When I was 10... (And other things)

I still remember this because I yearned it so badly that I could not stop thinking about it for a very long time.

When I was 10, I wanted to be part of a performance group. I didn't care what performance group it was as long as we played instruments, sung or danced, but I mostly wanted to play an instrument. It happened on the day my mum took me shopping with her at Causeway point and I saw a performance taking place there. It was a marching band performing several pieces and it was then that I fell in love with their uniformity and music. But most of all, I fell in love with the idea of being so much a part of a team that even if you left it a year later, the memories and sense of comrade would never leave you. I suppose NS guys would understand that. It's like going to BMT and leaving with a life time of bro stories to tell.

Anyways, when I got back home, I couldn't stop thinking about it and I wanted so badly to be part of some music group. I only played one instrument at that time and that was the Organ. I began to play it earnestly and whole heartedly but I was disheartened as days went by and I couldn't be part of a team. It was then I made a promise to myself  that one day, I would start a team and I would play with them and we would perform in well known locations.

Today that dream was fulfilled. Last year, that hope I had of being part of such a team was rekindled when a bunch of AFT members began playing the drums that one of our cast members left behind after a children's camp we had. Together with several bongos left behind, everyone began to fool around and it was then that I remembered that dream I had of being part of a team. So I prodded on with the idea and the percussion group was born. Haphazardly, a few people came together to perform for countdown and soon after, we were performing at events.





But it was not enough for me. For the first time, I did not want to lead this team. I wanted to genuinely be part of it.










Here's where I'm going to introduce you to my concept of levels of leadership. Imagine a ladder if you will.

A 3rd rung leader is someone who is very much a part of the team. Meaning, he/she chooses to be a follower and listens and follows orders. He/she is also very influential for when he asks everyone to keep quiet and pay attention to the 2nd or 1st rung leader, they keep quiet and listen.  (Idham I believe that in Soundwave you are that person.)

A 2nd rung leader is someone caught in between being partially part of the team and partially leading the team. He/she is able to influence the team to a certain extent while capably appealing some of his/her ideas to everyone else. He/she is also looked to when small problems need to be solved. (Thana, I believe fits into this category in AFT Soundwave.)

A 1st rung leader is someone who completely detaches himself from the team in the sense that anything he/she does is entirely for the benefit of the team. He/she is well respected by the team and ultimately makes the decisions for the team. This person can sometimes become the bad person, which in many cases is very necessary. This person also risks several chances of bonding within the team because he/she chooses a position that gives him a bird's eye view rather than bro bonding session. (Praven, took up this role in AFT Soundwave.) 

Praven, my brother, did an excellent job in conducting Soundwave's music. I'm extremely proud of him and here's a warning to all other AFT members, you shall soon be facing Praven's learning journey as well because sometimes in life, you cannot just be a 3rd or 2nd rung leader, sometimes, you have to become a 1st rung leader. It's not that easy but you have to deal with it. All 3 levels of leadership is equally important and I believe that Thana, Idham and Praven filled it up very well. So here's to the 3 of you'll.

I'm digressing. Back to the point of me wanting to be part of a team. So yes, since Praven was the 1st rung leader, Thana was the 2nd rung leader and Idham was the 3rd rung leader, I was finally left to be a team mate! I was pleased at that prospect. Practice sessions were more fun for me because I did not need to lead anyone, I could simply focus on being part of the team! I did not have to worry (much) about how things went on (except for the fact that I m AFT chairman and sometimes things do come back to me).

And today, when I was on that stage, I felt light and happy because I saw this one kid, this one small little Indian girl who watched us from the floor. She was staring at all the instruments and the people playing it and I remembered, "When I was 10, I was that kid who wanted to be that person who was part of that team. And I finally am."






So yeah : ) It's a feel good moment. Anyways, as the title of my blog states, there's another part, the "Other Things" part. Here are a bunch of random things that have happened that I wish to mention. First, the Canberra Quarterly newsletter. Kudos to my mum for doing a brilliant job....again!







And here's the article that Serena and I did for the newsletter!!!

It's the "Editor's Pick For Top 5 Hotspots in Sembawang". Serena took the picture while I did the write up. Yoga's name is inside as well even though he did nothing...so he's going to have to do most of the write up for the next feature. If anyone wants a copy of this newsletter, no worries for if you live in Canberra, you'll be getting one in your mail for free soon! And if you don't live in Canberra, well you can collect one from the CC. Trust me. This issue is terrific. And if you are interested in writing for this magazine, drop me an email @ ancientoriant@yahoo.com.sg : ) Or just let me know on my tagboard!!!

Anyways, moving on....HERE'S ANOTHER BIRTHDAY GIFT I GOT TODAY!!! This one's from Kanitha:

It's a freaking Carousel!!!!!!

Isn't it pretty? I recall once, seeing something like this. I wanted so badly to buy it but didn't because I didn't want to squander my money! I do believe that there should be a new definition for birthdays. Here it is:

BIRTHDAYS: A good reason for others to squander their money on behalf of you. : )

Thanks Kanitha! Seriously love the gift. It came as a huge surprise similar to the thrill my sis and mum's gift gave me! Don't you just love surprises!?!?! Haha. Anyways, that's all I have left in me to blog. So I shall end it here and bid you goodbye.