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Welcome Speech from NTU Harmonica Band

First, Welcome you all to join our band, and be a part of the big family. With passionate, I believe you all will enjoy in the band, and learn a lot of things or soft skills that you will not learn in lectures, but important for your future.

I am Kong Fai, the ex-band leader. As you all know, previously we are under Chinese Society, but we hope to expand the cultural background of the band as well as having a better development for the band, so we join CAC. For the past 25 years under Chinese Society, we should have developed to a highly professional band. However, I don’t see any tremendous progress. Fortunately, we have you guys to join our band. As a pioneer in transforming Harmonica Band to another stage, we need to be unity, on the same boat pursuing for the same target. Each one of you is very important!

Maybe the words above may seem too far for you, since most of you are still beginners in Harmonica. But Rome did not built up within a single day. The recipe to strengthen your basic skill (accuracy, tempo) is nothing but to practice with patience! Practice for 15 minutes daily would help a lot!

1. Try to play every single hole in your harmonica very accurate, then feel the distance between the notes you want to jump. If you encounter two far holes to play, just try to find the feeling of moving your lips (how far you need to move), then practice for a few time. Bit by bit, you will improve in blowing the hole accurately.

2. For the tempo, practice with the basic skills scores (Basic Skill 1-8) that we distribute to you. First, play it on a very slow tempo, until you manage to blow everything, only then you speed up your tempo. If there is some difficulties in a certain part that you find hard to go through, practice few more time in that part and try to play all again. Play the song smoothly all the way without stopping is the only way to ensure you have improved.

3. Remember to have a short warm up for your harmonica, and try not wash it under tap water, wipe it will do.

Hope that the above tips help you in learning harmonica.

After you have managed the basic skills, is time to you to form small group (Duet, Trio, Quintet, Quartet). Getting to perform on stage is a way to help you improve. You will find performing very exciting after a certain number of stage frights! You build up your way in presenting in front of public also, which is certainly helpful for your future. Also, you can earn some allowance as an encouragement.

After you have 1-2 performing experience, try some classical piece. Classical piece is a breakthrough for your harmonica standard. Once you manage classical pieces, basically you have strong harmonica foundation already.

To help our band improve, we are planning to form some Trios. These trios will serve to participate in Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival in 2012 in Malaysia. We have two years time to get well prepare, I think that is very possible for us to get some results, if we starts from now. Quintet or Quartet are also our consideration.

With these long-term plan, we should be able to manage and have a good performance in February Annual Concert (Vivace XI) as we progress. We are hoping that we could have an acoustic (without microphones around) concert one day, but that would need at least 60 members to have that effects, which we don’t have the ability now as there are not enough members. So, we should focus on small group on our concert, and hopefully next year we are able to recruit more members. However, you can still ask your friend to join us now, if any. We should stop recruiting by 2-3weeks time and focus on our practice.

Basically that is our band’s direction and a guideline for your harmonica journey. Hope that is useful for you. Thanks!

A GOOD WEBSITE TO LEARN HARMONICA

Hi everyone, WEN WAN here. I'd like to introduce you a good website to learn skills.
\\

www.kouqin.com.cn/lessons.asp (in chinese)

Recent Updates

Recent Performances:

1) 22 July 2010, 7.30pm
Cultural entertainment at the gala dinner of 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity.
Related Link for event: http://www.wcri2010.org/

Performance Piece: a) Liang Zhu(梁祝) 2) Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (小夜曲)(anyone tell me if the English name of this song is correct?)

Performers: Kong Fai (First Chro); Kelvin Soon Zhi Fa (2nd Chro); Tan Jia Yi (Octave); Tan Kwong Hui (Bass)

Performers allowance : $X00 (Secret)

2) 28 July 2010, 10am
Convocation Ceremony #6 at Auditorium.
Performance Piece: Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Performers: Kong Fai (First Chro); Kelvin Soon Zhi Fa (2nd Chro); Tan Jia Yi (Octave); Tan Kwong Hui (Bass)
No allowance.

Recent Band Matters:
1) SAO has approved our band to buy 2 Hohner 48 chords.
2) Final preparation on converting to CAC.
3) Preparation on uploading scores, video, sound files to band members, for learning purpose.

Recent Harmonica Activities:
Upcoming "Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival" , 29th July to 2nd August @ Suntec.

Activity includes Harmonica Competition, Renowned Overseas performers' concert, Workshop on hands on application of technic (eg. maintenance and servicing of harmonica)

related link: http://www.aphf2010.org/

Festival Pass: $80 (Open Category); $50(Junior/Senior/Youth)

We will send two people (Kwong Hui and Xin Yi) to attend this festival to learn something that can benefits our band. Interested people can leave comment here so that maybe we can go together.

Message we want to bring to you:

This blog is to keep all of you up-to-date about what happens in our band. I wish all of you can participate actively in this blog so that the atmosphere build up and you got to learn more for Harmonica and our band. If you wishes to post a blog, kindly send us an email and we will process your entries.

As you can see above, the performers are the same peoples, same group. I am not here to show off, but I hope this can motivates all of you to practise well and perform. Firstly, we need you to publicize and bring glory to our band; Secondly, you can earn some pocket money as well! Thirdly, you help to increase our band's standard and build up the "yearn to perform" atmosphere. That's what I hope to see, and to "feel" within the band!
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Music to Your Ears - William Tell Overture

Hi all, this is my first time posting stuff on our blogspot, please look forward for new items in our blog in future ya~


Hoho, first item~ This is a video I saw on youtube a few months ago... Y'all must Check!~ It!~ Out!~

3 Chinese Kids are playing William Tell Overture, harmonica version~ Put your hands together if you can't play like them!!!

~\^口^/~


Next, let us have another William Tell Overture from the Korean Brass Choir~ They were doing something "different" too, quite interesting. Feel the beat and heat!!!

small note: stay alert when watching this please~

Third item today, it will still be the William Tell Overture, but it will have to be a different kind of play style right?

......

I know, lets SING it~ Belle a Cappella from Waimea College presents choir version of William Tell Overture, with lots of pattern too~ Have fun watching!

Endnote:

3 videos, 3 different music tools, 3 different performance, what is your thought for music? Comment a lot ya!

Let's think of the music you want to play in future, picture it to your wildest imagination, and please don't ask reason for this, I'll say "because it's fun~"~

光晖 (30/03/2010)

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MediaCorp Channel 8 综艺 Go Live

For most of us, it's the first time to step into the MediaCorp Theatre!
Amazing show brought by Mr. Tang~
Besides having great talent in music, our instructor Mr. Tang also masters Wu Shu.

Mr. Tang was still in the Wu Shu suits.

Taken after the show, we were all in white color to bring our sincere support to Mr. Tang! Number of people outside the theatre were not able to have the photo taking together. The supporting cards were so attractive but due to some issues, HB members were all seperated and hence cards were not able to be shown in the audience seats during the performances, it's pity :(

However, the memory will accompany us throughout our life!

Strive! Harmonica Band!!!

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The Harmonica Exchange held in Victoria JC Theatre

Do you still remember ...


Climbing up to the level 3. Such a big crowd!

It's the first time, we, 40 members went for a harmonica exchange together, by shuttle bus, from west to east in Singapore. What did you do during the long journey in the bus?

DO you still remember the experience of the first stage performance?
DO you enjoy the performances by other High Schools and Junior Colleges?
DO you ever imagine how the students trained themselves to go for the Singapore Youth Festival?

Just before the beginning of exam period, we were striving to show our best in our first stage band performance.

Hey guys, have you enjoyed yourselves?
Homeland: Spirit, the Fresco Harmonica Ensemble praised us for this song!
We believe that, we all will have this song in our mind, won't we?

Let's strive for our very own annual concert - VIVACE X!
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Extra sessions' Q&A

1. How to sound brighter and clearer on harmonica? No matter how hard I tried, the sound produced sounded dim or even with unstable notes.
Make sure that your air flow is parallel to the harmonica reed in order to have the maximum sound quality produced, i.e. keep the harmonica body parallel to your lips, not slanted upwards/downwards.

2. There is always a very short lag time (between the time I start blowing and the time when the sound is produced) for higher octave notes. Any suggestion to improve on this?
Use your tongue to give an ‘attack’ to the note (to increase the air speed). This will effectively eliminate the lag.

3. What determines the tone of my harmonica sound?
Embouchure (determines the volume) and airspeed (determines the stability of the sound)
Sometimes if your embouchure is too small (to avoid playing two holes at once causing dirty notes), notes could be bended – slightly sharper than the original notes. So, do keep your ears open and listen to your section mates. You should be playing the same notes as them.

4. Can the technique used for playing the middle notes be applied for lower/higher octaves?
No. We need to apply different technique for each and every note.
Harmonica reed for lower octave is the longest – need the greatest air volume to make it vibrate to produce the sound
For middle octave – shouldn’t be a problem for most of the time
For higher octave – the reeds are the shortest – i.e. a small amount of air would cause the vibration. Hence, over blowing/drawing will crack the notes. Playing of higher octave need very good control of your air flow.
That’s why playing of practice pieces and warm-ups using the lower and higher octave are very important. You need to ensure that you are familiar with the difference to play each and every note (from low1 to highhigh1)

5. I can’t hold my breath for too long. Is there any way to train for longer breath?
Practice, practice and practice. Aim to hold a single note for at least 16 seconds.

6. For Bass harmonica, what are the differences between single octave and double octave bass?
Double octave basses have double reed, so need more air to play the full notes. They sound thicker and rounder than the single octave basses as well.

7. How should I carry out self-practice at home?
Count the tempo correctly. Practicing difficult parts from slower tempo at first, then slowly increase the tempo until it matches with the band tempo.
You might wanna record down your own practice using recorder then playback for review. Analyse every single detail of your music including the dynamics, articulations, change of breath etc.
Finally, enjoy the music produced by your own instrument!

8. Is it okay for me to use my tongue to guide my mouth in order to find the correct hole to blow/draw?
It is a common practice to use the tongue as a guide. Nothing wrong with it but sometimes it might slow you down for running notes. Some reported that they injured their tongue as well.
A better proposition would be practicing more with your harmonica to familiarize yourself with the position of different holes. Then you will be able to estimate the distance between the holes better.

9. Is it okay for me to tap my foot in order to follow the conductor’s tempo?
It is a very bad habit to tap your foot as it could be very unsightly especially when we are on stage. Try counting the beats by heart or if you really need to tap, use your toes! Do make sure that you are tapping the same tempo as the conductor’s baton though.

http://www.angelfire.com/music/HarpOn/
- for more info on playing chromatic harmonica – some of the techniques can be applied for octave harmonica as well

Extra Session-指挥零距离

此计划的目的是为了提升团员个人演奏水准,在声部和合奏练习之外让大家有另一个学习的管道。每次都会有重点摘录,与大家分享吹口琴的小秘密,一起学习。希望接下来出席的团员会有更多对口琴方面的疑问,让我们的指挥来一一解答!对此分享系列有任何意见或看法?欢迎大家的留言!

以下是5/2/2009、13/2/2009(星期四)指挥零距离系列的摘要:


系列1:

Q:低音音阶部分吹不出声音,到底要如何开音?
A
:多吹。和练习中音音阶的方式一样,从do吹到do。吹久就会开了

Q:有时吹奏时嘴巴需要跳远,很容易就跳错音,怎么办?
A
:多吹多练。例:(26 先试跳、吹,然后再从2开始3456酱吹上去。就可以听出是否跳太近/太远。练多了让嘴巴熟悉那一个距离就不容易跳错音了。

Q:低音四(low 4)的音吹得不好听,为什么?
A
:因为口琴内部结构的关系,低音四的音色本来就不好听。所以请尽量用 #3 来代替。另外,如果让气流够厚的话,低音四还是有可能吹好的。

Q:口琴谱上的1234已经很乱了,有降音符号(E )的更乱!头脑转不过来啊
A
:要多练、要习惯。不然就把乐谱的那一部分用#重抄,头脑会比较好转。

Q : 边听歌曲边吹口琴的练习方式,ok吗?
A
:好处:一个人练习时会有合奏的感觉。坏处:听不到自己的音色,无法作出调整。拍子会被歌曲影响,可能会不习惯合奏时的变速。建议:照拍子,从慢开始慢慢加速来练。也可以把自己的练习录下来听和观察,自我评估。演奏肢体表情方面,可以对着镜子练琴来改进。强烈鼓励团员们私下召集与自己住靠近的其他团员,尤其是seniors来一起练习。

吹奏口琴诀窍:
1.
要仔细把所有的dynamicsarticulations做出来,把每一个细节都做到。建议用highlighter把需要注意的画起来。

2. 多练习!只要对歌曲熟悉,自然而然就不会遇到抓不准洞口和音准上的问题了。

3. 多听!古典乐、流行乐、民族乐曲什么类型的音乐都能帮助提升音感,从而提升演奏技巧。

4. 要懂得欣赏自己吹奏出来的音乐!自信很重要!

不敢吹 >>> 很小声 >>> 不好听 >>> 指挥要求重来 >>> 担心吹错 >>> 不敢吹 >>> 很小声 >>>....


系列二:

Q: 怎样才能练好拍子。

A: 私下练习时可以用节拍器。建议去Bras Basah Complex 买,详细地址可以私下问汉维或seniors. 大组练习时建议用脚趾打和指挥同样节拍的拍子。 这样,从慢慢的速度练起,慢慢的就会抓准节拍的了。避忌:永远不要尝试凭感觉来吹大组,一定要跟指挥的节拍!

Q: 吹的时候有时不能同时看谱又看指挥,怎么办?

A: 谱架的高度一定要调好!要把谱架的高度调到不至于让自己的头往下倾斜。另外,可以尝试用眼角去看指挥的拍子。

Q: tongue block 要怎样练?

A: tongue block 的好处是可以让自己的嘴形一致、吹的时候反应可以很快,同时tongue block是各种口琴技巧的必备条件。比如,如何同时吹中音一和高音一以让半音阶达到类似octave的效果。详细情况可以私下问声部部长。

Q: 换气要怎样才能够快又顺畅。

A: 要熟悉吹的谱,可以记录下哪里要换气。经验累计多了,以后吹任何的谱的时候换气就会快了。

Q: 怎样振音?

A: 1.手掌形成一个共鸣腔,越大越好,振音的时候用其中一个手掌,或则同时两个手掌做开关的动作即可。2.摆动口琴,做左右来回的动作。3.用嘴唇,做前后的动作。4.用喉咙,初学者可以念‘右右右.....',让自己的振动更有连续性。5.丹田,有待争议。

**只要能去变化吹出来的气流,方法其实可以很多种。

Q: 冷的时候口琴吹不出声,怎么办?

A: 其实很多乐器都是有这样的情况,温度太低的话乐器很难玩出来。 如果温度还不算太低的话,warm up口琴是有帮助的。

建议:想长期玩口琴的团员,可以考虑去买hohner牌子的口琴,好处:容易开声、弹片的反应快。 对欲更上一城楼的团员很有帮助。 但缺点是贵:比如,十六孔的半音阶口琴就要大概一百多新币左右。 另外,玩乐器,自发性很重要!

composed by WeiJian, FongEn

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口琴营~2008年属于我们的回忆

第一天~

大家起来报到咯!噢噢。。


破冰游戏。。。大家的心都被融化了。。。


练习咯!哈哈,大家努力的样子是否很迷人呢?


maincomm们努力为大家呈献的戏剧演出!


子法和值豪落力演出!


opening ceremony过后,大家一起参加"孙老师舞蹈教室”。


在南洋屋开出了许多漂亮的花朵。!


二号当铺。。。中重要的一幕。。。


开心地搓汤圆。。。


献给老人家的礼物。。我们也要一起变成老人家哦!



希望你们晚上睡得着。


outing...路途中,巴士上~


outing 中。。。脸青青全家福


我的美人全家福


就是那个咯全家福~


olengoleng全家福~


口琴团全家福~

记得我们的承诺哦!一起变老人家!

下一届口琴营敬请期待!
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Charity Drive

10多人的回忆,就在你我间。
三天的密集训练,三天内六间老人院/疗养院的慈善活动,拉近了彼此。
团员的热忱,对长辈的悉心照料,这样一点一点地累积,带给老人们的,却是满满的温暖。



黄色衣服那么耀眼。多次作为开场表演,暗暗地把大家的情绪带入圣诞气氛中。

[照片中人:恒毅、家毅、宏海、牛超、姜明、宗轩、铭炜、庆月、蕙蕙、嘉怡、勇豪、志明、智铭,指挥:怡云]



公公:我bingo了吗?
光辉:公公,我看看哦 :)



宏海:婆婆,我们一起照相~!



志明:婆婆,我们去看表演啦!



公公:哇,你们真的很棒!
勇豪:公公,很棒啊?掌声大大~~
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