2010 in review

I still remember clearly how the year started... Jinjun, Paul, Jeremy, 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 2008 ended (pretty well), and how it foreshadowed 2009, which was a great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2009 was ending was pretty good, 2010 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.

Another good year in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. I think our little platoon has gone from strength to strength. We've seen many people leave of course, James, Joel, Andre and etc, and their passing (ok maybe not the best word to use) definitely left an impact. But at the same time, we've seen new people join the family and keep the flag flying. I will be really sad to leave in 26 days time, as I've grown too attached to the place and the people that make it up.

Travel wise, this year was a good year for me, visiting Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Bali, Japan and Hong Kong. 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 DC-9-50 and the Beech 1900D, both flights proving to be good ones. Flying over the Rockies has to be the highlight of my flying experiences, along with the business class flight back from Hong Kong not 3 days ago.

Musically, this year was slightly more prolific, and I had the good fortune to both see and play in some excellent concerts. Guest-playing in Prometheum, and in VCH for the last time, was a magnificent experience, and both Up and Chess were very enjoyable. Then we had Of Voices and Winds, my first recital experience. It went decently, could be better, but was a great stepping stone. JCBF was an unexpected windfall for me, allowing me to once again perform in the Esplanade, and once again perform under Mr Oura. JCBF also fulfilled a third of my dream piece list, at least, a third of the ones that I really want to play. The second of the three was fulfilled slightly later than JCBF, at:

Coda VI - Singapore Conference Hall, 20th December 2010
Visions of Flight
Oregon
Romance for Band
Enka Medley
El Camino Real
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Four Hits for Five, by George
Glenn Miller Medley
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese Graffiti XII
Riverdance
Hymn to the Infinite Sky
Hogan's Heroes March

Well if you're wondering about my choice of bolded item this concert, it's because I didn't play for Gershwin. Really though, this time I cannot really think of a single repertoire item that didn't hold significance for me. Of course, the main highlight would be Hymn to the Infinite Sky, the second of the trilogy, and playing for that was an emotional high. However, pieces like El Camino Real and My Neighbour Totoro bring back such fond memories, and most of the pieces are a blast to play, so I really enjoyed the repertoire a lot.

Another thing about RWinds this year, as I'm sure I mentioned earlier, is that I think the whole cycle leading up to Coda has been the most enjoyable and meaningful ever. Unlike previous times, I've gotten to know quite a few people, and grown close to some of them, especially the saxes. Juggling work, RWinds and JCBF in December was hell, and I still have not even had the chance to try to recover, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope this year, this trend will continue, and RWinds will provide even more musical and non-musical fulfillment.

Of course, the most important factor of the past year are my friends. I've had many wonderful experiences with them this year, the highlights of which have just come to pass with Coda and Hong Kong. Once again, word of thanks to the following people, in order of birthdays.

Benjamin Ni - Another year of great musical friendship. All the best for NS, wherever you end up, and hope to see you in Coda VII pracs!

Calvin - Enjoyed the flying around the past year, let's try to avoid Murphy as much as possible on this one.

Hafiz - Thanks for the friendship again, and for coming down to support the various performances. Hope we get the chance to play together again soon.

Jinjun - Well what can I say. Another year of great music, travel and friendship, which I will forever cherish. I hope you've gained as much out of our friendship as I have, and here's to more great experiences in 2011.

Huijun - Thanks for the support this year, you've helped me out sometimes when I needed it. All the best for whatever pursuits you may have, especially in terms of your uni.

Shuotian - One of the most dependable persons I can call a friend. I guess this year will be the last I see you regularly, but that's the way it is, I suppose. Thanks for everything this year, hope you do well in the USA.

Jeremy - Another one of my longest standing friends, if not the longest standing. 8 years have passed already, but our friendship's still as strong as it ever was, for which I cannot express enough gratitude

Paul - Ok this is sounding a bit repetitive, but yeah, thanks for all the fun and laughter you've given me this past year, especially towards the end when I really needed it. May your dreams come true someday, even if not now.

That about wraps it up for individuals, though of course if your name's not there, it's not to say I'm not extremely grateful for all the help and friendship rendered over the past year. Special votes of thanks also go out to RWinds members, especially the saxophones, and to 2^7 Thunder, for making my year especially enjoyable and fulfilling.

2011 holds many things in store. It's marking another big transition in my life, ORD followed by university. Travelwise I am looking at 2 huge (relatively anyway) projects in the form of Japan and the USA, some minor stuff and who knows what else. Musically there's Coda 7 and Of Voices and Winds 2, 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 2011!