Investiture 2008

It's the end of an era in two senses.

2 years and a day after our investiture, it rolls around once more. This time it's the turn of the batch that was Sec 2 when we left.

The investiture was unusually a split one, not entirely sure why. The core elements were present, of course, but the section dinners would wait. I personally don't agree with this, and I can imagine it took a lot of significance away from the Sec 4s.

The Sec 1s went first with Centuria. The standard wasn't too bad for a Sec 1 batch, but overall of course, the greatest room is the room for improvement.

The Sec 2s played Crystal City Overture first, and I was struck by the fact that this is the third batch to play this piece, though somehow I didn't feel this way for Centuria. They also played John Williams in Concert, which was a medley of various pieces such as the Imperial March, the Cantina Band and Jaws. Slightly mangled, as is usually the case.

The Sec 3s played a medley including Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. I was reminded somewhat of our Orientation. They also played their batch piece, Circle of Life. I wish Jurassic Park was still around, although Circle of Life has some poetic meaning. Finally they played Army of the Nile, something I don't consider to be a good idea given Mr Oura's history with the song.

The Sec 4s played Highlights from Ragtime, and played it well for an Investiture piece. Besides the obvious problems of having only one clarinetist and one trumpeter, they managed to sound good, and brought tears to my eyes as I was reminded of Prometheum XI. They next played a different arrangement of First Love as compared to our Utada Hikaru Vocal Selections. I didn't like the arrangement that much. Finally they played Centuria, which I think was the best batch piece ever played in an investiture since I joined the band.

The ceremony followed, and formal mixed with informal. Notable moments include Mr Oura's speech, as usual, the various exco posts being announced, and Jeremy Wong (alto saxophonist) presenting a certificate to Jeremy Wong (alto saxophonist).

After Investiture, I followed the Sec 4s to S11 because I promised Samuel a lift. They talked for a while, I joined in once in a while, then I left, with Samuel in tow.

I think this Investiture is pretty significant for me, because firstly, the band has now come another full cycle since the Prometheum XI band. Secondly, it meant that the batch of 2008 left, and well, I've always held them dear to my heart, almost as much as my own batch. I'm kind of grateful, even, that the Japan trip was with RI, so I could enjoy it with them. Of course, I'm not a member of their batch, so at the most I'm an outside observer. But the individuals that make up their batch are people who I've grown quite close to. It's people like Samuel, Bryan, Benni, Jerald, Alastair, David... who really made me feel welcome everytime I stopped by the band room, and who helped me keep up my spirits and sanity in RJ, knowing that RI band at least remained the warm, friendly, mad and spirited place that I remembered it. I hope their batch makes it through, somehow I know they'll do better than us, and I really hope so.

It's also the end of an era of waiting for one Pixar film and the start of waiting for the next. After the Teachers' Day Celebrations in school (I loved the quiz show, especially *cough1atmcough *), I went down with some people to watch Disney/Pixar's "Wall-E". It was really heartwarming and touching, and I loved it. I won't spoil any, but I'd love to watch it again.