To Be Or Not To Be Part Of Singapore Malay Orchestra
I saw this advertisement on my school's portal.
I remembered 4 years back, I had auditioned for Orkestra Melayu Singapura (OMS) or Singapore Malay Orchestra (Youth) . The kind instructor had called me down for audition the minute I emailed him regarding my interest. He said he'd love to hear me play and offered a slot for me. I was enthralled by this opportunity. I was sure I could be the next local musician.
2 days later, I was there.In the orchestra's practice room. Honestly I expected varnished parquet flooring with massive stage and brilliant lighting. But no, there were rows of gray "classroom" chairs and the floor was laid with green soggy carpet.
The instructor (whose name I forgot) waved Hi and offered to help me find an available clarinet to play for the audition. He passed me a shiny black case, and I swear, the instrument looks brandishing new.
I was ready for my audition and he threw (not literally) a single sheet of score for me to side read & play. This part - TOTAL NIGHTMARE. I was in my JC uniform and holding a brand new clarinet plus I totally shivered. I think he sensed my panic.
He told me it's ok, take your time. Let's start with your Bb (B flat) concert , 2 scale. That's basic.
Then he wanted Eb (E flat)concert, that too, was kinda basic stuff for me.
The only problem was the score. Firstly, my side reading is really bad and with 2 instructors standing in front of me, it just makes it worst. The song went quite bad. They graded me, and I've got a 6 for the Bb & Eb scales and a 5 for the ridiculous song.
The irony: they thought I did really well.
They asked me to start coming for the next practice onwards. But I never came back.
It was not because I was ashamed of my lacking "talent" thanks to horrible side reading skills. But it was because the minute I stepped out of the audition room, I feel eyes lasering at me, the entire orchestra was there -which means they heard me play.*gasp*
I saw minahs (early 20-ish) stringing on the violin, and I was jealous that I can only manage a clarinet, and them, a violin (which in my opinion is a better and renowned "classical" instrument). Then I realised, this is really not the place where I want to be.
I don't want to wear a baju kurung for my performances! I love the idea of playing in an orchestra, but at that time, I think my dreams are too far fetched - I was after all having my 'A' Levels Prelims in 6 months time.
As such, back to the President's Young Performers Concert, I really admire those who really made it through the auditions and was able to cope well with both studies and music. It is not easy to blend into an orchestra (because everyone there is so good with their instruments) For future sake, to make up for my unpracticed talent, I would love to attend more concerts and perhaps revive that burning red passion for classical music, once more. But for now, it's just school, work, school, work, work, WORK!
xoxo
thumbelina
Young Performers Concert
I remembered 4 years back, I had auditioned for Orkestra Melayu Singapura (OMS) or Singapore Malay Orchestra (Youth) . The kind instructor had called me down for audition the minute I emailed him regarding my interest. He said he'd love to hear me play and offered a slot for me. I was enthralled by this opportunity. I was sure I could be the next local musician.
2 days later, I was there.In the orchestra's practice room. Honestly I expected varnished parquet flooring with massive stage and brilliant lighting. But no, there were rows of gray "classroom" chairs and the floor was laid with green soggy carpet.
The instructor (whose name I forgot) waved Hi and offered to help me find an available clarinet to play for the audition. He passed me a shiny black case, and I swear, the instrument looks brandishing new.
I was ready for my audition and he threw (not literally) a single sheet of score for me to side read & play. This part - TOTAL NIGHTMARE. I was in my JC uniform and holding a brand new clarinet plus I totally shivered. I think he sensed my panic.
He told me it's ok, take your time. Let's start with your Bb (B flat) concert , 2 scale. That's basic.
Then he wanted Eb (E flat)concert, that too, was kinda basic stuff for me.
The only problem was the score. Firstly, my side reading is really bad and with 2 instructors standing in front of me, it just makes it worst. The song went quite bad. They graded me, and I've got a 6 for the Bb & Eb scales and a 5 for the ridiculous song.
The irony: they thought I did really well.
They asked me to start coming for the next practice onwards. But I never came back.
It was not because I was ashamed of my lacking "talent" thanks to horrible side reading skills. But it was because the minute I stepped out of the audition room, I feel eyes lasering at me, the entire orchestra was there -which means they heard me play.*gasp*
I saw minahs (early 20-ish) stringing on the violin, and I was jealous that I can only manage a clarinet, and them, a violin (which in my opinion is a better and renowned "classical" instrument). Then I realised, this is really not the place where I want to be.
I don't want to wear a baju kurung for my performances! I love the idea of playing in an orchestra, but at that time, I think my dreams are too far fetched - I was after all having my 'A' Levels Prelims in 6 months time.
Current Orkestra Melayu Singapura (Youth)
As such, back to the President's Young Performers Concert, I really admire those who really made it through the auditions and was able to cope well with both studies and music. It is not easy to blend into an orchestra (because everyone there is so good with their instruments) For future sake, to make up for my unpracticed talent, I would love to attend more concerts and perhaps revive that burning red passion for classical music, once more. But for now, it's just school, work, school, work, work, WORK!
xoxo
thumbelina
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