Just read a post over at Char's blog.. which struck a chord and started the memories started flooding in...

I particularly like this sentence (which Sheena, a junior said) and I quote: "There's a distinct difference between striving for the best.. and trying to maintain your top position... the former being more fulfilling."

And I realise and can fully understand what that meant...

My memories of VJ was singing in the choir. Maintaining her 'legacy' and position as a top choir in Singapore. I especially like singing in mixed positions - where I would be standing with someone not from my own section - to me, it was a challenge. Because almost everyone there had strong music background, it seemed that we spent little time on learning the songs, but more of learning how to execute it. But there is the challenge of attempting tougher and challenging songs in various languages. Now, I probably can't remember much of the songs I've learnt.

And of course, I remember the stress of having to perform well cause we are VJ choir. The high expectations and striving to meet them.

It was a good experience - going to Prague, singing at the Esplanade, performing in concerts.

What started me out onto the path of choral singing? St Nicks choir.

And in contrast, SN choir was, well, not as accomplished as VJ choir. For the first couple of years I was there, I would say we were quite a dumping ground for girls who couldn't get their first choice of CCA. We were initially unadventurous - sticking to songs with accompaniment (in contrast, we hardly did any songs with accompaniment in VJ).

Yet, in SN Choir, I remember the struggles - the struggles of attendance (ie: getting people to come for practice), the despair felt after failing to teach the sections how to sing their parts, the difficulty in putting the song together.

I remember also, the 'individual testings' we had to go through under a certain Ms Toh. The fear I felt before my turn because I didn't want to incur her wrath.

Other fond memories - going up to the roof of the new extension after a particularly bad practice, the playground, sitting in the canteen enjoying ice Milo and shortbread.

The songs we sang were definitely simpler and even though SN Choir is such a long time back, I still remember the words to some of them ~ Silver Lining, Donna, Laudate... I remember learning the Hallelujah Chorus in Sec 1. IT was massive! and I like Jubilate Deo! :)

This was where I first got acquainted with Victoria Concert Hall. The steep steps up and down the stage.

And you know what? given a chance to relive my moments in the 2 choirs, I think I would choose to go back to the time when I was a SN choir gal more than a VJ choir member.

=====

Meanwhile, I reek of lethargy. Can't bring myself to do stuff. I have less than a month before I leave St Gallen. It's getting tough. I feel like hibernating at home everyday. I hope this phase passes soon.