ORD stands for Operationally Ready for Duty or something. Accuracy escapes me this moment but basically it means that you have completed NS and here's to a good life ahead, well until the army needs you again. haha
In the Band we have a similar practice. But it's called ROD if I remember correctly. Why we would want to name a farewell ceremony after a fishing instrument I have no idea, but in essence it's a time where we say our goodbyes and farwells to our leaving seniors, and when it's your turn, have gushing juniors throw flowers at your feet lamenting your passingby. Yeah right. Somehow I don't think that there'll be as much pining for your bandmates in Acsi than in acjc. Honestly. Oh and I think one reason for my incessitant attachment with the acjc band is that they remind me of my church youth, haha always fun to hang out with and talk bout anything. Well maybe the band peeps are a little more lax with their language than my church (hahah) but the idea's there.
Yep, and going to the acsi combined practice today made me know how much, besides the IB guys and the lovely photocopying machine, and maybe a few guys there, that I can afford to, and don't have any qualms about leaving behind. The mindless childish chatter during combined, the completely screwed up intonations, the "Shut up or down 50!" militarist bullshit and just the whole atmosphere in that room which reeks of hostility, oneupmanship and a band that is founded on elitism and results, and not on fellowship and passion. I think Daniel wrote something very very true on his site the other day and I'll quote it if I have the permission too . :)
"the difference between acsi and acjc bands - in acsi one is compelled by pragmatism, in acjc one is compelled by passion."- Dan the Man with a Tan
I agree with this much fully. Hahah yep, and when i ORDed or RODed or whatever, I was like yes, time to get out of this cesspool. But in the two months with acjc, I have gotten more attached to band than I have in the last two years, especially the last. Thus, I am saddened to leave, and I worry that I will lose my passion. Although passion is within, your surroundings posses a far reaching effect on your view of the band. Really, the one day I dread to come for band again, is the day which I lament the most.
After band practice there were a number of us jamming with our instruments. It's times like this where I enjoy playing the sax the most. However, I constantly berate myself for not being able to come up with the virtousoity that I desire, or great solos that I know I'm capable of. I'm inherently musical, but when I'm pushed into the spotlight, I can't get the groove on. (haha wtf) As in I always gripe bout being in the right key and stuff. And I always hear the stuff in my head, but it can't come out through the bell. I worry that I'm in the wrong key, that I mess up the vibe from the rest of the quintent. or immaterial issues like that. Jian Wei gushes bout Zheng Hao and Darren's ability to play impromptu, and I concur. Haha I've learnt alot about improvisation the past 4 years I've been with them, and I see myself coming out of my shell now, a shell which binds you to the little black notes on your score, evidently paper, yet crushing. Having always relied on the cues from my score, and also because the Tenor Sax does not have ANY solos in 95% of band music, thus I feel my ability has been shackled. However, my new resolution, is to play music with my sax. I've brought back a Saxophone method book, and it's great. Has all the major, minor scales, arpeggios, solos and the ilk. I'm thinking I should practice , and eventually develop some confeedents to take on the big stage. heh
Ok so today may have been the final practice for me at acjc. May, I emphasize, but it all boils down to what Dr.Lee has to say, and whatever he says, I respect. Coz, and I don't think i've said this before, one of the people in life which I really admire and wish to emulates, is Dr. Lee Tian Tee. Having been with him for almost 5 years in the band, gotta give him respect. R E S P E C T S.
Haha I do believe this is one heck of a long entry, and I appreciate your patience in reading till this point. So i'll just end in saying , that even after this brief ORD (rod's for fishing..hehe geddit) and even more brief stay at Dover Close East, I won't forget anything.. And to Jian Wei, I'll miss you too. Must have either been the lettuce up your nose, or just a sudden burst of emotion that compelled you to say it out loud, and for that I can only give you respect.
Haha I'm sure I have said enough bout band, and ya'll must be tired of my whining, so yea, ORD time baby. and I'm Operationally ready too,hahah for tmr! Goodbye stupid blemishes!!!
ahem.
Delivered at 10:12 PM;
KENNETH
Name:Slumber
Born:16th August
FANCIES
Him.K.anglo-chinese.music for the passionate.marvel.gunners.
Orange.debate.
long bus rides armed with an eye and a pod.74.
philosophizing.dystopia.
coffee.Rove.Health.Famary.
Buddies.
writing.1984.
expression.Italian food.
journeys.teh-peng.
stream of consciousness.
witty play on words.musing.
accents.the heartrands.performing.
being a closet connossieur.
a point of view.vigorous
interaction with spherical objects.
irony&pathos.yum.
JS.spirit.a girl that would smile