Hi everyone,

Zhi Chao here. I know many of you are very disappointed with the results of todays SYF central judging... and in fact, many of your seniors still remain bewildered by it. But to all who take time off to read this blog, and do it frequently enough, i hope this post will boost your confidence in hciso today's SYF result has shattered, if any at all.

I have always believed, and i still believe, that in any activity, be it a national competition of great significance or simply a trivial piece of ungraded assignment, to do your best is all that matters. Reason being, regardless of the results obtained, no regret or remorse should accompany an individual who has given his all. What has to be done has been done. There is nothing more you could have done, and therefore you should all feel proud of what you have attained.

Remember, 4 years every member spends in hciso is not in preparation for a mere 2009 SYF central judging. The significance of hciso lies not in the result of a competition, but in its process... the way you guys toil continuously for months on end with a single objective in mind... and the lasting bonds and friendships forged during sectionals or rehearsals... Regardless of the outcome, i believe many of you out there have been brought closer through this experience... and thats all that matters.

When i stepped out of the hall at approximately 5 pm today, it occured to me that we ought to focus not simply on the absolute result obtained, but should also take into account the standard of the competition. Every two years the participating members change... the judges change... and the standard as well. Lets say i've always been getting an A1 for bio, at 80 marks, and all of a sudden the school decides to raise an A1 to 90 marks. Does that mean that my 80 marks, now standing at a B3, is worthless? Pride yourself on the burning passion and determination you have for the ensemble, instead of wallowing in self-pity and sorrow simply because of the flactuating standards of an SYF gold.

I dont know how you guys actually played. Cuz i wasnt there to listen. But i know that you guys started real early, worked real hard, and ought to play real well. SYF is not an end. Its a beginning. May the lessons you have drawn from todays experience accompany for the rest of your life !

Zhi Chao
HCISO [Do You Have The Passion]