Cellist,

I apologise.

Well forgive me if I was too fierce during today's orch practice. But please do bear my words in mind. Shen will not be here with us anymore, (except for the upcoming concerts) and that we have to strive to uphold his legacy in the cello section. However, today's behaviour is really a bit out of shape, particularly when Dr. Yeo stop to conduct the violins.

Therefore, a few pointers to take extra note of during future orchestra rehearsals/ practices:

1. DO NOT talk among yourselves unecessarily.

This is very disturbing as all I could hear in front was murmurings and gigglings at the back, which both shows lack of concentration in practice. Hope this will be cut down to the very minimal.

2. DO NOT practice on your own when other sections are playing.

Fingering yes, but please NO pizz or bowing... You should know why. Respect others and they will respect you in return.

3. STOP immediately when the conductor STOP.

This has been a rather irritating thing for the conductors when they face an incooperative orchestra. Continuing to play even when the conductor signals to stop is literally RUDE, showing that we lack in DISCIPLINE!
As most of you know, the Hong Kong conductor will be coming on the 4th of September to inspect on us, and we certainly do wish to leave him a god impression. This is one of the KEY things that we'll have to strive to achieve. I'm sure no one will want to disgrace themselves on an international platform.

4. Stand up to see the bowing/ fingering markings of the stand in front.

From now on, i won't allow any passing of scores to the back, and the whole section should have unified bowing of every possible parts. Whenever there's a need for marking of bowings, please stand up quietly and check the markings of the stand in front.

Efficiency and discipline are the only things I look out for in all of you. So please bear all these in mind, and remind others if they forget as well. (as humans we are prone to forgetting things :) I'll try to post this on the orchestra blog too. Good luck cellist. We're going to have a tough year ahead.

Cheers,
Steven.

(P.S. by the way for this friday i'm planning to go to library to mug for the upcoming tests IF national day celebration releases early...anyone interested?)