Hello everyone, Titus here. I know you'all are quite disappointed by the syf results, especially that only 1 sch got GwH. However, through the journey to syf,and since its the last yr shen will be wif us, shldn't we thank him for helping us mug through the 4 months as what he says. i dunno whether its really 4 months or not, but nvm. I'm so waiting for edward to type out, but im impatient so...

Dear Cellist,

This is the first time i am writing a letter to you. As I am an introvert (someone not sociable), there are some things that I want to say but very hard to express verbally. I hope that through these (this) letter the message can be sent across.

First of all, I want to congratulate you for being able to survive to the day before SYF. Well Done! The journey for the past 4 months had been a tough but yet a fun one, too. I can see that all of you had improved in terms of your skills and emotional expression in music. In January, i had doubts that we can even get a silver in this year's SYF. But as time passes, i can see this confidence (No Sarcasm, seriously). You should give yourself a pat in the back.

Alwyn and Mr.Chan have been constantly telling us about passion. Some of you may think that they are talking crap. Ok, but I just hope that even if you do not have the passion, at least you enjoy playing the pieces of our SYF. If your aim is only to get GWH in SYF, I think it is going to be very hard for us to get GWH. Like it or not, in SYF there is a section known as presentation. The judges can see that we are faking our expression. Ask yourself, do you enjoy playing music? Whenever we were playing the pieces, I feel like dancing. If i am not playing the cello, I would have stood up and danced. I hope that you can answer this question "What is the music to you?" As long as you have an idea, portray it in your playing. Can?

Looking back at the 4 months, I can see that all of you are passionate about playing. However, some of you might have gone overboard, causing some problems in discipline. This is also one of the failure that I did not address. Let's make this clear: No talking during rehearsals (absolutely), including sectionals. Only interact at break time. Can?

Every week we only have 6 hours or less of rehearsal. We really need your cooperation. I had seen improvement since last year where when Mr Chan is talking and so are you. I am sure you cannot process two info at the same time. Time is precious-- Learn to treasure it. Let's hope that in future, we do not need to address this issue again. OK?

I must say that we had worked extremely hard for this SYF. I thank all of you for the effort put in. However, as life is never fair, more effort does not always mean more rewards. Even if we get Bronze, I am not interested. We as Cellos section had improved together as one. The unity is what I treasure the most from ensemble. Do you know that I enjoy watching orchestra where the bows are well coordinated? For string family, bowing is part of the presentation. It is not very nice if we have one bow sticking out. Great discipline is needed such as looking up at the first desk. When the ensemble is neat, the sound would be much better (trust me).

It is fun to work with all of you, even though there are times that I felt that the section is not well disciplined. I can never forget the 2 SYF that I had played in: One as last desk, one as first desk. I hope we can keep this spirit up even after SYF. SYF is just a small thing in life of an ensemble. Do not be too upset even if we never achieve what we aimed.

A few last reminders. Please listen to the violas at figure 10 of Williams. This is of utmost importance. Also, the hall is going to be super wet. The wetter the hall, the more you have to listen to each other. Do not get tricked by the echo. Always watch the bows of first violins and violas. Lastly, enjoy the music. I will give you a head start of the emotion.

Once again, thank you for participating in this SYF.We have less than 16 hours to go. Wish everyone of us good luck. I really really thank you for being such wonderful cellists.

Achievements can never be used to determine one's ability for one's potential is unlimited.

Yours truly,
Run Xian (a.k.a. 神）

I hope that all of you will reflect on his letter to the cello section.

Titus