2009 in review

I still remember clearly how the year started... Jinjun, Paul, Jeremy, Wen Chong, Calvin and I, among others, standing at the end of East Coast Park with our bikes, watching the fireworks.

At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2007 ended (pretty well), and how it foreshadowed 2008, which was a great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2008 was ending was pretty good, 2009 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.

Obviously the big change in my life was National Service. As a result of this the first 4 months of the year proved to be the darkest time of my life so far, and I remember thinking if I'd ever recover from my spell of depression and isolation.

Fortunately recover I did, probably due to my inception into the Republic of Singapore Air Force, which, in contrast to the Army, inspires pride and passion in me. I think that being in the Air Force has been an exceptional experience for me, in no small part due to the people who make up this wonderful service. Everyone seems proud to be there and do their job, and in such an environment, can one not help but feel the same way?

Through working in the Air Force, I've definitely grown somewhat, and picked up new skills and experience along the way, especially learning how to work with people not of similar backgrounds to me, which I've not really experienced before. Fortunately things couldn't be better in my squadron, a small but cohesive group, especially my platoon.

Travel wise, this year was a good year for me, visiting the United States, United Kingdom, Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries and experience their cultures and scenery. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. 2 new types this year for me, the Airbus A340-300 and the DeHavilland DHC-8-300, both flights proving to be good ones. Flying over the Southern Alps has to be the highlight of my flying experiences. Seeing the 787 fly was another great moment, and I won't easily forget the feeling at 2am on that Wednesday watching live as the bird took to the skies.

Musically, this year was not as prolific as the last, for obvious reasons. However I had the good fortune to both see and play in some excellent concerts. The highlight of my audience experience this year would be the trip to Kuala Lumpur for the Igudesman & Joo concerts, both of which I found humourous and yet musically excellent. The duo opened up new avenues with which to enjoy music, and I still hope to see them in Singapore one day (when we invite them).

Musician-wise, I had the good fortune to go back to my alma-mater to guest play for:

Limelight - Esplanade Concert Hall, 15th July 2009
Army of the Nile (repeated from Band Fiesta 2006, National Band Competition 2006, Prometheum XI and A Tempo XIX)
Hymn of the Highlands
Greensleeves
Daphnis Et Chloe
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March Willing and Able
Shichi-Go-San
Poppo-Poppo
Gershwin!
The Third Man Theme
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Takarajima (repeated from Coda, A Tempo XVII, A Tempo XVIII, A Tempo XIX)

This concert was a good experience for me, especially playing Hymn of the Highlands. I still hope to see some recordings of it someday. The most important thing this concert did, though, was to bring me closer to my juniors, especially the batch of now-J2s. Definitely, without this concert, I may not have become as close to some people, especially Huijun, as I am now.

The most important musical journey I've made this year however, was taken alongside the Raffles Winds as we journeyed towards:

Coda V - Victoria Concert Hall, 30th December 2009
A Yorkshire Overture
Shirim
Wintersturme
Saga Maligna (repeated from A Tempo XIX)
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Saxophone Ensemble:
La Paloma
The Teddy Bear's Picnic
My Neighbour Totoro

The Incredibles
Beauty and the Beast (repeated from Prometheum X and Play 2008)
Ode to VCH
Persis Overture
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Can't Take My Eyes Off You (repeated from Prometheum X)

The journey here wasn't been easy, especially as a librarian... mention the words "The Incredibles" or "Shirim" in the same sentence and I will faint. Even so, it has been very rewarding. This year's committee has been a great bunch of people, and I find myself closer to them than last year. The band too, seems to be growing every year, with a few more committed members each time.

The concert itself was a remarkable experience. Sadly the second half didn't go as well as I liked, but the first half more than made up for it. I remember discussing with Benni a few days before, and him asking me which piece I felt would be the center piece of the concert. At first I replied that it could be one of Saga Maligna, Ode to VCH or Persis, but now, my answer is clear. I would give anything to relive that experience of playing Saga Maligna. I think the band worked magic with that piece, and many audience members and players probably agree. The outburst of emotions I felt during God in de Hemel... Somehow I don't think I'll ever feel that again.

Of course, the most important factor of the past year are my friends. For once, I can say that the same people I considered my close friends at the end of 2008 are the people I consider my close friends at the end of 2009, with one or two minor changes. I think this is the first time such a thing has happened. Once again, words of thanks to the following people, in alphabetical order:

Ben - Another year of great musical friendship, thanks for accepting the offer to be in the comm, you've done a great job, especially considering no instruments have been lost, which is more than I can say about the scores. Thanks too for all the talks about band and life, and the interesting blog. 1000th post, I've heard.

Bertrand - Another year of great aviation friendship. All the best in realising your dreams of being an Air Force pilot, hope to see you above all soon, in the best service of the SAF.

Calvin - As ever, if I ever need someone to help out, you're always there. Part of the travelling trio that seems to have grown into a regular thing though. May you keep flying, busing and hopefully one day you'll get to fly an AirAsia A320 too.

Huijun - We met immediately after my first bookout, and at the SYF dinner, but I think without Limelight, I wouldn't have gotten to know what a great person you are. Hope that we can play together again next year, but first, let's reach the summit of Ophir!

Jeremy - Thanks for the support, friendship and fun over the past year, hope you achieve your dream (though I know what it is, I'm not saying it here). Thanks too for extending your ORD to be with Jinjun and I in 2011!

Jinjun - Once again, you've made this year survivable for me. Our friendship has continued to grow, thankfully, since 2008 and I don't know what I'd do without you. Our travels together shall continue to extend far and wide, and more countries around the world will turn blue, I'm sure.

Paul - The same as ever. The year has been marked with many outings to each other's house, chiefly to GH with Jinjun and others. Keep being happy, and have some more fun this year.

Shuotian - Ever dependable, and a great friend to have. I'm really thankful that you played for Coda 5, and hope to see you again next year. All the best for the coming year, and here's to USA 2011.

I guess that about sums it up, if I've forgotten anyone, I sincerely apologise and beg you to let me know.

2010 holds many things in store, travelwise we have Ophir, Kinabalu and who knows what else. Musically there's Coda 6, possibly more experiences in the form of good performances and learning experiences too. Friendship wise, I hope that I can say the same thing next year that I did a few paragraphs ago.

Onward to 2010!