Concert Band Festival 2013

Written by Lance Corporal Shane Teh of 1st Kuala Lumpur Company

First off, we would like to thank God for His provision and encouragement in helping 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade to organise the first-ever indoor concert band festival, sponsored by the Kuala Lumpur State Council. It was a rewarding experience for Boys and Officers alike as it has taught us not only unity but also endurance through the difficult tasks. Here is an account of the event by LCPL Shane Teh in a chronological narrative. 

Left: LCpl. Alvin Tham in his ribbon tie. Center: MC of the night, Mr. Wong Giok Leigh. Right: 1st Klang Company taking the stage.

(On the stage.) “Blow air into your instrument,” said Mr. Wan, 1st KL’s Band Instructor. It was our cue to perform as the third band during the evening of band festival and we marched up the stairs. I saw the crowd from up front but I tried to keep calm. Though, as I lifted my flute, I could feel my heart beating very quickly. My warm up notes felt a little shaky. Then, the instructor turned around and gave a bow as the audience applauded...

Before I share with you how the performance went, let me back up a little and go back in time to the time before the band festival.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Right after school, 1st KL Boys gathered to prepare the auditorium for the band festival. At parade, Mr. Jonathan Chan gave pieces of paper to us with specific instructions of what to do and said that he had faith in us to bring every piece to the right place in the right order. I could see other NCOs leading their own groups in finishing their tasks of shifting platforms onto the stage, arranging chairs for other companies, setting up the timpanis and so on.

Despite the havoc, we managed to complete each task and together it was a job well done due to teamwork. We then gathered and prayed for a smooth running for the actual day and reminded ourselves that no matter what the results are, everything is upon God’s mercy. After the preparation, everyone was dismissed and we spent the night at church.

Left: Little Boy with his trumpet. Center: Little Boy with his big tuba. Right: Singer from 3rd KL Company.

I was woken by voices and noisy footsteps at 6.15am. Although Reveille was set to be at 6.30am, I looked out the door and saw some of our members walking around, some already in their school uniform. It was Academic Day at Methodist Boys’ School, where report cards are given, and teachers meeting with parents. With the consent from school administrators, BB members were allowed to leave after collecting their report cards. We did another round of rehearsal at the auditorium with the Band Instructor.

Going into three hours before the event officially begins, everyone was munching on their afternoon meal, including members of other companies that came for their session of rehearsal. By 2.30pm, we were to gather in the same room to get the ribbons tied on our necks. Kudos to the band officer, Mr. Tai, for making everyone looked absolutely handsome! I was a little embarrassed to have people seeing me in purple with a ribbon on my neck.

By the time I gathered myself, it was time for the festival to officiate. It was so cool looking at the countdown on screen as the emcee, our own Mr. Wong Giok Leigh, spoke. As time passed, 1st Klang Company went on stage to perform as the first band. The band was small but I felt the brave hearts of its members. Then, it was another enjoyable performance by the second band, 1st Kajang Company.

During the intermission, the 1st Kuala Lumpur Girls’ Brigade Company performed a hand bell choir. Soon, it was the cue for 1st KL to gather outside and prepare ourselves for the time of competition. For months we practiced, and I am thankful for the effort of the Instructor and Officers, and for the time everyone sacrificed. The cheers from the audience warmed up my heart but it was still beating at Allegrissimo (very fast). Mr. Wan raised his baton and so the music faded in...

We played “Where Eagles Soar” and “Party Rock Anthem.” I could see the audience enjoyed our performances. Under 20 minutes, we were done with our performances. We exited the stage and everybody kept their instruments with that excitement still in their heart. As we moved back into the hall, everyone continued watching the show. I was quite impressed with the following performances. Not only I got to see a small kid with a trumpet half of his body size, I saw another little boy with a tuba of his own size. Finally, there was an Indian boy singing in Chinese!

The show concluded at late evening with the results unannounced. Following the show was an interesting workshop by Rev. Quek on how we can hit a higher note that we couldn’t reach.

As the night deepened everyone went cleaning themselves up and preparing themselves for some rest in the MBS classrooms. We went to sleep at about 12 midnight.

Sunday, July 7, 2013     

Morning arose, sun shone, and I woke up at 7.30am by the call of the buglers. I polished my uniform parts, got changed and went for b reakfast. After breakfast, we went for church service and it was a rather interesting sermon for me about the names of God and what meanings they bring. By the time I realized, I was already taking my instrument and getting ourselves ready for the showcase. Four bands performed at church and it satisfied me to see people enjoying the music from us.

After that, we were given time to rest and enjoy the fellowship with one another. It was quite a fun time chit-chatting with my Brothers. Lunchtime came and went by quickly and when we knew that it was time for the results to be announced! We were so confident that our beloved LCpl. Lee Yew Ten was going bald (he promised that if we did win the competition he would shave his head)! Sitting in the hall, 1st KL cheered “Botak! Botak! Botak!” and was so happy winning a gold medal. LCpl. Lee kept his promise and is now bald.

Finally, we ended the day with a final workshop about the importance of intonation, dynamics and also posture.There was a breaktime between 3pm-3.30pm and 1st KL celebrated the birthday of our dear brother – Pte. Tun Mun Chung. As an NCO, I must say I was touched by the laughter and brotherhood shared among us. We continued our workshop with great smiles on our faces. At the end of the day, everyone began packing up and we thanked those who helped out in cleaning the venues we’ve used together.

Overall, it was an awesome experience and an honour performing together with everyone. 

The happiest day in my life is when I don’t have friends but brothers and sisters instead, fighting along by my side in this journey called life - Shane Teh