Taylor's Symphonic Orchestra Russian Roulette

I just performed in an orchestra NOT related to Nan Hwa for the first time in my life last night, and it was with the Taylor's Lakeside University Symphonic Orchestra.

Never having experienced practicing with string instruments before, it has been quite a new experience for me to listen and analyse the skill levels and performances of various different members. But one thing they shared though, is the commitment to practice and perform out of their own willingness. :)

Initially, we had our fears that we wouldnt be able to get people to watch this concert, as it coincided with Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra's Concert (a FAR value for money performance, but shhhhhh, dont let my Taylor's members know that). A low target of 500 people was set, which is about half the Multi Purpose Hall. But lo and behold, when we stepped out onto stage to perform, I was shocked to see it was filled to maximum capacity! (which is equal to about 900 people). I guess a lot of people decided to drop by and purchase tickets at the last moment. Thank you so much you all ^^

Daphne, our assist-conductor, flying thru the air

Our performance was rather short *it was barely 20 minutes and we reached the HALT TIME break*, but for what we lacked in length, we made up for it in entertainment value.  The audience was supportive, and cheered whenever we completed a piece. Of course, this was also due to the contributions of other societies that performed with us (eg. Acapella duet, and the Harmonica Orchestra), which added to the entertainment factor.

Harmonica Quartet. Amazing performers :)

Hang Sia (left) and Tjia Wei (right), with a wonderful duet performance for the crowd

Sunny Chew, our President, and primary Conductor. Looks like he's taking a poop I know

Despite a few minor errors (SUNNY CHEW MISTIMING THE ENTRANCE FOR VIVA LA VIDA), we somehow managed to pull thru the entire performance, managing to even get past the segments we normally had trouble with. Mission Impossible being our weakest performance IMO, I was surprised when friends told me it was one of their more favourite pieces.

Flowers after the performance

Post performance group picture. See me see me?? Im in the middle!

This concert also happened to be the last major event handle by our President before he graduates next month. So I must say, he did a fantastic job with the limited resources he had, and I wish him all the best in his future musical endeavours as well :)

A pic with the President (in black) and our best trombonist (at left)

Me being a new member of Taylor's University Symphonic Orchestra, I didnt have friends attending the concert. But unexpectedly, Too Zongxu (a junior of mine from Nan Hwa), made the effort to come all the way down from Sitiawan to watch me. And so, despite me hating pics with my blazer on (which someone kindly borrowed me), I just have to post the next pic up >3<

I look so old compared to his young-ish face

And of course, a compulsory picture with my trumpet section mates (NOTE: Pics look crappy from here onwards because it is taken with my IPHONE)

A bunch of tall guys with one short Keat Hwa trumpeter

Also, thanks to Chee Zheng Yang for his fantastic pictures, of which I used in this post.

Our pro photographer, king of all DSLR's

And finally, I tried to take pics with a few of our MANY pretty ladies of Taylor's Lakeside  University Symphonic Orchestra.

With Jamin, a cello player. That thing's bigger than her!

With Faye, our newly elected President! Congratulations!

With Siosen, clarinetist and ALWAYs busy doing stuffs for TUSO

With Kitty, our ONLY electronic keyboard player in TUSO

Are you guys more motivated to join TUSO now? :)

If the girls alone are not enough to convince future members to join, here's the link to our fanpage, and a link to the album which contains way more awesome pics of our concert.

Taylor's Lakeside University Symphonic Orchestra FB Page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Symphony-OrchestraTaylors-University/142974205730921
Russian Roulette Night Album (by Chee Zheng Yang: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1996131782007.121017.1204839632

And of course, a video recording of one of our performances, Hawaii 5-0. Cheesy, but fun all the same ;)


Come join us soon k? :) Seeya! ^^