The end... ?

Nicked this from a friend's blog (thanks KY!), and I must say, I was very surprised, and went like "Wow!".

Being on stage performing, I don't get to see the lighting effects, nor did I get to see what was being projected at which songs, etc. It certainly adds a different feel or dimension to the entire show. Well, I sort of knew there were some stuffs being projected, but didn't know what and for which songs.

Yes, must definitely thank our artistic director and choreographer, Michael Xavier Voon for getting involved in our production.

As for the whites which we wore, damnit!, it looked good on stage. When we were initially told that white would be the colour for the first half, I was going like oh no!, not my colour at all. But with everyone wearing white, combined with the lighting effects, it does look good indeed! Thank you Sam! :)

For the music, well, there were moments I guess, but admittedly, some songs were pretty messy. Pitching was off on occassion, but more often than not, it was spot on. Nevertheless, there were magical moments for me, even when I was singing, particularly for the slower songs. As for the "kayu"ness, I guess the more we perform, the better we get. Can only learn through experience, no doubt some are a natural at it! - yes ZL! :), but I am still learning myself...

For the voices, two for me were outstanding, WM and JP, my seniors in the music school (VTM) in Taman Desa where we take lessons. I guess I have a few more years to go in vocal training before I get to their current level of singing. Hearing them gives me inspiration to want to sing better.

Overall, coming from someone who was involved in the production, it was very hectic/stressful to handle both the musical aspect as well as the production of the show (and the choreo - sooo susah man oh man - especially for William Tell - but it did look good!). But am also glad that every member took on some role in contributing to the show. Well done to all the members. And you know what? Considering that this was done by almost all who have other full time job commitments, I feel a better sense of achievement.

It is over? It is over?!!

Yes, after all the months of rehearsing, and the intense sessions over the past two weeks, the "Mostly, We Moon..." concert is over. There is a feeling of gladness that it is over, yet there is also the feeling that "Hang on! I don't want it to end!". All the joys and tears, have been summed up nicely in our finale song "I'll be there".

Out of the entire session, I personally felt that Saturday night was our best night, followed by our Sunday night show, Sunday matinee show, Thursday's HOSPIS charity show, and Friday night show. Overall, it has been a personal journey of learning and sharing with the group, especially the various ups and downs during the various sessions. Am glad that the group managed to stay tight through it all.

To be critical, there were definitely areas which could be improved, especially in terms of music, but as the show progressed, we managed to iron out the "nitty-gritty" areas and presented a more coherent show in terms of music togetherness. Am glad the last show closed with a "Bang!". The crowd was great, was very supportive and it is always so good to see the audience getting into the music.

My personal favourites in terms of songs? I guess some would prefer the faster songs, whilst others prefered the slower ones. I personally liked "Loch Lomond" because of the tightness of the song and the beautiful overall feel, and of course, "Mbube". Mbube was done best on Saturday night I think. I literally felt the "magic" and a peaceful feel came upon me when the medley of "Hijau" came in. There were other brilliant moments for me, but that's for another day.

It is over? It is really over?!! Would like to thank all who came and supported in one way or another. Hope a good and an enjoyable time had been experienced by all.

Drumroll……. 3! 2! 1! TAADAAAAAA!!!

It’s SHOWTIME! Well…, almost!

2 days to go before the opening night for the concert. Everyone is kind of concerned about preservation of voice for the entire show, with regular reminders to drink more water, get more rest, eat properly, avoid deep fried or heaty food (gasp! Who would dare! :P)

Publicity for the concert has stepped up a notch or two. Almost everyday, there would be some kind of advertisement or listing in the various newspapers, magazines, etc. Astro, as one of our sponsors, has very kindly given much needed air time to help promote our show. Myself, I have not had time to watch any TV at all for the past two weeks at least, but heard from various sources of the publicity blitz on TV. Promotion via radio is also going on, with an interview conducted on Monday night. Last I heard, 8TV will also be showing a glimpse or two of the group sometime Wednesday night.

Have the nerves set in? I have gone from:

a. what am I doing?
b. Huh? Concert is next month?
c. S^&$! Got 6 more songs to memorise!
d. Wah! Choreo so complicated one ah!
e. Am SO not ready! S^&$! S^&$! S^&$!

It’s like a rollercoaster ride: anticipation, dread, excitement, nerves, adrenaline push, and I assure you, can get high on this. Usually after such a concert, there is a feeling of exuberance before withdrawal symptoms set in, and have to manage a feeling of minor depression. But, it is all in the experience. So many sacrifices have been made: time away from loved ones, time away from close friends, juggling between exams and key rehearsal slots,… and the list could go on.

This group so far, although having occasional disagreements here and there, has managed to stick together, and tried to work out differences. Yes, the ugly side of one’s strong overbearing personality will rear its not so pleasant head under stress, with occasional snaps here and there, but at the end, we are in this as a group, and have to learn to forgive (and it is not easy, I can assure you). After all, this is a team effort. I can tell you also, producing this show is such a humongous task, but each member has readily lent some aspect of his or her strength to the production of the show. After all, no one is perfect, but it is in the compromising of such imperfections that beautiful harmony may be achieved.

2 more days to go…