Da Capo 2008 - A tribute to Mr Leonard Tan

Every time during concert we think, "This must the best we can play." Then the next concert, Mr Tan will draw something else from us, then we think, "Wow, didn't know we can play something like this."



Mr Tan is the man. We all are here because he is here.


Qicai, "The Man".

Da Capo 2008 marks the final day we on the stage with Mr Tan. The last chance to see him dancing just in front.


Joanna.

I think my batch will feel the strongest. We enter when Mr Tan is here, and 2 years has passed.


Jinyang.

17 Oct 2008 (From Jinyang)

Another concert has passed with nusws...

Perhaps I played in so many concerts, that I've numbed myself to the emptiness that follows the past weeks of intense training and music-making. For myself to try to avoid the sudden loss in direction in life, which happens after the band reaches the the climax of the concert, the grand finale, the culmination of everyone's efforts.

maybe I've seen more than the fair share of conductors come and leave nusws... since I got pulled along as guest player by Meow Er's batch (think in '98/99)... from Mr Robert C to Dr Lee TT to Dr Mak to Mr Tan. 

I've heard umpteen times in these scenes that bands have their cycles of ups and downs, and seen so when changes happen to members, school i/cs, conductors. Having brought the band from the doldrums and given inspiration to the new batch of members the past 2 yrs, Mr Tan will be leaving to further his studies.

This concert felt different to me. It was more emotionally intense than those SYF competitions, where we practised for hours and hours to get that mark of achievement, stating our (school band)'s profoundness in music. Different from trying to wow everyone with some cheem piece of work (esp that experience with one mega piece per half). It was a bonding of the conductor and band and audience, and music was the conduit. Just like what I felt in Besana. Perhaps this concert was more special, since we didn't know when he'll come back to conduct or if he'll come back i.e. maybe this is the "last chance"? But most likely, it was to share with Mr Tan what we've learnt from his passionate teaching, and show it to everyone the joy of music. 

I suppose with an ending somewhere, one learns to treasure the journey more, for a chance at a better beginning sometime again.

The older generation has seen more conductors, and the younger simply isn't with him long enough like us.

音乐是时间的变体 (by jieying)

音乐记载的不只是心情，也是时间。

昨天的表演是指挥与我们同台的最后一场。走的是他，别离的气息却围绕着很多人。 听说，很多人也会因此离开。当初，要不是学长夸张地将指挥捧上天，我也不会抗拒。这种事，让一个人渐渐地去体会，会胜过千言万语的。

演出过后，有学长说感觉被掏空了。

从一进入大学乐团到现在，每一场演出的结束是松了一口气。然而，昨天却是掏空了的灵魂，霎时有点迷惘。可能是因为trombone section也会有学长离去？抑或，大家混得太熟了，演出的结束竟等于了分开。我们都不确定下一个学期会不会继续，因为课业开始繁重了。

大家嘴上这样讲，却透露出依依的气息。

想要潇洒，却没有那种豪迈。

我们幸运很多，有音乐来保留我们的时光。练习前的晚餐、练习时的荒唐、酒杯间的交心谈话，都在那堆乐谱黑得不行的音符间沉淀下来。指挥说，trombone是很有性格的乐器，玩的人也亦如此。我却认为，我们是一群合得来的孤傲个体。骨子里是那种倔强，然而也常有脆弱的时候。好在，虽然孤独，却又一群同类能彻彻底底了解你；常常是那些无声的安慰。

在一些曲子的间中，我曾希望就这样定格。

希望时间会有永恒。

不是舍不得那些晚餐时光、不是那些折腾得练习。

是一种结束的感伤。

人长大了就要豁达一点，不是吗？

十年之后，偶然耳边传来的是昨晚的旋律，时间一定会重现在昨晚。

I try to remember every single word he said, yet I fail. What he taught us will always in our memories, and they made us grow.


Nick.

Because of him, the band grows, has more instruments, and more loyal people.


Christopher.

Everyone is bonded together so tightly.


Khee Nguen.

I am so glad that I was in the previous exco, so I had chance to work with him for a whole year.



Time flies and finally it's the day that he is leaving us.


Weird looking mic that gone disappeared.

No matter how sad we are, we have to accept the fact that Mr Tan will be more happy to follow his pursuit of study.


Oboes!

He will continue learning, just like any one of us.


The pretty harpist that sat behind me.

We shall wait for the day the he returns, a new Mr Tan.



By then, it's about fate whether we will still be under him again. One thing I am for sure, everyone will be hoping for it.



We know how much Mr Tan has changed us.

From Ben:

Today Mr Tan mentioned during practice that he enjoyed working with us a lot. So did we. A lot a lot. Things will definitely change without him. He even remembered the first piece he ever played with us. Do Re Mi. How apt. It happens to be the first 3 notes in music. He remembered 3 greatest moments with us. First being conducting us for the first concert performing the song Bayou Breakdown. Second, the times that we had in Italy, enjoying our hearts out performing. And lastly, performing Planet Earth at UCC, especially during the 3rd movement, Hymn to Gaia. It was the first time i saw him cry during a performance.

Today after my session of conducting, Mr Tan complimented me on my conducting and said that there’s nothing that he didn’t agree with, with what i said. He has taught me so much, and i wouldn’t have learnt all these if i had decided to quit band when i was in year 1. Everything that he had taught me, i had applied into my conducting. That’s the best farewell gift that i can give him, even after he leaves, it is my responsibility as student conductor to carry on his teachings. Extreme Makeover will be the showcase for the concert later tonight. Indeed, this band will be going through an extreme makeover after this concert. Too extreme for us? A little. He performed a little miracle on us, and changed us to who we are today. But time passes by so quickly, so fast before we even realize it. But we can trap time. Trap it within the music. We need to remember his teachings and his lessons, his spirit in music, his acts of kindness, sacrifices, and extreme humility.

“Music is between the notes.” Simple words, yet more powerful than any sentence. Mr Leonard Tan. Or should i say Maestro Leonard.

Showing off.

From Daniel:

Today marks the very last NUSWS rehearsal with Mr. Leonard Tan before our concert tomorrow. In the dying minutes of the rehearsal he was reminiscing about our past concerts.

About the toughest piece of his very first concert with us and mine as well, Bayou Breakdown ( during which we nearly broke down).

About one of the rehearsals for Poema, which was so high, it fired up neurons in my brain never before activated.

About the Besana Series of concert, in Italy where during each and every performance we got a standing ovation.

And lastly about the third and final movement of Planet Earth where rumour has it, he teared.

I thought Planet Earth was about as high as it was going to get. When I heard the electronic Big Bang for the very first time and I felt the vibrations resonating on stage, it sent shivers up my spine and I haven't even played a single note.

But I thought wrong. You know the feeling that envelopes you when you are at the last 100m of a half marathon, that spine-tingling adrenaline rush that pushes you beyond your point of pain, beyond the threshold of human endurance, propelling you to somewhere greater, higher, stronger?

That is the feeling I got when playing extreme makeover today.

The concert ended last night. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that these 5 semesters in NUSWS had been awesome. And so with the adrenaline of Extreme Makeover still pumping in my veins, the memories of the medley lingering in my head, I played the last few notes of it's a small world and realised that those are the very last notes I am going to play under Mr. Leonard Tan. and I couldn't help but tear.

Goodbye Mr. Tan. All the very best!

From Erina:

I'm feeling weird because it is Mr. Tan's last concert with us, and boy I'll miss band without him.

Sighhhhh.

Well this is life.

We all will still have fun tonight!

The concert got quite emotional towards the end.

And I was feeling fine after the concert.

However after reaching home, my heart became heavy, because I know there are people whom I won't see joining NUSWS for practices after today.

Wishing all the best to our dear Maestro!

Really have to say thanks to these people for their words. Since I started reading, my tears refuse to stop flowing out of my eyes.


Trumpets.

Da Capo 2006, the first concert with Mr Tan.

Kirkpatrick Fanfare
Fantasia (On Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair)
Sea Songs
Hymn to the infinite Sky
Saxophone ensemble
Danse Diabolique
Miss Saigon
Bayou Breakdown


Horns.

InTempo 2007, that we climbed the Alps with Mr Tan. Now thinking back, 22min isn't really tough, so I know how much we have grown. The second last rehearsal was the very first time when the feeling struck me. The feeling of deep in music as a whole band.

Merry Wives of Winsor
Immer Kleiner, "Always Smaller"
Sound of Music
Soaring Over the Ridges - the Impression of the North Alps
Silver Screen
Poema Alpestre



Italy Trip, where we enjoyed so much that we all miss the place even until now.



Da Capo 2007, the first concert for me as a committee member.

Nitro
No Shadow of Turning
"Elisabeth" The Musical
Slavonic March in B Flat Minor, Op. 31 "Marche Slave"
Classical Suite
Second Suite in F
Auf Einem Persischen Markt (In a Persian Market)
Star Wars Trilogy


Xiu Yu the clarinet SL.

InTempo 2008, one the highest point of our performances. A moment of change in my life as I started playing English horn, under the full support of Mr Tan.

Crescent and Stars
English Folk Song Suite
Finlandia
Cartoon
Symphony No. 3 Planet Earth



The band has been expanding. From a ordinary band to a full size band with full clarinet strength, contra-bassoon and harp. Of course a full time English horn, and that's me. You see, not many full band has full time English horn player, ok?


Mr. Ian Lum Ah Beng.

Da Capo 2008 was over in a flash. It brought back memories of my first practice with Mr Leonard Tan, doing Spring March and other pieces. I remembered my debut on the Eb Clarinet, and how much I really loved the pieces. I looked forward to every single band practice, and I'm pretty sure most of us felt the same.

I was glad I did not leave the band when Dr Mac left.

With Mr Leonard Tan, I had the opportunity to play Immer Kleiner, my first solo with a band. Then came the Italy trip, with drum majoring opportunities and even a chance to conduct. I remembered the inspiration I got from this great man, who never failed to teach us new things every time we see him. We talked a lot during the trip, and I was in for a big surprise after we all got back.

I had the opportunity to hone my conducting skills after being appointed Assistant Conductor under Leonard's recommendation, and this proved to be a huge turning point in my life. Being Assistant, I learnt conducting techniques from this great conductor, and learnt not just how to conduct, but also how to teach effectively.

Two and a half years have flown by since this great man entered into our lives. I knew that through NUSWS, he has changed me forever. Presenting the Medley to Leonard after we finished, I had so much to say, yet I could not say anything. And I know that the best way I could repay him is to stay on and continue his teachings through my own teaching.

I do not know how long I will be in this career, but I do know that as long as I am still teaching, I will continue to inspire my students, just as this great man had inspired me.

To Mr Leonard Tan, who has inspired me and many others, a sincere Thank You, and I wish you all the best in your doctorate studies. We will definitely meet again!

I will carry on your music, in between the notes :)

And here, I thank all from NUSWS for a fantastic concert! Great job for the Medley which we took 2 rehearsals to do! :)

The lame jokes that he told us.


Miss Woan Rong.

The dances that have never been repetitive.


Mr Kang.

How he shouts of excitedness...


The one and only Double Bass player. Like me.

How he trys to sing the melody but sounds wrong...


The fierce girl.

How he gives full eye support to the soloists.



Every single act of Mr Tan brings us something.


Flutes!

Remember how he says, "Flutes, play 3 times louder!"


Nick!

Remember how he says, "NEEEEEK, look at me!!!" (corrected by Nick himself)


Khee Nguen trying to eat clarinet.

Remember he says, "Khee Nguen is the man to bring joy to the band"


Singing part. Things going on at background.

Remember he says, "Louder!! Sing louder!!"


Happy trombones and mouth-covered-by-stands euphoniums.

Remember he says, "Trombones, don't blast!" "Euphoniums, bless you on the high notes."


Oboe.




The photographer.


The emcee.


The hug of the year.

I am sure Ming Wei will miss him. See his eyes.


The book.


"Three things you need to do".

And we shall remember that even after you leave.


The t-shirt.


"Music is between the notes".

That's really the first thing I heard from you since the first rehearsal.


Practising the percussion ensemble.


Dinner time!

I remember you telling us that banana is good for concert.


And the dinner.

I remember you telling us, "No spicy food and no alcohol!"


The girl was so not happy with the food.



You said that we all look good with the orange ties.






Stephen the boss.


When bassoon meets English horn.


Are they holding hand?

thank you (by Firdaus)

I guess the journey ended too soon
We have only scaled a few peaks thus far
And there's many more to go
And a few valleys too
But we'll move on nonetheless
The road is still long ahead, neverending
Thank you for being part of this great adventure

Hui Lian with her sweets.


Boss and Gloria. Somehow looks like wedding photo. Got the "sweet" feeling.


Jane the harpist.


Zel the quiet saxophonist. That is if compared to Zoey Tay.


President Kang.


Jian xiang the soloist of the day.


The second soloist of the day.


Flute section.

The concert was over in a flash. I was just hoping it to be longer, but before I realised, it was over.


Tuning.

I played so badly for the night. When you told me that, "It's Ok", I can think nothing but to regret for not making this last concert the best one I can give.


Random sax.

When my part of "The Old Castle" finished nicely, I was so proud that I had not wasted your endless teaching on that part.


Saxophone section.

After Extreme Make-over, I was so tired that almost felt like fainted, but I remember you teaching us to smile to the audience.


Double reeds section.

When you jumped up to the stage and prepared to give the encore, Ian and I were panicked, because we hadn't given you the medley. Lucky Susanna came out and stopped you.



When the emcee talked about the things you went through with us, I was on the edge of crying. When I turned and saw Jama crying badly, my tears broke the obstruction. The next thing I knew was that my reeds started to taste salty.



It couldn't help when I turned and saw that your eyes were red.



I don't remember how the medley ended. What I remember was just that I used all of my remaining energy to play the notes, because it might be the last chance I play for you.


Clarinet section.

Words from Edna's friend:

night, went for wind symphony concert. felt that the best song played was the medley dedicated to the conductor. it was when the orchestra "woke up" and played as one heart. and that the sound made from each and single player is meant to speak to the conductor. and i was touched.

Yes, we are all as one heart.



When the medley had finished, I knew I had no more chance to play.



When the band was playing "In a Small World", what I could do was just sitting there crying silently.


Edna the Euphonium player.

To think again after yesterday Da Capo 2008,
8 years of band music,
I owe my music life to 3 men.

Mr Er Wee San,
Who made me an euphonium player.
Crying and quarreling with him for this.

Mr Adrian Chiang,
Who inspire me as an euphonium player.
I am glad that you were my JC conductor,
Till now, after 5 years.

Mr Leonard Tan,
Who taught me what Music is really about.
Music became a totally different thing under your baton.
I learnt to play for the music.

One stepped out of my life.
One leaving our little red dot for a better future.
One I'm still learning under with.

The footprint you left,
it's always in my heart.
For the music that we love.

Goodbye, Mr Tan. 

Though I wont be in Singapore too next sem,
like him.
I'm still learning music in New Zealand.

For music is my life.

The very last sustained note struck me and the audiences. It felt like it would go on forever. But things will come to ending. How I wished I could play the sustained note with you.

Da Capo. Al Fine. (By Qicai)

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires"

For many NUSWS members, 17th October 2008 was a night of tears and laughter, and the memory forever etched in their minds. It marked the end of a 2-year journey with one of the amazing person I ever known, the one and only Maestro Leonard Tan.

Da Capo

My time under Mr Tan has been a journey of rediscovery, of relearning what it means to be a musician. For me, it was really 'back to the beginning'.

I remember when I rejoined NUSWS in 06/07 Sem 1, which was when Mr Tan joined the band. After a disappointing first semester with NUSWS when it was still under Dr Tony, I decided to go on a hiatus during my second semester. During the beginning of 06/07 Sem 1, I was considering to rejoin NUSWS because I had too much free time, but on the day of the Welcome Tea, I almost didn't attend as I was feeling very tired. In the end I still did, and the rest was history.

It was one of those decisions which unknowingly became one of the best I would ever make.

Al Fine

Fast-forward 2 years, and NUSWS had come so far under Mr Tan. We have conquered "Poema Alpestre" and "Planet Earth", and now we are awaiting our greatest challenge yet, "Extreme Makeover". Somehow, we managed to pull it off even though we only had a total of FIVE rehearsals on it, including one with Mr Tan absent. It was like a miracle, but miracles happen under Mr Tan. But the real touching part came with the farewell speech and the surprise medley we have prepared and "It's A Small World". How we have played! With all our heart and emotions, with thoughts on everything we have experienced during the past 2 years, and with the knowledge that these would be the last pieces we would play with Mr Tan, maybe till forever. I can say with all honesty that Mr Tan and a lot of members were sincerely moved, and the tears which dropped were heartfelt and genuine. And how the tears flowed! Can you feel the intensity of that last chord, a super-sustained last note, with everyone playing with everything they have got left, because no one wanted it to end!

But ended it did. That last chord may have faded, but the 2 years of joy, laughter and music will resonate forever.

Epilogue

"The power of talent and humility"

I feel very lucky that my life has been touched by Mr Leonard Tan. He is one of the greatest inspiration to my life, and is a genuinely passionate teacher. But above all these, he is a truly good man, and is one of the kindest person I have ever met in my life. No matter what happens, he never betrays his convictions, and is always true to the music and his students. NUSWS would never had reached its current level without him, and more importantly, a lot of the friendships formed within the band would not have existed if he wasn't around. He is the heart and soul of NUSWS. Because of him, so many people have rekindled their love of music, and so many people have reaffirmed their belief in the power of the ensemble. No matter where my life leads me in the future, I will always remember this remarkable man and these incredible 2 years in NUSWS.

Goodbye Mr Leonard Tan, and thank you for all the memories you have left us. Please do not ever forget us, because we will never forget you...

Joanna said, "It was the look that Mr Tan gave us after the sustained note that made me cried."

By Jie Ying's friend:

Attended "Da Capo 08" presented by NUS Wind Symphony last night. The two opening marches, "King Cotton March" and "Children's March", were impressive with robust sounds and dramatic dynamic contrasts that showed off the youthful energy and colorful tones of various sections. "October" was a quiet piece which, regrettably, revealed a few shortcomings of the orchestra and felt contrived and procedural. "Extreme Makeover" was interesting with those tuned bottles and imaginative metamorphoses of the Tchaikovsky themes, although some parts felt extraneous and don't-know-what's-the-point (they probably required repeated listens to understand the intent). The final two encore pieces - a medley dedicated to the departing conductor and "It's A Small World" - turned out to be the most heartfelt and memorable pieces of the night. The musicians felt for the pieces, and the audience could feel it. 

In general the bass sections were particularly impressive (that included the sole string bass player) - sometimes so impressive that the higher sections paled in comparison. But it wasn't a lack of technicalities - the players all played well, but at accelerando passages when the bass section tried to drive the piece on with strong pulses as directed by the conductor, the rest of the orchestra seemed not able to keep up and this caused the orchestra to feel a little detached. This was especially evident in "Extreme Makeover", where there was plenty of pyrotechnics. But that was probably inconsequential. All in all, the music of NUSWS had been great - sincere, passionate and inspiring. 

D.C. - da capo - could have been short for 'disconnected'. But NUSWS was far from being disconnected. The bond among the conductor and orchestra members was evident throughout, and that's what made the music so special. 

I was thinking, this may be the peak of the concerts in my life. Not technically, but mentally.


Mr. Lum and his wife with his kids.

Da Capo 08 (From Huili aka Mrs. Lum)

While playing the medley in the concert, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful memories the wind symphony shared with Mr Tan during the past 2 years, particularly how he brought the band to this great height with his music passion and inspirations. 

I always looked forward to every rehearsal and concert under the tutelage of Mr Tan, even if it means to sacrifice my late classes occasionally in order not to disrupt the practice sessions. Band rehearsals with him are nothing less than challenging ourselves constantly, with great music compositions and transcriptions like Poema Alpestre, Pictures in the Exhibition, Merry Wives of Windsor, Planet Earth and Extreme Makeover. 

At the end of each rehearsal, more importantly, I would take away with me some priceless learning pointers he shared generously with us. Some of these include:

“A piece of music is not about playing it fast or slow, loud or soft, but rather, whether it is played interestingly.” He would then quote the example of a famous conductor who conducted Vienna Philharmonic on “Beethoven’s Symphony No.8” at a tempo half of Allegro, yet he made the piece came alive.

His favourite quote of “music is created in between the notes.”

“Air is free. Breathe in as much as you can and exploit it.” He quoted this from Arnold Jacob, encouraging us to play good and broad tone.

“When a composer writes a piece, he has the right to ask for the best soloistic players to perform the solo parts well. So it’s not about giving chance (to people who’s not skilful enough to play solo). The fact is that when they’re in the band, they’re already given the opportunity to play in it.”

“When the note is not in tune, always suspect that you are the one who go out of tune.” I particularly like this quote cos’ it taught me an important lesson in life that when things go awry, one should not always put the blame on others, but instead, self-reflect.

Though I’m sad that Mr Tan’s leaving the wind symphony, I feel happy for him that he’s going overseas to upgrade himself musically. I wish him all the best in his doctorate studies in US.

They said that I am too weak. I just said, "I play English horn, and English horn is a sorrowful instrument."


The most difficult thing is to ask Zoey to close her mouth.

Ming Wei said that we should be staying even after you leave. Yes I will.



For me, I grew up with the band, and you are like our father.



A family still need to be prosperous even when the father is not around.



Next time when you come back, you can see a different us.



Good luck and take care, Mr Tan.

This is what I will remember, forever!