Project Serve

I was reading through my past entries and saw my 2nd week in America post. Feel so paiseh that I couldn’t keep up with the updates. Many have encouraged me in one way or another, and showed concern especially with regards to my spiritual life. Thank you, and I appreciate them very much. It keeps me reminded to read my Bible and pray everyday. Some also have asked if there’s translation for the last entry that was in the Chinese Language. It was mostly about how I realized that I have more things to talk to my Mum when overseas as compared to at home; and how my percussion studies are always getting harder. 

I had my Chamber Music concert this afternoon. The piece is called “Table Music”, where 3 percussionists play individual wooden boards. It’s really interesting and we were glad that the audience enjoyed it. And then I received again the not so exciting email of weekly percussion assignments from my teacher.

I dunno whether to feel happy or sad? I guess I should be happy, cause I have been switched to a more senior group, consisting of a graduate and 2 other 4th year drummers. I’ve never expected this because I find myself already struggling in the present group that I am. My first reaction when I saw the email was - ahh.. siao liao, like not shiong enough. 

But as I am typing this now, I am thankful to God for all the circumstances that He has placed me in. Really, no matter how hard we find ourselves in a particular situation, He gives us enough grace to go through. There were many days and nights in the practice rooms where I look at the score and go “this is crazy, impossible”, and after a few days, boom. I was surprised at how I was playing it smoothly, sometimes doing it with a smile (another kind of crazy maybe.. haha)

I should also mention that I am getting the hang of enjoying my Basic Recording Course. It was so tough the past few weeks that I even thought of dropping it. Many thanks to Roy, Moo Dean, Randy and Amos who patiently taught me the theory and practical stuff of Condensers, XLR, Dynamic, Ribbon, Super/Hyper Cardioid polar patterns, Shure SM 57, D112, AKG 414, Phantom Power etc when I was in Singapore. My other classmates (5 in all) are either Recording Arts Majors or people who have some kind of background (like parents who are pro studio recording engineers) , so it must have been much tougher without some kind of fundamental knowledge. We’ll be moving to some hands on recording after my mid term test next week and really looking forward to it. 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

大家还好吗？

最近算还过得哦棵。觉得打电话回家的时候和妈妈能聊特别多东西。打击乐还是依旧的有压力。每一次上完一堂专业课就要开始预备下几堂的课。感觉就象每个星期都有好几次的演出。我相信这不是坏事，只是真的很难把这些重担完全卸下。求主怜悯。

希望能够听到一些新加波的消息。

Shawn Koh: don’t want to update your status to us still dare to change profile pictures….. so daoz…

Derrick: weekend will update lar..

So that was what happened on facebook when I changed my profile picture recently. That guy in the picture is one of my first “ang mo” peer that I got to know in school. An 18 year old freshman from Michigan. Percussion major too, and we’re playing together in a chamber piece.

Today’s weather was amazingly and abruptly warm. Reminds me of Singapore, especially the evening temperature. 

I’m not sure what to start with. Basically there are 2 major aspects of my life here: School and Church. Maybe I’ll start with 2 quotes from my teachers which have helped me greatly in my practice times:

1. “Just trust the groove”

It’s amazing how my time centering is better maintained when I remind myself of this. I’m playing a piece now that is completely sync to a CD that is playing other stuff. No click tracks or whatsoever. So there’s a lot of communication between me and the machine, ironic as it seems. 

2. “You think you got it but you haven’t”

This is about repeating 3 bars of music for an hour, kind of thing. Making sure that the phrase is really in me before proceeding. 

That’s all for school. 

I had my first outdoor worship at Ellicot City. It was really a cool first time experience. The cool breeze, warm sun, trees and lakes.. Playing piano and drums (digital) in the open air. It was very sunny cold, if that makes sense. Wind was strong, like MTV. I spent lots of time thinking about my time in Baltimore thus far.

Today marks the start of fall break. It is a really short break. We resume classes on Wednesday. Nevertheless, it is like a pseudo halfway mark for me. The thing that I appreciate very much, apart from music here, is the Church I’m in. 

I attended xiaozu last night and boy, the sharings by brothers and sisters are deep. Very transparent as well. I am deeply encouraged by how the word of God must stay present in every xiaozu, no matter how we think that might turn new non Christian friends off. The loving rebuke yet no compromise discussions, and heartfelt encouragements are so treasurable. I heard how a young father tells us plainly that he struggles to manage church and work life. He finds himself sacrificing his work and green card at the expense of Church. There’s real pain, real people, real God.

Haggai 1:5 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.