Music and plenty of other things.

So what's the difference if you listen to music without words rather than listen to popular music?

You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.

But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD

(In no order of merit)

(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)

1. Valdresmarsjen

Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.

(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)


Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...

I think I'll start ranting about something random.

Something like...careers.

Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.

When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.

Everyone asks me about my future career.

I can never tell them what it would be.

I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:

Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?

Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)

I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?

Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.

I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.

Trettisju

Success. 37 Points. I am home free...its just that I probably cannot go for any Bachelor of Science courses for Uni because I am in no position to take HL Maths or Sciences. Linguistics or Modern Languages sounds like a better idea. English A1 HL. I had better pray and hope this turns out well.

My preferred subject combi would be:

English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.

Just hope they let me have this combi.

On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.

I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).

And now for a recap of the past week's events.

Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.

The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.

One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.

Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.

Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.

Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!

It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.

What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.

As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?

Just some food for thought...

Beginning of a fun week...

Yes, today was fun. Somewhat.

Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.

Haizzz...

Too much free time.

Now that the exams are over, I've volunteered to be the Duty Bugler at the annual camp for the recruit platoon back in my UG. You know, maybe it isn't that bad. I would have missed the men too much if I just left like that.

But the stuff I have to get ready by Friday is just mind-boggling. I have to, in 5 days, become a competent bugler able to play:

Reveille (Long)
Rouse
Sunset
Lights Out
Markers
Fall In

and on top of that, the meal calls, and the Platoon and Company calls which I will have to compose myself.


On a side note, the D-Pillar publicity today went well. I actually was quite surprised by the positive response. Perhaps I do have a sense of humour after all.


Must get back to the books and languages and attempt to educate myself.

In the thick of it.

Haha, I think I'm going to make it through these exams. 3 more subjects and its time to start those backup plans.

The Last Charge

If there was ever a time where my fate precariously hung on the edge of a cliff at gunpoint, this is it.

Just this to clear. An A1 for all subjects will land me straight in the Diploma Programme. Failure to do so means certain disaster. And no, this is no joke. In fact, these exams might be as important as PSLE. And I wonder if I'd do as well for this as I did then...

These are the times where individual ability can only do so much...it's time, as always, to rely on God...

God save us all.