Nearly 50% of the Second Round instruments have arrived in the warehouse and should be shipped when they hit the 80% mark. So, Windies, keep your fingers crossed and Percussion will get their Timpani sooner than later.

The registration form for new members will be released after the Form One registration next week.