After syf not much happened. We took a long break and just rest. Soon it was the new batch of sec 3s that will be leading the band. Since we got gold, the band decided to play at Esplanade. It was to be held on the 30th December. The main thing wasn’t the concert but the fact that the present batch of leaders did not pass down their posts to the sec 3s. Of course many were unhappy and there were rumours that the current batch of leaders only wanted to get the limelight during the concert.


2004

Anyway, we had a blasting concert nevertheless. The sec 4s then passed down the posts and a new batch of leaders was born.
This batch was the batch known for instilling discipline in the band. The band was much disciplined under their leadership and they received great respect from each and every member. Without a doubt, all committees will face many problems. One of which the leaders face was that there were internal conflicts between the leaders themselves. However, despite this they still work together as a team and when they make mistakes, they punish themselves in front of the band and apologise. This was much received from the band. The band felt that they were one of the best batches of leaders who seldom got involved in politics.


New Principal
Before 2004, we were under Mrs Catherine seah. She loves the band a lot and sort of favours the band. So during her term, we received a large proportion of the school funds and many ccas felt unsatisfied. This was the one of the reasons the teachers did not quite like the band despite the fact that the band has contributed much to the school. Another reason was that under her leadership, the principal greatly support band practices and if there were any clashes with classes, band practices will come in first. So when she left in 2003 which was very much wanted by student population, the school experienced many changes and that includes the band
We no longer receive that much money from the school and band practices were cut down due to lack of funds. Academic comes first before band.

New Batch Of leaders

Soon, the sec 4s passed down to us. They lead for a mere 4 months but they were the best 4 months! Anyway we soon take over. I tried to impress the leaders and the teachers and since I got to the first class again, I got the upperhand and I became not only the drum major but also the section leader.
This was the most creative batch that the band had ever seen and experienced but also the batch that drown themselves in politics and conflicts which will backfire them and also break the band apart.This was the batch that destroyed the disciplined until it was beyond salvation and as the Drum major I was to be blame.

Anyway, within two weeks of serving the band the deputy drum major was demoted to uniform manager cos the teachers thought that he was not serious. I had three besties and they were haysia, mel and john. We were like the best of friends since sec 1 and everyone knows about it. Anyway, we were very close to the rest of the juniors and we had lots of fun spending time with them.
After the ddm got demoted haysia got promoted, she was the section leader of percussion and the deputy drum major.

Well, to be frank, haysia was a very fierce leader and at that time discipline was quite polished but all that was about to change.

I was the good guy in band. I was unable to draw a clear line between friendship and leadership. I did not make it clear to them that in band I was the drum major and outside I was their friend. So they kinda climb over my head. Discipline was compromised.

It was during the band camp. After so much shouting, I lost my voice on the second day and was unable to give commands. Hence, haysia took over and gave commands but somehow I think I take her for granted without realising the consequences. So she gave the commands and the teachers realise that she was more competent than me.

Anyway, the band camp was a disaster with major communication breakdowns every single day. Anyway that was our batch. We were no good at planning events. Then came a series of bad friendship days for the gang. I was too involved in school activities such as the youth day and hence our friendship was sacrificed. I was planning for the event and the gang decided to wait for me. So they waited for almost like 3 hours for me and of course who wouldn’t get angry. Anyway that was just the beginning. Our friendship got worse because of band matters. She was always scolding me and at times in front of the band so it sort of struck the minds of the band members that the dm is scared of the ddm. And I was unhappy about that. Hence, the friendship got into worse shape.

I was also doing badly for my exams and the band teachers received complaints from the rest of the teachers. The teachers, whether they are busy or not will spare some time for gossips and hence they decided that since haysia was more competent and was doing better in studies and to salvage me from further drowning into the world of failing, they decided to swap our places. By then I was already improving in my studies and our friendship was much better. The news came as a shock to all of us. Only the majors were told. The band major and the deputy band major were also swapped. However, the deputy band major did not want to be the band major and hence things remain the same for the band majors. Things were not the same for us though. She had always wanted to be a dm. In her case, I as a friend should support her as it was always her dream to be a drum major and play the mace. Furthermore the teachers in any case will do things to benefit the band and the proposition may help the band. In my case, she as a friend should have just rejected the proposition so that things would be the same just like the band majors. We were besties and I really ponder the thought whether she really treasure the friendship. The band majors were not that very close but how come the dbm can sacrifice for him and why not haysia just sacrifice for me. Those were our thoughts.

Anyway things got worse and worse and the teachers decided to reshuffle the whole committee. Of course everyone was against it but the teachers thought that they were for the band. Hence there was a reshufflement. Anyway, I wasn’t supposed to be a dm again but the principal didn’t like haysia’s attitude and hence wanted me to be the dm. That’s wat ms ong told me. I had wanted to reject but that tiny part of me whisper to me to just accept that post. I should have just rejected cos I will just regret it later.

Anyway, by that time things had gone out of hand and the discipline was really bad. Syf was coming. The discipline or the syf. We had to compromise the syf practices to instill discipline in the band. The teachers were against it and hence we had and argument. Teachers vs band members. We lost eventually cos we had earlier argued before until the teacher got fed up and said that she never wanted to be the band teacher in charge and wash her hands off band matters. WE did not want the matter to repeat so we gave in. Anyway, internal conflicts still continue among us and the rest of band just lost respect for me.
At that point of time I was also voted to be the house captain and sports leader. Hence I was carrying a huge amount of responsibilities. The band teachers also lose respect for me and make things worse for me. There was once when I made a mistake she called me stupid and told me to get out of her sight. Things were really that bad. The year ended badly.

2005
THE SYF STORY

Syf practices intensified and so were preparations for o levels. Anyway I had failed terribly for a math- I was the lowest in the entire cohort so I had to attend private lessons after school and had to miss band practices. At certain point of time, I just felt like giving up. When I tell the band to fall in, they will do it very reluctantly. No one bothers to clean the band room anymore and in fact push all the work to the majors. Things were going out of hand. With so many responsibilities and and preparations for os intensified, I just felt like ending it all. Very few members actually say hi to me anymore. All those who were once my friends just ignore me like that. Till one point of time when almost the whole band comfronted me and shoot me with questions. I was not doing so well as a dm.Latecomers- I will just let them off especially if they were sec 4s. attempts to get letters from absentees were futile.I had already lost my freindship with the juniors and I dun wan to lose the sec 4s too. The band noticed the different in treatment and wasn’t happy. I was also late for band practices 4 times in a row. I was just too tired that time. With bad grades in sec 3 the teachers were making my life very difficult by giving me extra work and extra lessons. I had extra homework and had to revise almost the entire sec 3 syllabus. Exhausted from all that, I see band practices as chores and no longer look forward to them . Hence I either was too tired or cannot be bothered to come on time. I was on the verge of giving up.i cried many a times.The band wasn’t doing so well musically either. First time dmb sound so bad. The trumpet section only had like one person to depend on- the rest were good but there was this guy who was super good. I didn’t even dare to scold him. He held grudges against me cos I once said that he will not be a dm. He had always wanted to be a dm. It runs in the family for him. But I thought I just did not see the qualities in him. He got worse especially discipline wise. I did not want him to quit band and was scared that if I scold him he would really say goodbye. Hence, another difference in treatment. I just thought that he got big headed. Anyway, there was this band practice that changes everything. We were practicing purgatorio but none of them were listening. They were even laughing and talking among themselves. There were those who were even reading magazines. To describe the whole scene, most just can’t be bothered.

Finally, the majors decided to talk some sense. I actually apologise to the band for my bad attitude and tell them that syf is coming and this isnt the right attitude. The majors also said a piece of their mind.

But the one that the band really response to was from the ex band major. She gathered the band spirit and challenges our spirit to snatch the gold with honours award.

After that incident, the sec 4s had a meeting and we just resolve all our conflicts. Though it was painful for me but it was for the good of the band. In the end, the sec 4s became reunited.

With that all behind, we practiced hard again. For the first time I was looking forward to band practices. Discipline improved and music wise we became better. There were even rumours of DMB sounding better than crescent. Crescent was a great band with great sounds. If we were better, then it will mean a certain standard has been achieved.

Anyway, we continue to gear ourselves to syf. From just playing in the music room, we practiced at the car park, in class rooms, in special rooms, parade square. We tried coming with ways to improve our sound effects for Purgatorio. We work on intonation which we were so weak on. Do intonation charts. Articulations were exxagerated to make members feel the differences in quality. Master classes were scheduled and the conductors became merrier when they teach us. We even made honey lemon drinks for the band so that they can carry out the sound effcts. Vitamin pills were distributed. When we went to band world, the people actually told us that we will get gold with honours.

The alumnis were even optimistic of us getting gold with honours.Conductors too.

When we went for sound check with crescent, Anglican and Ngee Ann, everyone said that we sounded the best. We were really improving!

The awaited day finally come.
We waited for our turn. Finally it was our turn.
Though we had practiced so hard we just could not overcome our fear.The first note was bad and it continued til the rest of the song. It wasn’t as majestic as what we had practiced before. We were sad and some of the alumnis said that we may get silver. Some said that we could get gold with honours. But most rest at gold.

The results were announced. Gold. We were happy that we maintain our gold but sad that we could not get honours. The conductor actually said that maybe it was because it was on Tuesday morning- the second day of syf is usually bad. The judges are more awake and are more or less notified of the common mistakes of many bands. Furthermore, second days of many syfs are the most dreaded day of all. For all syfs, it has been the day which produces the least golds. In fact there was only one gold with honours on that day and it was Saint Andrews school- top three band in spore.
Mrs Chua had actually wanted to say something to us but due to certain matters was unable. That was my last band practice unfortunately and I did not do my best.
I believe that she had wanted to say that we sounded great on that day. Though i never really hear from her again, i will continue to believe that she will hold dmb dearly. She was and will always be a great mother to all of us and will be loved and missed dearly. Thank you Mr and Mrs Chua
(The chuas were told not to teach us anymore as the school lack funds to pay them)

*we love you mrs chua
deep down in our hearts
we love you mrs chua
deep down in our hearts
we love you mrs chua
deep down in our hearts

Mrs chua actually told the band something that i wish to share and that is every band member is intelligent. None are stupid. If we can read those notes on a piece of paper, it means we are already intelligent.
We count the timing, we sight read, we has a sense of rhytmn and we can certainly do well in exams.


Anyway there is a great deal of lesson to this entire story.
Maybe we got gold instead of honours because we woke up too late. We were so divided. We were so unlike a band. There was once mr yeo asked wat is more important- the gold or band unity?
That left many dumbfounded. It was hypothetically challenging. Perhaps band unity and spirit was the answer but we cannot forego the gold that easily- all that the seniors had worked for cannot be destroyed in our hands. But I believe I learn most from this experience. We cannot go anywhere without band unity, bond and spirit. They are the energy behind a band whether it is a gold band, silver, bronze, cop or even an ungraded one. Each member is important. They play a part and everyone has to receive the same treatment in any case. And even if you did something right which has bad consequences, at least what u did was right. Every section is important- the percussion is the heartbeat of the band just like the tuba which supports the flow of notes.The leaders were important personels in the band and they have to be role models. We need two hands to clap. If the left hand refuse, there can be no clap at all. There need to be a mutual understanding between the leaders and the member body.They have to work together. In all, everyone matters. Discipline cannot be treated very lightly cos they may mean lost of respect.

All the things that I had contributed to the band can never overwhelm all the soil and dirt I had thrown deliberately or unintentionally at the band. Guilty will I always be and sore will always graze me. Whatever the case I had experienced magic in dmb and I will treasure it for eternity. Long live DMB! God Bless.

*for those who are not from dmb and happened to read this may think that this is just a piece of crap but this is a true story and I always believe that every band from all the four corners of the globe has their own strory that can be shared. It will serve as a learning point for many. And I certainly will look forward to reading stories from you guys. Thanks for reading…

Yours truly,
Ahmad zakir



# Names have been changed .

Life In Dunearn Military Band
Memoirs of a Member
2002-2005

For my jc classmate who ponders wat it is like to be in a gold band

2002

It was during the cca promotion day that I saw them. A group of music enthusiasts or lovers playing majestically in the concourse. I remembered them playing can’t take my eyes off you. I certainly enjoyed them playing and really wanted to join them in their quest to play music and enjoy music and also bring honour to the school. (The band was the most respectable cca in school with over a hundred members and had clinched her first gold at the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging of Concert Bands 2001 and was ranked 8th among about 150 bands). Therefore, after approaching a band senior, I signed up for the band as my cca.

It was soon the first band practice and we get to know the seniors. I get to know the members and of course the teachers Ms Ong, Mr Beh, Mr lee, ms tan and mr yeo.

Then we get to play with all the instruments and the section leaders would grade us. I tried on some but not all and I think I did best for playing trombone and I really got into the section.

Days went by and all the newbies really look forward to the band practices. There were about fifty sec 1s at that point of time. We were taught not only how to play the instruments allocated to us but also how to clean them and the marching basics. Soon, we were either blowing air in the music room or either out under the sun standing or turning clumsilly in the parade square. I have to say they were very fun and I certainly enjoyed every moment.

First Punishment
I had the taste of doing push ups after not cleaning up the music room. Well, the sec 1s have always been looking at the seniors doing push ups as punishment so we were kinda looking forward to the punishment. I was kinda happy to be punished for the first time but those push ups will never be a delight ever again.

Band Camp
The band camp was held annually and it was during the time where the sec 4s and 5s will be observing the sec3s leading the other members of the band. Through this camp, the sec 3s will be at a non-stop rate impressing the seniors. I mean almost everybody wants to be in exco. Also through this camp, my eyes were opened to band politics for the first time. My impression of Dmb as a happy and perfect band was destroyed in one night. It was because the seniors were not very happy with the alumnis. Anyway, it was after the bbq at about 12 midnight and the band was supposed to clean up but everybody was kinda reluctant. So we were punished. It was my worse punishment ever so far. We were ordered to do about 40 push ups and then to remain in that position for quite some time. Hands were aching, muscles filled with lactic acid and the palms and knees were definitely victims too (the ground was hard and there were tiny particles which everywhere). Anyway that was just the starters. The very next day which was the last day of the camp, we did footdrills for about three to four hours. It was not the duration of the drills that were frustrating but how it was conducted. For every mistake ten push ups. I mean, come on, during those 3-4 hours, no one would escape without making at least five mistakes. Anyway, it was conducted by the alumnis and the band camp was supposedly to be conducted by the sec 4s and 5s. So it kinda stirred up some frustrations and unhapiness among the seniors. After that day, most of the seniors kinda avoid the alumnis and give them the cold shudders. So it came to the alumnis as a realisation that they had offended the band. They then apologised during one of the practices to the whole band but soon the seniors started to shoot them. Anyway the whole thing kinda ended there and I certainly don’t know whether there was still unhappiness. The band camp was excellent and we were told ghost stories and there was this tradition whereby we will place the drum major’s mace outside our dorm to protect us from evil spirits. On the whole, I get to know more about my fellow band members and and the band end up more bonded than ever.

MLTT (Mr Lee Tian Tee) Crisis
Mr Lee tian tee was our resident conductor. However, he had to leave us due to other commitments kinda thing. The band was really sad cos hes a great conductor- his band never failed to get a gold award at the syf except st Margaret whom he taught a few weeks before syf and they got silver. The principal tried to persuade him but in the end they failed.
He left and he did some masters or something and was soon known as Dr Lee Tian Tee. He now teaches ACSI and ACJC and is the president of WASBE.

The band was now under Mr Yeo. He was Mr Lee’s asisstant. After mltt left he became the resident conductor. There were some gossips here and there and some felt that he was incompetent and the teacher in charge, ms ong even said that she will look for a better conductor. She said that she knew he was incompetent. The sec 1s were always under Mr Yeo and he taught us this song in which we played better than acsi as graded by mltt (mltt was always praising acsi and for the first time he said we were better) and we felt extremely elated. Hence when ms ong said that, some of the sec 1s were sad for him.

Passing out Parade (POP)

The sec 4s and 5s did their job as leaders well and I had to salute them. A new batch of people will be taking over. It was during the weeks before the POP that we saw or heard unending band politics. This guy wants to be drum major or band major then back stabbed this guy kinda thing. Anyway to be in exco you have to go through interviews in which if you will have to show off your conducting skills. And the best way to be in the exco is to be academically smart cos the teachers favour the smarter ones. If you are in E1 (the best class), chances are you will be in Exco. Everyone knows that even though there were no official announcements about that. Anyway after much back stabbing, the results were out and of course there were people who cried and there were people who were smilling. Anyway, that was bad. Good news was that the band was about to experience a great batch of leaders. The new leaders were definitely more creative and members gave them upmost respect. However, they are always indulging themselves in politics.

Section leader
I was appointed as the sec 1 section leader and I was kinda delighted to be one. But in the end I had no power or authority cos no one really cared.




2003

Recruit In Charge ( RIC)issue
I had always been on the neutral side and never been involved in band politics but was pulled in when the leaders were deciding who among the sec 1s will be the RIC for the new batch of sec 1s. At first it was me and sisi. Then there was a great uproar from the previous RIC and one of them even said that I was like shit. I felt extremely devastated and also angry. I mean no one would have been unaffected after someone said that they are like shit.

Anyway, I was already in sec 2 and in E1 and the other nominees were mostly in the other classes and so as expected me and jayne(this crazy classmate and band mate of mine) became the recruit IC. We were both in E1 and because we were “intellectually smarter” we took over. Of course some of the sec 2s were unhappy but they cannot do anything.

Im not sure whether some of the seniors are happy about the decision made by the teachers but it certainly made me look like the teachers pet. Ms Ong’s beloved pet. People keep saying that I was always licking her boots

to climb to the top. I was those type of people who likes to render “service” to the band and to ms ong so people thought I was winning her favour. At first I never realised that to others I was licking her boots but in the end I came to realise. And by then, I realise for me to climb to the top that was the perfect way and I will soon learn to regret that.

Anyway, by January 2003, the number of people in sec 2 had decreased to a mere 20. From 50+ to 20. Wow! 30 quit. Anyway the 20 are the ones that will persevere till the end.

SYF preparations
The band had been practicing diligently for the coming syf. We had already chosen our choice piece –godzilla eats Las Vegas! We had been practicing from November. Since Mr lee had left, we were under mr yeo. Mr lee still came back on Sundays to teach us. He was only free on Sundays and therefore we came back just to learn from him. Soon we get to know our set piece- tales of the sea. We practiced almost everyday till the sars outbreak. When we were told that schools will be closed and that the syf may not be held we were shocked and it certainly dampened our spirits. We had practice all the way from November to March and all had to end because of Sars. Anyway, in the end the syf was made known to all that it will be postpone to somewhere in June or July.
We were kinda pleased but not for long. Mltt cannot teach us anymore and we were unsure who will be teaching us. Mltt had initially tried asking a conductor from dunman high but nothing came out of it. Then finally he asked the Chuas to teach us. The Chuas (husband and wife team) were already teaching Anglican High, Ngee Ann sec, Hai Sing Catholic and Crescent Girls. So to take one more band was a tough decision. We played for them. Initially theyrejected but in the end they were the ones that will lead us to two SYFs (2003 and 2005).

It was soon the syf auditions. After that came the heart breaing news. Unqualified members.
Who would not have been sad- practiced for about 8 months for syf and in the end they will not be playing. It was a tough decision but it had to be made. I was told not to play tales of the sea but just godzilla. Anyway I was the dog for godzilla and there were rumours that if I was not the dog, I would have definitely not be playing for syf. Then there was this senior of mine who was told not to play for syf. She was already in sec 3 and this syf was her only syf in secondary school. She really wanted to play. Hence, the section members persuaded me to give up my place for her. It was heart breaking. No one would want to give up their place in syf for another person after 8 months of practicing two songs. But on the other hand, there was this sympathy in me. Anyway, the section leader talked to Mrs Chua and she finally gave my senior a chance to play.

SYF 2003

It was the day of syf. We were dressed up in the morning though we were supposed to play in the afternoon. We stood behind in the parade square during falg raising and it was a very proud moment for DMB as the principal announced that we will be leaving for Victoria concert hall to take part insyf. The whole school clapped and cheered for DMB. Then we went back to the music room and settled down. On the board were good luck wishesfrom the alumnis. I really felt proud being a member of dmb.

Soon we were at VCH taking pictures. I was surprised that most of the seniors were excited instead of being nervous like me. Anyway, we took a lot of pictures. Then it was us on the stage. After the impressing blast of notes, everyone clapped and we could hear cheers. Then, some of us cried and hugged on stage! We were so happy cos we certainly played our best. After that we had this gathering outside vch where we cheered for all the soloists and me the doggie. It was a memorable experience. Then came the results. Band no 15, dunearn secondary school…. Gold. This was followed by loud cheers from everyone. Anyway the guys had a bet, if they got silver; fandi(a bandmate) will be kinda beat up and if they got gold, I will be the victim. Hence, we went back to school and the principal was waiting eagerly for us. When I cam down from the bus, I hugged her and told her we got a gold. She said that she initially caught a student wearing ankle socks but after she heard we got gold, she let the student off. The whole band then marched to west mall macdonalds, our frequent place after either a concert or syf to celebrate. The gold was delicious mainly because many bands had criticised dunearn abnd. Dunearn Military Band was initially a bronze band. We were the first band to jump from a bronze in 1999 to a gold in 2001.they had said that mr lee was the main factor we got a gold in 2001 and now that he had left us, we would not smell the gold but we prove them wrong! Anyway there was this website cimfoniq.org where bandmen all over the island come to basically criticise each other. It had since been closed down.

The syf preparations were painful and everyone was under tremendous pressure but we pull it off in the end. The gold was a work of miracle but this miracle only happened through our sheer hard work and practices. WE practiced on Sundays and even had to miss lessons just to practice. The teachers even said that we would get silver. We prove the whole world thatTHEY ARE WRONG. Dunearn Military Band is a pure gold band that makes miracles and is a band of distinction. Every one of us who have experienced that very miracle unfolds in front of their very eyes and hearts are proud to be a member of dmb!