ajcaaco - euphony of bonds across time

AJCAACO BBQ ^_^

2010-06-15T22:35:00.021+08:00

AJCAACO BBQ

12-06-2010 (Sat)

Yishun Emerald Condo

BBQ pit 2 - Thanks to Diana who helped to book the pit!

Our dear juniors starting the fire...a BIG BIG fire (guess how many fire starters they used)? We were lucky that we only BBQ-ed our food and nobody else.

Our yummy food...chicken meat was marinated by Qiu Ting (or technically speaking, her Mum. All Mums are great). Diana brought down the metal drink dispenser from her house.

Yong Khang >>> Trying to steal the food and drinks??

Chef 1: Diana making the salad

Chef 2: Clarence (Thanks for all his efforts! Definitely master chef of the day. Look at how wet his shirt is!)

Yong Khang (in green) was hiding far behind because the fire element didn't like him (he was burnt more than several times ><).

The frozen meat cube :p Does this remind you of juicy brain organ with oozing brain juice?

It was finally defrosted after 4-5 hours besides the dancing flame.

Red burning charcoal! [See lah...caught fire...] Trying to put out ('lower') the fire so that the food wouldn't be overcooked.

Of course, food was secondary...

It's also time to catch up with great friends!

(From left, clockwise) Miao Ying (in white), Fabian, Li Jia, Li Shi, Diana and Sock Yie

Junior Li Jia and Diana (If senior Lijia is reading this...you have successor!)

Our beloved seniors seated at another table faraway (from left,clockwise): Jian Jie, Zhi Liang, Siew Hwa, Jian Wei

Yong Khang attempting to be the bridge in between...

Which table to go to? Left or right?

Food munching in progress...

The aftermath...

Delicious mango cake for Shu Wei

Happy Birthday!!!

(HAHA.. actually Shu Wei's birthday was over, but due to some beautiful mix up, we get to celebrate for her!)

Thanks everyone for coming!!! Hope to see more attending the next time! ^_^

It's BBQ time!!! ^_^

2010-06-02T23:31:00.002+08:00

Hi all!!!

There'll be a BBQ coming up!

Details as follow:

Date: 12 June 2010, Saturday

Time: 630pm-1030pm

Venue: Yishun Emerald Condo, 3 bus stop away (Bus no 169) from yishun MRT station

We'll be collecting $2 for the buying of food and drinks.

Do Come and Join us!!!

For any queries/confirmation of attendance, please email Qiuting at mayday_qt@yahoo.com.sg

See you there!!!

^_^

AJCO 2010 Camp: Stomp videos

2010-03-20T21:03:00.004+08:00

AJCO 2010 Camp

Here are the videos^_^

Enjoy! ^_^

Videos are also on facebook group!

Find us at " We Love AJCO!"

Our Mission

2009-10-19T00:47:00.002+08:00

Introducing the MISSION of our orchestra!

在欢乐中，建立与维持一个独特,积极和真诚的团体，并让团员们一齐成长、互相关心与培养默契◦

To establish and maintain a unique, positive and sincere organization in happiness, and let the members grow and care mutually with tacit understanding.

中秋节快乐

2009-10-03T23:56:00.011+08:00

一年一度的中秋节又到了。

在9月26日的时候，我们主办了安初校友华乐的第一届中秋晚会。

想知道那晚发生什么有趣的事吗？

往下看就懂了:)

为了“省，省，省”，我们几个确定亲自下厨！

到了Diana的家，我们就被那大到不行的 Winnie the Pooh给吸引了。

要知道Winnie有多大，请往下看：

猜猜谁在后头？

哈哈哈哈

Liza忙着炒米粉

Peow ee忙着处理冷冻食物

Liza&Diana忙着准备三明治

好功夫！

哇！

是哪个五星级酒楼准备的啊？

灯笼与灯谜

提灯笼时间到了喔！

看她那灿烂的笑容，就知道有多好玩了

^_^

中秋节就是要与好久不见的朋友相见

不止这样

连ET也相聚了。

哈哈哈哈

Diana

要感谢她提供这么好的场地！

月饼！！！

饭后的娱乐便是放烟火

是烟火还是着火了？

这跟物理有关。

但到底是什么，我们就别研究了。

优美的环境

叫人怎么能不放松心情呢？

感谢来参加JC1的学生

感谢所有来参加的校友

全体合照

^_^

我们拿荣誉金牌

2009-05-06T21:04:00.006+08:00

坐在观众席上, 我屏住了呼吸。安初华乐团在台上了。

几天前还在担心 juniors 们似乎还没进入状态, 心想: 一个星期多了，都没机会听到他们演奏, 不知道进展如何?

黄老师走向指挥台, 曲子也随着指挥棒的摇摆轻轻响起。在台下的学长们都不敢动, 只是听着音乐的旋律, 凝视着台上 juniors 们的一举一动。

Wow! 他们还动得蛮厉害的, especially cello and bass. I could see them oscillating. Ok, sorry no offence.

大家都好多了 although 只有让其中一位 senior '一点' 感动。*clap clap clap* Ok, sorry no offence again.

两首曲目一晃而过, 等待成绩公布的时间是漫长的。好久以后, 所有学院的师生们陆续入场, 听着成绩的公布。

安初华乐比赛次序被排在最后, 因此也是最后一间成绩被宣布的初院。这时大家都不敢呼吸...

"安初华乐团... 荣誉金牌"

众人顿时哗然, seniors 们也给了 juniors 们 a standing ovation.

They cheered, hugged and cried, especially those without musical background.

一路走来, 他们辛苦了。也辛苦了他们的指导教练、老师、学长。

Everyone has done a great job leading to the success of this batch of AJCO, including the helpers.

Juniors们、老师们、学长们长年累月来所付出的努力并没有白费, 换来的是无限的喜悦与荣耀。

回到了AJ, 一路上都可以听到 '荣誉金...' 的欢呼声。

I’m so proud of every one of y’all! *still very excited*

(more photos n videos will be posted when they're ready)

加油! AJCO

2009-04-26T00:05:00.001+08:00

Dear juniors, there is not much we can do for the preparation of SYF, but we hope that you will like the tibits from the alumni. Jiayou!

Mr & Mrs Teo

2009-03-09T00:36:00.003+08:00

三八妇女节. But it also marks the date of Zhiliang and Xiuhua’s grand day – Their solemnization and wedding day. Everyone invited arrived at Holiday Inn early and enjoyed the cocktail. Slides of the photos taken in the morning at AJC were for viewing outside the ballroom and there were some other photos showing their journey from many years back before they tied the knot.

The bridegroom was super busy with handshaking and greetings from people. Finally caught sight of the bride and caused some commotion. Xiuhua looked like a super cute doll with her new hairstyle which, according to Zhiliang, took a long time to set. Someone said that she looks like a doll. Some said she resembles Ayumi. Xiuhua is super pretty with her wedding gown.

Guest started to be ushered into the ballroom and settled down at the tables quickly. Three tables were made up of alumni. Zhiliang and Xiuhua got to know each other through AJCO and of course they had to invite the alumni as well as the teachers in charge.

Finally the entrance of the blissful couple into the ballroom. Food were served and the guests were enjoying the food. A few of the brothers and sisters were made up of the alumni and so there were always disappearance from the tables especially during phototaking and yum-seng.

Alumni phototaking with the couple was grand. A whole group of people were trying hard to arrange themselves for the photos and ensure that they look pretty or handsome for the photos. There were discussion about who should be taking the seats in front and of course it has to be the teachers.

Some alumni had to leave early because of work next day while the rest stayed on to finish up the dessert. Spent some time for photos at the end of the wedding dinner before finally leaving the ballroom and handshaking with the couple and their families.

Wish Zhiliang and Xiuhua 白头偕老, 早生贵子!

Who will be the next alumni or alumni couple to walk on the red carpet?

AJCO Open House 2009

2009-02-27T23:51:00.005+08:00

Some random photos during AJCO Open House 2009...

Rabobank 2009 + Post celebration

2009-02-15T12:50:00.011+08:00

Rabobank performance 2009
Date: 5&6 February 2009

Moving of instrument & speakers

Liza moving cello onto the van.

It's time to set off!

Self-practice before the start of the performance.
[Kwangying(yangqing), Erik(liuqin), Huiling&Tzy Shing(zhongruan)]

商量对策-ing

"Listening" to the speech

We're the audience not performers. LOLX
Other than us, the other performances were Lion&Dragon dance. Plate Spinning, chinese dance and软骨功. It's so entertaining that we became the audience and started to take pictures.

Smile^_^
Performers on the second night.

Thanks everyone for the hardwork!!

And so

It's time to celebrate after the performance

Date&venue: 8/02/2009 @ KK's house

The group of people who arrive early for the sake of Wii

Shake your body to the beat of the music!!

Peow ee getting so high and Mervin was trying to concentrate to use all his strength. From the picture, u all can know how fast their hands were moving. [That's the reason for muscle ache over the next 1-2days]

捞鱼生 for dinner!

Toss it high high high up to the air!

Time to attack! Where's the salmon?

The before and after look so different. As someone said, the more messy you get during 捞-ing, the more luck you'll have in the coming year.

Pizza and Chicken wings.

Want to know how good it taste?

Look below :)

From their expressions, can see that the chicken wings taste good. Or are we just too hungry after playing Wii? LOLX

[Qiling(left)&Mervin(Right)]

After dinner activities
1) Wii part II .

Everyone was so concentrated that none knew that candid photos were being taken.

All the hands move so fast that it looked so blur in pictures.

2) The mahjong group

The stress table behind and the not-so stree table at the front.

3) Hongbao Lucky draw

KK explaing the rules while Peow ee was trying to figure out where was the big prized. Hope everyone is satisfied with the result of the lucky draw^_^

Thanks to all who helped to make the performace a great success!

Annual Christmas Gathering

2009-01-13T12:29:00.055+08:00

20th and 21st Dec is the last weekend before christmas day. Many of us might be busy with xmas shopping, getting the last minute bargains in shopping malls, but a few of us chose to make time out and gather at chun ming's house (as usual, thx chunming and lilian for the venue ^-^) for our AJCAACO annual christmas gathering! =)

Preparations for the event started right from the beginning of the day. Our dear president, Qiling went to the wet market early in the morning to buy the ingredients for our steamboat buffet. Reason? "因为巴刹的比较新鲜，味道比较好！" haha.

So while qiling is busy preparing the food at his house after his market trip, me and serene went to ntuc and bought some drinks and things that qiling lacked. (Its good to have a house-husband coz you never really need to crack ur head on what is needed, just follow instructions =x)

After all these, chun ming kindly came and fetch us (and all our big and small bags of food) to his house. Frankly speaking, this type of host i dunno where to find sia... provide venue, do a bit of cleaning up even before we came, fetch us to his house, carry his house tv to our gathering, provide WII.. etc etc etc etc *applause pls*

So after reaching his house and doing a bit of cleaning up, we are now ready to welcome our first guest!

Ok, soon after, our steamboat buffet started. Pictures speak a thousand words, here are some for the buffet:

In case u r wondering, how come there is 药材 inside the soup, they are all brought by qiling to make the soup tastier! =)

After dinner, as more and more people came and join us, the people split into 2 groups:

And Yeah! WII is fun! I can dare say at least 75% of the time at the gathering i was glued to the tv set, either watching people playing or playing myself. It was a pretty no brainer game that we are all addicted to called "rabbids". Basically is just follow what the rabbids in the game are doing and you do the same and you get to compete with one another for the winner.

And these explains why we are all feeling sore and muscles arching after the game:

Next up is dessert time! Our "missy" aka nurse huiling brought along a christamas cake for the event. And boy, it was nice!

After the dessert session, each of us satisfied with the delicious cake, its time to present a token of appreciation to our hosts! For people who do not know, this is the second time we have been using chun ming's house for christmas gathering and what's more, its FOC! So it is of course natural we must show our appreciation to them.

Chun ming looks so cute! HaHa

The next day, its back to WII!! And we are so glued to the extent that we played from the morning till the time we left which is mid afternoon, in addition to playing the night before! =X haha

Last but not least, thanks to those who managed to turn up for this gathering. As for those who cannot make it, do make sure u come for the gathering in the future! =)

Have a blessed and better 2009!

P.S Sorry all, I know this entry is not so high standard as qiling's one. lol!

奇灵大叔的朋友上~

Alumni of AJCO - Arranger-in-Residence of SCO...

2009-01-09T21:21:00.002+08:00

The conceptual and multifaceted composer/arranger Kah Yong has made an indelible mark on the Chinese Orchestral scene with a creative repertoire that spans the boundaries of classical, Anime soundtracks, Eastern and Western musical traditions. A recently appointed Arranger-in-Residence of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), his music has been played throughout the world by professional, semi and non-professional orchestras and ensembles including the SCO, Kaoshiung City Chinese Orchestra (KCCO), People's Association Youth Chinese Orchestra (PAYCO), Kent Ridge Xin Yun (心韵) Quintet, River Valley Chinese Orchestra, National University of Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Ruan Xian (阮咸) Ensemble and Ding Xiao Yan Ruan Ensemble.

Kah Yong's persistence and hardwork in recent years earned him a quick rising reputation in the musical field, even as he is undergoing his Licentiate in Music Composition from the Trinity College of London. His portfolio had boardened rapidly to comprise of Choral Works, Symphonic Bands, Multi-Ethnic Orchestra and many others. Several upcoming projects in the pipeline include new orchestral theme song for the Ministry of Education (MOE) Music Camp 2009; "Kitchen Utensils" Percussion and Orchestra; as well as Hip-Hop Suona and Kaqiang with the Orchestra.

Having been studying piano since the tender age of four, Kah Yong’s contact with the Chinese Orchestral circle began in 1997 when he joined the Anderson Junior College Chinese Orchestra as an Erhu player, thereafter picking up sanxian and has been the Principal sanxian player of PAYCO since 1999. He later studied orchestral composition and arrangement under the tutelage of renowned composer Law Wai Lun and had received guidance from Sim Boon Yew as well as the late Yeo Puay Hian.

A highly sought‐after orchestrator for his uncanny ability to capture the essence and ideas of music and write in perfect harmony to the most stringent demands of Music and Production Directors, Kah Yong has scored for huge productions like Mediacorp Capital Radio 95.8FM with the SCO concerts in January 2008 and 2009. KCCO commissioned and premiered his Soprano‐Tenor plus choral and Orchestra The New Taiwanese Tunes Medley at Kaohsiung Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Centre in May 2008.

In February 2006, his mentor Mr. Law and himself became pioneers to pen music for the newly formed SCO Pop Ensemble in the Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts concert – SCO Goes Pop!, which featured a collaboration between both of them. Together, they fused traditional Chinese music with pop and successfully revolutionised the way a pure Chinese instrumental ensemble play pop music. Their ensemble rendition of One Night in Beijing was later rearranged for the full orchestra when SCO toured around China in late 2007.

Later in December the same year, the People’s Association Cultural Troupe (PACT) appointed Kah Yong to orchestrate for the highlight of PAYCO annual concert – Japanese Korean Potpourri. His emotive Chinese orchestration of the Erhu‐Piano Concerto Theme to Shenmue won the most rousing applause for that night and garnered many accolades from loyal fans of the smash hit Sega® Dreamcast game Shenmue, which the music was scored for, after the concert video clip emerged on YouTube™. Owing to the huge success, PACT continued to commission him to write for their other regular multi‐ethnic Soundwaves series concerts. PAYCO most recent performance in August 2008 premiered his Fairy Garden Fantasy as their opening piece, as well as their concert highlight, Disney Princess Medley.

Versatile in his arrangement, Kent Ridge Xin Yun Quintet first approached and commissioned him in 2003 to explore and pen for the then newly formed ensemble. His innovative rendition of Londonderry Air was featured in their South African inaugural concert in mid 2004 and later recorded into an album featuring the group.

A pianist himself, Kah Yong had been a resident arranger for MusicNet Pte Ltd and had published several piano song books such as the popular Romantic Contemporary Hits, TV & Movie Themes and Mega Starz Hitz series.

AJCAACO: WE LOVE (MR) TAN KAH YONG (LAOSHI)
@@Liang Ah Lucas@@

AJCO Treasure Hunt 2008 (Part 2)

2008-12-16T00:51:00.000+08:00

You may want to tilt your head to the left. Thanks Erik for the video, Kian Hock and Lijia for the photographs.

奇灵大叔的脖子扭到了

AJCO Treasure Hunt 2008

2008-12-12T04:55:00.002+08:00

Have you ever wonder why we join AJCO & AJCAACO? For me, I think it’s because of the people over here. Regardless of our status on Earth, whether we are students, NSF, teachers, composers, musicians, lecturers, businessmen, etc, we are still driven together as a family. AJC might not be the top JC in Singapore, but I can always feel the warmth from the people I’ve met over here. How I wish I’m a student again in AJCO. But of course, not going through ‘A’ level again.

Juniors’ camp was coming soon. We were busy preparing for their night game. With the help of Hui Ting, Seok Hwee, Kah Hoe, Peow Ee and Qiu Ting, we managed to recce for possible clues to focus our cameras on.

After a tour round the school, we finally settled with a few pictures. Can you guess where these clues will lead you too?

11th Dec arrived in a twinkling of an eye. We ordered pizzas for our juniors. However, due to the constraint of our budget, we didn’t order much. Just enough for everyone, assuming every junior consumes a slice of pizza. 真的是吃不饱，但是也饿不死。So Sorry...

Delegation of work soon began when the facilitators reached school. It’s turning dark, and Mr Ng was still conducting while we prepared for the treasure hunt.

X (to protect the person’s identity): I want to drink bubble tea.

XX (to protect another person’s identity): Me too.

XXX (to protect the 3rd person’s identity): Let’s go and buy now.

X: Can we?

Qi Ling: Ok, ok, but make it a fast one. We’ll be starting in 30mins time according to the schedule.

Ten minutes later…

Yao Zhong: Qi Ling, we have finished our practice.

Qi Ling: Huh?! Ok. (Calling X via mobile phone) Where are you guys now?

X: We are buying some bread.

Qi Ling: Huang Sheng is out! We are beginning very soon.

X: Oh s***! We’re coming back now.

The juniors were tired, thus we suggested them to take a ‘short’ break. After that, Felicia and Yao Zhong arranged the juniors into their groups, while Peow Ee started off the treasure hunt with a very detailed story.

Fortunately, X, XX and XXX (I couldn’t remember if there is any other XXXX or XXXXX) were back in time. The treasure hunt and the station games went on as planned. Erm… Almost as planned. Ok, quite as planned.

I should write no more since a picture says a thousand words. The following should be enough to tell you a chapter.

Many thanks to the facilitators who had taken time off their busy schedule for this event. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves. And our dear juniors too! Hope you guys have enjoyed as well. Sorry for all the lame stuff. Merry Christmas! Jiayou for SYF next year! Y’all can do it! 我们永远支持你们！

奇灵大叔的记事簿

Forever 18 美女 Erhu Rectial...

2008-12-01T22:52:00.009+08:00

One of our AJCO prides, Miss Heng Lena - a full time professional Erhu musician, is going to have her Erhu solo recital soon. As part of AJCO, please show some support. Siew Hwa and I will be involved as accompaniments. While 22 bucks is too pricey to watch any performing arts groups, 22 bucks is super worth it to watch the forever 18 美女 perform on stage. If you are lucky, you might caught her tripping as she walked towards the center stage (remember years ago during an alumni concert?). Please leave your name either in the AJCAACO yahoo group or in the tagboard if you want to catch a glimpse of the forever 18 美女 in action. Here are the details:

Date: 14th December 2008 (A Beautiful Sunday for A Beautifullest Musician)
Time: 5:00pm (After Concert Can Go For AJCAACO Gathering)
Venue: The Arts House (Near Asian Civilisation Museum! Where???)
Ticket Price: $22 (The Price To Pay To See The Beautifullest of All)

@@ AJCO - The Talents Go Beyond AJC @@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

Society of Wear - Serene's Fashion Shop

2008-10-01T16:18:00.009+08:00

Our cute, lovely, young, extrovert, sweet and beautiful AJCAACO member, Serene Ong (23rd AJCO Pipa Player) has a natural business acumen. Only in her first year in NUS, Serene is already a co-owner and the model of an online shop "Sociedad De Uso" - Society of Wear which sells female fashion apparels. See website URL: http://de-uso.livejournal.com/. Perhaps Serene can give a discount to those from AJCAACO?

(Top): Sweet, Sexy-looking Serene as the model of her e-shop

Guys from AJCAACO:

Please show your support by buying beautiful dresses from Sociedad De Uso for your lovely girlfriends or wives (mistresses excluded)

Gals from AJCAACO:

Please show your support by buying the beautiful and quality fashion wear from Sociedad De Uso.

@@ AJCAACO: Our Members are Multi-Talented @@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

Wedding of Tan Kah Yong and Angela Cho Fong Yi...

2008-09-26T00:34:00.011+08:00

From my humble knowledge regarding the history of AJCO, the wedding of Mr. Tan Kah Yong (14th AJCO) and Mrs. Tan Fong Yi (15th AJCO), which is held on the 14th of September 2008, marks the 3rd AJCO wedded couple. The first is probably between Jack (13th AJCO) and his wife (dunno her name) while the second is Lijun (16th AJCO) and Yu Liang (13th AJCO). And the next? Of course, yours truly and Ms Chu Siew Hwa. Hee Hee!

(Top): Tying the Knots: 15th AJCO Erhu Player & 14th AJCO Sanxian Player

The handsome groom, Kah Yong is one of our most musically talented AJCO alumni. He is very recognized in the local and regional CO music scene as he has arranged and composed a lot of music pieces for professional CO. He is the pride of AJCO. The beautiful bride, Fong Yi, is a loyal fan of CO music. Since her JC days, she has probably attended the most number of SCO concerts as compared to all other AJCO alumni. Both of them are 天生一对. As friends of Kah Yong and Fong Yi, all of us are so happy to see them as husband and wife now.

(Top): Me and Kian Kiat (Kah Yong's best men) 'delivering' the roasted pig

(Top): One of the AJCO table consisting of Jianwei, Mr and Mrs Tan,
Kian Kiat, Guo Yong, Si Hui, Hui Yi, Fong Yi, Kah Yong, Wen Yin, Peijun.

(Top): One of the AJCO table consisting of Lijia, Yu Feng, Hui Ling, Xiuhua, Me,
Zhaoyan, Wenyan, Fong Yi, Kah Yong, Serene, Mervin and Kian Kiat.

(Top): The wacky and crazy people of AJCO.

@@ AJCAACO: Love for Music and People @@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

We Are On Newspaper Again...

2008-09-24T22:34:00.007+08:00

A few months back, AJCAA cultural performers were featured on the newspaper for The Reunion: A Cultural Performance by AJCAA. This time, AJCAACO is featured in page 9 of 现在早报 (24th Sept 2008).

It is not an easy task to gather alumni of any schools after years of graduation. However, AJCAACO has done it. SPH student reporters have formed an alumni group as well. I especially love this photograph (see below) as it shows two groups of alumni in the same photograph. And Miss Ang Feng Ling is an alumni of both the SPH student reporter and AJCO.

Though AJCAACO is not the key feature in this newspaper article, but at least we are mentioned (see the newspaper for the words "安初校友华乐团") and our (blurred and small) faces are shown on the photograph. Thank you Feng Ling for including us in the picture and the news. =)

One fine day, AJCAACO will be on headlines (for positive news of course). Yeah!!!

@@ AJCAACO: We Are On Newspaper Again @@
~~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~~

Singapore Press Holding Mid Autumn Performance...

2008-09-22T20:45:00.016+08:00

7th September 2008 is the first time AJCAACO performed for Singapore Press Holding (SPH) at Toa Payoh. Miss Ang Feng Ling, AJC Chinese Teacher and 16th AJCO Batch Erhu Player, hosted the SPH event - Friday Weekly Students Correspondents Alumni Lantern Festival. After a few weeks of night practices and Saturday sessions, the AJCAACO members have sacrificed much of their precious time to make this performance a success. It was really enjoyable and fun as we get to perform and participate in their activities as well. Here are some photographs for you to enjoy! Also, some thank you messages from our president Teng Qi Ling for all who have helped out in one way or another!

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Feng Ling (Ms Ang) and Zhiwei, for giving AJCAACO this opportunity to perform for SPH. You guys were really great audience. We really look forward to our next collaboration. =)" - Qi Ling

"Next, we would like to thank Ms Siau, Mr Goh, Ms Chua and our dear AJCO juniors. Thank you teachers for your time and effort for coordinating the practice timings, drawing keys (especially to Ms Siau for the gate keys on the performance day), providing practice venue and so much more. We really appreciate your assistance. Many thanks to the juniors as well for sharing your instruments with us, all the best for your promos and 'A' level! Mr Goh, need to Ma Fan you to help us let the juniors know, THANKS!" - Qi Ling

"In addition, we would also like to express our gratitude to the school security guards, school attendants and OM, Mr Sim, for their assistance during the practices. Ms Siau, sorry to trouble you again but kindly thank them on our behalf. ^^" - Qi Ling

"Last but not least, a toast to all the performers (Mervin, Wanting, Siew Hwa, Zhiliang, Zhi Yin, Juan Juan, Qiuting, Michelle, Kwang Ying, Serene, Xiao Ting, Erik, Xuan Wan, Wang Han, Yong Xue, Hui Ping, Hwee Teng, Huiling, Kian Kiat, Peow Ee), the EXCO, the score librarians (Tat Kuan and Qiuting), the music coordinators (Lena, Xiao Ting and Zhiliang) and the almost-become-performer-performers, I am sorry to flood your mobile phones and emails with messages. Thank you for playing a part in helping to make this performance a success. Do keep a look-out for our celebration around 11th October (Tentative)" - Qi Ling.

This is a good start for AJCAACO as it is our aspirations to bring music to corporate functions and casual events organized by societies. Jiayou AJCAACO!!! May our AJCAA Music Ensemble prosper under the guidance of Teng Qi Ling - AJCAACO 4th Batch President.

@@ AJCAACO - We Perform for Special Occasions @@
~~~ Liang Ah Liang ~~~

BBCO Concert - Do Support Them!!!

2008-08-08T22:43:00.007+08:00

Dear All, Bukit Batok CC Chinese Orchestra will be having a performance on the 24th of August 2008, 6:00pm at Singapore Conference Hall. The repertoire of the concert is shown on the poster. Please do support the CO because many AJCO juniors will be performing i.e. Tan Hwee Teng, Chen Wanting,Teo Zhiyin, Yeo Yao Sheng, Tan Qiuting, Seet Kwang Ying, Vivian Ang, Yip MeiPheng, Luo Fook Hong.

Any interested individuals, please leave your name in the tagboard and we will get the respective I.C. to contact you. Hope to see many AJC Alumni CO people attending the concert.

Liang Ah Lucas

AJCO CIP at The Singapore Cheshire Home

2008-08-08T18:45:00.014+08:00

On August 2nd 2008, members of AJCO woke up very early to prepare for a meaningful morning. They are bringing their love for Chinese orchestral music to the Singapore Cheshire Home by performing some musical pieces. Led by Mr Goh Kunli, the students have shown a lot of enthusiasm and love for the marginalized community in the 'Home'.

3 AJCAACO members i.e. Qi Ling (New AJCAACO President), Peow Ee (New AJCAACO Vice-President) and me (AJCAACO music coordinator) went to give their utmost support on that Saturday morning. Let me give everyone a short and sweet and heartwarming account of what happened on that morning with a pictorial journey...

(Top): Student performers getting onto the bus and the van.

(Top): Students getting off the bus at Cheshire Home.

(Top): The Singapore Cheshire Home in Serangoon Gardens.

(Left): Our hyperactive president - Teng Qi Ling was up on the lorry to unload the bulky instruments. Qi Ling was definitely a great help on that day. When we were on the van from AJC to the Singapore Cheshire Home, Qi Ling was 'entertaining' the cello-bass juniors with the lamest jokes he can think of. Well. It works. They were entertained.

Throughout the morning, I was busily snapping photos (and also using that as an excuse to avoid carrying those instruments? Hahaha!). Peow Ee was probably trying to mingle around with the students.

(Top): AJCO and many other friendly schools on the list of visits to Cheshire

AJCO played four catchy and beautiful tunes i.e. 菊花台，快乐的啰嗦，彩云追月，小城故事. We can see that many of the residents are happy to hear music as we can see smiles from their faces.

(Top): AJCO Plucked String and Wind Section during one of the tunes.

(Top): The residents of Singapore Cheshire Home enjoying the performance

After playing the tunes, Mr Goh asked all the students to mingle around with the residents of Cheshire Home. The students were shy and uncomfortable at first (despite they are such warm-hearted students) because they are unable to find the right way to converse and interact with the residents. However, with some brave souls who initiated the approaches towards the residents, AJCO started moving around and chatting with them. All thanks to AJCAACO President Teng Qi Ling, who has taken a first step to talk to the wheelchair bound residents and encouraging AJCO students to follow him. The students even started singing for the residents with them clapping together. Within a few minutes, a shy group of AJCO students have opened up to the residents.

(Top): AJCO student and clapping for and with the residents.

(Top): 3 AJCO erhu players performing 赛马

When finally its time to part, 3 AJCO students still volunteer to perform 赛马 at the exit. I guess they cant get enough of community services. I guess we can expect both AJCO and AJCAACO to appear at The Singapore Cheshire Home soon again. Let's bring music to their doorstep.

@@ AJCO - A Heart-Warming and Lovely Orchestra @@
Liang Ah Lucas

AJCAACO Annual General Meeting 2008

2008-07-26T23:08:00.009+08:00

AJCAACO has held its first Annual General Meeting on the 19th July 2008. It is an event to update both members of AJCO and AJCAACO about the past, present and future developments of the alumni orchestra. The 3rd and 4th AJCAACO EXCO will like to express their thanks to those who have attended the AGM especially Miss Siau Fong Fui (AJC Student Affairs HOD), Mr Tan Cham Yong (Former AJCAACO Teacher-In-Charge) and Mr Goh Kun Li (AJCO Teacher). It is also a delight to see Ming Xiong representing his 8th AJCO batch at the AGM.

(Top): Mr Goh updating AJCAACO about the future plans of AJCO.

(Top): Zhiliang highlighting the AJCAACO's achievements under his baton.

AJCAACO Activities/Events 2006

December 2006 - AJCAACO Investiture 2006
December 2006 - Pre-University Sharing Session

AJCAACO Activities/Events 2007

January 2007 - Launching of AJCAACO Blog
January 2007 - AJCAACO Kukup Retreat
January 2007 - Chen Laoshi Farewell Dinner
April 2007 - Support-the-AJCO-SYF Event 2007
August 2007 - AJCAA Cultural Performance "The Reunion"
August 2007 - AJCO Heritage Exhibition
October 2007 - AJCAACO Annual Chalet
December 2007 - AJCAACO Christmas Gathering

AJCAACO Activities/Events 2008

February 2008 - AJCAACO CNY Gathering
February 2008 - Rabobank CNY Function Performance
June 2008 - AJC(AAC)O's BBQ in the Heartlands

Upcoming Projects

AJCAACO Heritage/Score Library
AJCO 25th Anniversary 2009 Organizer
AJCAACO Ensemble

It was a fruitful sharing session with many individuals who have given their precious feedback on how to strength AJCAACO and ensure sustainability and how AJCAACO and AJCO can develop a better symbiotic relationship.

(Top): Participants of the AJCAACO AGM 2008 listening to the speaker.

When Shuzi (23rd AJCO President) mentioned how much AJCO appreciates the alumni's help and support for their Singapore Youth Festival competition, many of the EXCO were touched as Shuzi's heartfelt thanks to the alumni represents the most precious reward to AJCAACO.

Finally, Zhiliang announced the new AJCAACO EXCO and thanks the EXCO members who are stepping down. Also, the 4th AJCAACO President and Vice-President presented the new goals of AJCAACO in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Stay tune for a blog entry about the new AJCAACO EXCO members. =D

@@ AJCAACO - A Sustainable Orchestra @@
Liang Ah Lucas

AJCAACO First President's Wedding...

2008-07-06T00:08:00.011+08:00

Here are two photos to share about Lim Kian Kiat's wedding on May 24th 2008 in Swissotel Stamford. He is the first AJCAACO president and the 14th AJCO batch bassist. Due to his charisma as our first AJCAACO leader, many ex-AJCO people attended his wedding to give the couple their blessings.

(Top): A group photo of ex-AJCO members with the wedding couple (KK and his wife). The members ranges from the 13th to the 23rd AJCO batch.

@@ AJCAACO - More AJCAACO Marriages 2 Come @@
**Liang Ah Liang**

AJCAACO Annual General Meeting 2008...

2008-06-28T23:35:00.007+08:00

It is the time of the year when all AJCO alumni gather together to attend the Anderson Junior College Alumni Association Chinese Orchestra Annual General Meeting (AJCAACO AGM). This is the most important event organized by AJCAACO this year because it involves updating the alumni the recent AJCAACO developments and getting feedbacks from all alumni. The event title, "Towards a Sustainable Orchestra", reflects some issues faced by our orchestra and we really wish every alumni can play a part in solving these issues to make our orchestra a sustainable one.

19th July 2008
9:30am - 12:00pm
AJC Lecture Theatre 5

The main objectives of the event:

To update AJCAACO people about the developments of AJCAACO from 2006 to 2008.
To conduct the handover ceremony to the 4th AJCAACO EXCO and introduce the new committee to the rest of the alumni.
To address some perennial problems experienced by AJCAACO and suggested solutions to the problems.

@@ AJCAACO - WE NEED YOU @@
** Liang Ah Liang **

The Rise of a Dynamic 25th AJCO Batch...

2008-06-15T15:10:00.021+08:00

June the 14th is a day when the AJCAACO first met the 25th batch EXCO members. Organized by Qi Ling and Serene, the AJCO and AJCAACO family have a small BBQ gathering at Bishan Blk 289. There were more than 25 people present in the BBQ consisting of the 8th AJCO batch to the 25th AJCO batch!!! Thank you Jenny (8th AJCO Batch Zhongruan Player) for making this a record breaking gathering just by giving to give us support. And many juniors said you look young!!! Yeah!!! We are always young. Hahaha!

(Bottom Left): The BBQ pit set up by Chunming and Lilian.

I will really like to thank Qi Ling and Serene for making this BBQ a success. Heard that Qi Ling spent hours for the food preparation (Qi Ling, you help us thank your grandma and aunties). Also, Chunming and Lilian are, as usual, very very helpful in setting up the fire and 'cooking' the food and offering a place for us to play mahjong through the night. Both of you are really wonderful people. Thank you Kwan Chiu, Shufen (24th batch P and VP), Felicia and Yaozhong (25th batch P and VP) for getting your EXCO and members to join us in the activity. And of course, thanks to the alumni who demonstrates such good hospitality to our dear juniors.

(Top): Chunming and Lilian are our BBQ heroes

(Top): Our new BBQ heroines from 25th batch.

(Top): AJCO and AJCAACO rocks Bishan down.

(Top): Shufen (24th batch VP), me (16th batch QM), Kwan Chiu (24th batch P)

It is always a joy mixing around with our AJCO juniors. their 17th and 18th years old spirits really relive our fond memories of the days we are in AJCO. We are so happy to know so many commonalities (love 'kbox-ing', 'mahjong-ing', crapping, playing music etc etc) among the different batches of AJCO people. After mixing around with the juniors, we realise that the 25th AJCO EXCO demonstrates dynamism and enthusiasm. AJCO will continue to improve and develop into one of the best Chinese orchestras among schools.

(Top): Tanbo people from AJCO ranging from the 8th to the 22th AJCO batch.

(Top): Xianyue people from AJCO ranging from 19th to 23th AJCO batch.

(Top): Liza (24th AJCO batch), in pink, never fails to wear polo T-shirt again.

(Top): Our dearest juniors =)

This is the first time we organized a BBQ which involves the current AJCO batch. It is indeed a successful one. Let's hope we can have KTV, trekking, touring and of course CO practice sessions with our AJCO juniors. Without them, the line of continuity will come to a halt. Let us give the 25th AJCO batch all our support. =)

@@ AJCO: The Rise of a Dynamic 25th AJCO Batch @@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

Hot & Sizzling BBQ in the Heartlands...

2008-06-07T01:00:00.004+08:00

Dear Alumni and Juniors,

The 3rd AJCAACO EXCO is organizing a BBQ for all alumni and juniors on the 14th of June 2008. The purpose of the BBQ is to mark the birth of the 25th AJCO batch and thank the 24th AJCO batch for their hardwork. I hope the alumni can support this BBQ and the juniors in 2009's SYF competition. 2009 is the year when AJC and AJCO reach its quarter of a century (25th Years Old!!!).

Date: 14th June 2008 (Saturday)

Venue: Beside Catholic High School (Near Block 288 in Bishan)

Time: 5pm - 8pm

Cost: Free for all AJCO members

@@ AJCAACO - WE LOVE OUR JUNIORS @@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

The Birth of 25th AJCO Batch...

2008-06-06T23:48:00.016+08:00

AJCO has finally reaching its 25th birthday. Today, 060608 (Wah! Such an auspicious date!... Try 6608 for 4-D!), marks the day when the 24th AJCO batch has officially handed over their batons to the 25th AJCO batch in AJC LT5. Going back to see our juniors really remind me about the times we spent our days with our fellow AJCO friends.

(Top): Mr Goh (AJCO teacher) with the 24th and 25th AJCO members.

The 24th AJCO president and vice-president, Kwan Chiu, Shufen and their team has created a very memorable video for their members. The video is followed by the official handing over ceremony. Here are some photos of our handsome and pretty juniors during the handing over ceremony (I apologise for not putting all photos because I do not have enough time).

(Top): Shufen (24th Batch VP) & Yao Zhong (25th Batch VP)

(Top): Kwan Chiu (24th Batch P) & Felicia (25th Batch P)

(Top): First Photo of the Day

(Top): Second Photo of the Day

(Top): Third Photo of the Day

After the handing over ceremony, Kwan Chiu said some 'parting' words to AJCO. Next, Shufen read out a letter written by Huang Laoshi to AJCO and followed by Mr Goh and me. Unfortunately, I do not have time to type out the letter content here. Anyway, here are the wacky 24th/25th AJCO EXCO.

(Top): These are the pillars of AJCO

AJCO has gone through a lot in these 24 years (going to its 25th year in 2009). Together with AJC, our orchestra has progressed to greater heights. I hope that the AJCAACO members from as far back as the 8th batch (like Diana, Hui Bao etc) to the 23rd batch (which includes Shuzi, Wanting etc) can get together to make the 25th batch one of the strongest Chinese orchestras among schools.

(Top): A Tale of Two Spiked Heads

@@ AJCO: The Birth of 25th AJCO Batch @@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

Another Successful AJCO Concert (2008)...

2008-05-06T20:43:00.029+08:00

The 3th of May is an exciting day for the AJCO 24th batch. It is also a time of get-together for all the AJCO alumni. From Tanjong Pagar MRT station to Singapore Conference Hall, it is inevitable to see familiar faces of EX-AJCO peeps. Other than the forthcoming Lim Kian Kiat's wedding (First Official AJCAACO President), the biannual AJCO concert is always the biggest gathering for all ex-members of AJCO.

After months of intensive practices, the 24th batch of AJCO members have put up a wonderful performance for the audiences. Many of them are first-timers on a performing stage (because AJCO has a long standing culture of recruiting and training greenhorns). Congrats to the 24th AJCO batch. You all are wonderful!!! We want more encores!!!

Top: Our Beautiful AJCO

Top: Encore Encore Encore!!!

Top: AJCO Concert 2008 Encore Piece - 菊花台

While watching the concerts, many of the alumni felt a surge of nostalgia while feeling the impulse to take up their musical instruments and join the AJCO in their performance. However, there are so many constraints after we have left AJCO (such as work and family commitment). Nevertheless, most of the alumni still feel a love for AJCO despite the generation gap and the bond between the different batches of alumni. Here are some photos to share:

Top: The Youngest Alumni with An Old Man. And who is the old man??? It is none other than Zhiliang.

Left: This row comprises of the older alumni group (The oldest AJCO alumni in SCH on that day). Peijun, Wenyin, Huiyi (President) from the 14th AJCO batch. Followed by Tat Kuan (from the 18th AJCO batch) and company (from the relatively younger batch, though still quite old). This group of alumni has been supporting AJCO for the few 8 years and they never fail to attend the biannual concerts.

Top: Alumni sitting together to cheer for AJCO

Top: Benjamin (23rd AJCO), Zhiliang (16th AJCO) and Nigel (23rd AJCO)

Top: Everyone is so happy to be part of the AJCO family

Liang Ah Lucas
~ AJAACO: Always Part of the AJCO family ~

AJCO Concert 2008

2008-04-22T22:46:00.012+08:00

This poster, designed by Serene, shows the details of the AJCO biannual concert during the non-SYF year. I hope all the alumni can show support by going down to the concert. Anyone who is interested, please order from me.

Here are the song list:

<<石板腰鼓>> (The Stone Slab Waist Drums)

<<拉德斯基进行曲>> (Radetzky March, Op. 228)

<<闲云孤鹤>> - 中阮二重奏与小组伴奏 (The Solitary Crane Amidst The Clouds)

<<夏日里的舞蹈>> (A Summer Dance)

<<送儿郎>> - 弦乐齐奏 (The Parting)

<<我把世界来周游>> - 弹拨齐奏 (A Trip Round The World)

<<阿佤山>> (The Awa Mountain)

<<闯将令>> (The Valorous General)

Stay Tuned for AJCAACO Website...

2008-02-23T01:25:00.007+08:00

AJCAACO will be launching their official website before June 2008. With the help of Serene, Huiling and Zhiliang, a basic website has been created (however not yet published for public viewing).

The primary purpose of the website is to attract AJCO juniors to join Anderson Junior College Alumni Chinese Orchestra (AJCAACO) and update current members about recent news and events. A secondary purpose is to publicize that AJCAACO offers performing services to organizations during various festive occasions.

For anyone who surf this website, (s)he will first be greeted by a musical composition by our very own AJCAACO member, Mr Tan Kah Yong instead of other visual representations (simply because we are from a musical group where sound matters more than images).

Here are some screen shots of the website:

Hopefully with an additional website (on top of our blog), we are able to reach out to more members. Stay tuned for more updates.

@@@AJCAACO - We Have a Blog & Soon A Website@@@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

A Toast to Performers of Rabobank CNY 'Performance'

2008-02-21T07:39:00.030+08:00

"By the way, would just like to thank you and your
Alumni Orchestra for providing us with nice background
music for the past 2 days... Really appreciate it!"

(Natalie, Rabobank International, Singapore Branch)

Congratulations to AJCAACO. We have succeeded in our first 'assignment'. Thank you all the performers for your participation. Despite many of you are new to the Rabobank repertoire, you all manage to create an excellent CNY atmosphere for the function. Thank you EXCO for your help in various aspects of the mini performance. Thank you Jianjie and Jianwei for taking over my roles in the first day of the performance. And of course, thank you Kian Hock for your wonderful photography skills.

Here is a photo journey from the rehearsal to the performance day:

It all started with an email in December 2007. Rabobank has decided to invite AJCAACO to their 2008 CNY function after a year of rest in 2007. (We have performed for Rabobank as early as 2003.) Every Wednesday was a stressful day for Mr AJCAACO President as he was worried about the progress of the practices.

He wondered what he can do to improve the situation despite everyone has already put in their best efforts. Time is running out!!! In a week or two, representatives from Rabobank will be coming down to AJC for inspection. However, seeing that everyone is enjoying their practices, Mr AJCAACO president felt comforted...

And we also have an army guy coming for practices. He must have gotten confused with playing his M16 in the day and cello in the evening and back to his M16 rifle at night on every Wednesday.

The happy group of performers after practice despite the D-day draws nearer and nearer... In the blink of an eye, it is the performance day...

Since a bulk of our performers are first timers for such performances, many of them were worried due to the unfamiliarity. Probably many of them were surprised by the formality of the function.

However, with the leadership of the very experienced Lim Kian Kiat (1st Batch AJCAACO President), many of them managed to calm their nerves.

Also, with good preparation done by Tat Kuan and Qi Ling, all the instruments and performers reached Sime Road safely without any hiccups.

Finally, the SLs managed to ensure things are run smoothly within their own sections.

The experienced individuals (See pictures above) like Chunming, Lilian, Erik, Siqiang, Zhongneng and Jianwei were so relaxed. Rabobank performance is just like eating rice everyday. With them around, things will definitely turn out fine. After settling down, everyone got into action at 7:30pm (See pictures below).

Finally, the first day ended with both the guests and performers smiling away. And one performer grinning away (See picture below).

Thank you everyone again. Thank you Rabobank for giving us the chance to perform for their yearly CNY function. I hope everybody enjoyed the experience and that all of you will come back to join us for more AJCAACO activities. Finally... Kian Hock, next year remember to take a picture of the BIG DOGS in the Rabobank GM's house!!! Haha!!!

@@@ AJCAACO - Rabobank CNY Function 2008 @@@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

AJCO Logo...

2008-02-03T01:25:00.000+08:00

While the Singapore Chinese Orchestra uses the treble clef to represent SCO, one talented artist of AJCO uses Zhongruan to represent AJCO. The alphabet S, C and O form the treble clef which is drawn using Chinese calligraphy brush strokes. The words on the left side of the treble clef showing "新加波华乐团" and "Singapore Chinese Orchestra" lies on the 5 musical bar lines. Interestingly, the nicely designed AJCO logo has a similar representation.

I must say this is a very creative piece of work done by a few of our AJCO juniors - Hui Quan, Jia Kai and Jing Wan. I must say... IT IS IMPRESSIVE!!! As opposed to SCO's logo that is represented by a western musical notation, the AJCO student chose the Chinese musical instrument Zhongruan formed by the alphabet A, J, C and O. Similarly, the presence of Chinese calligraphy style is evident in the design. Good work!!!

I hope that AJCO and AJCAACO members can relate ourselves to this logo in future. It is our visual identity on top of Kah Yong's composition - Euphony of Bonds Across Time - which is our aural identity.

@@@AJC(AAC)O - We Have Our Own Identity @@@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

Photos of the Month...

2008-01-26T23:10:00.000+08:00

Taken during one of the Rabobank practices by our bassist Kian Hock... Enjoy... =P

1st Prize: "He is Sooooo Handsome!!!"

2nd Prize: "Hmmmm..."

3rd Prize: "GOSH!!! This is LOUD!"

@@@ AJCAACO - We Make Funny Faces @@@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

Mr Popular With His 2008 Newest Hairdo...

2008-01-02T23:37:00.000+08:00

Qi Ling's birthday is around the corner. Everyone is eager to celebrate his birthday for him. Frequently known as Auntie 杀手 or Uncle (due to his passion for SBC TV dramas and Teochew Opera), the CO Alumni AS (Anti-Social) clique (which includes Lijia, Xiuqin, Tat Kuan, Erik, Weilin etc etc etc) has offered to give Qi Ling a hair makeover - a special 2008 most popular hairstyle. Tat Kuan was complaining about Qi Ling's former hair style resembles Rainie Yang's 水母发型 (See below). Ok... Maybe not. Rainie Yang is much cuter in that hairstyle =p. Should have asked Qi Ling to pose like Rainie in that pic. Hahaha... Here are some pictures... Enjoy!!!

(Top): Qi Ling with his former hairstyle, Quoted by Tat Kuan to be 水母发型.

(Top): Rainie Yang with the Jelly Fish Hairstyle Tat Kuan mentioned.

(Top): Qi Ling getting ready to have his first expensive haircut
with AJCAACO President and Vice President giving moral support.

After waiting for a painful one hour, Erik, Tat Kuan and I left for AJ first to meet Fukang for a chat leaving Qi Ling enjoying his hair cut and coloring. When I was in AJ, I received an sms from Qi Ling after he left the salon "Haha. Thanks (for paying for the haircut and coloring). But the effect not that great". Diao!!! We were worried when I showed the sms to Erik and Tat Kuan. Then, Qi Ling arrived in AJ......... WOW!!! Look at how Uncle Qi Ling transformed into Mr Stylish Boi Boi ( minus the dragon-printed T-Shirt -_-"" )... Ta Ta Ta Ta!!!

(Top): Qi Ling with his nice haircut (cant see the colour from photo).
A very refreshing look right?

I believe many people who went for haircut had the problem of styling their hair after they washed the hair at home. It always seems easy when you observed your stylist styling your hair. Qi Ling is a first-timer to try a haircut that needs styling - can refer to these four photos as reference next time.

Qi Ling... You SHUAI DAI LE... Woohoo... You can upgrade your status from auntie 杀手 to granny 杀手? (Joking... Young gals will love your haircut too!!! Right Right???) Hahaha... Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to you in advance!!!

@@ AJCAACO - New Year with New Looks @@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

2008 发发发 for AJCAACO...

2007-12-31T16:45:00.000+08:00

October 24th 2006 marks the day when the AJCAACO blog - Euphony of Bonds Across Time was created. For the past 1 year plus, the 3rd batch AJCAACO has espoused several activities and events for both the alumni and the juniors. It was a tiring year for both the EXCO and many of the CO alumni members. Today is January 1st 2008. It is a new year for everybody and also a new year for AJCAACO. As a start, let me sum up what we have achieved in 2007 so that we will set new goals and resolutions in the year 2008.

2007 Work Year - Our Achievements

1) Launching of AJCAACO Blog: Euphony of Bonds Across Bond
2) AJCAACO Trip to Kukup
3) Chen Laoshi Farewell Gathering
4) Pre-University Sharing Session
5) Support the AJCO SYF Project
6) AJCO Heritage Exhibition
7) AJCAA Cultural Performance - The Reunion
8) AJCAACO Chalet
9) AJCAACO Christmas Gathering

2008 Work Year - Our New Goals

1) Chinese New Year Gathering
2) Rabobank Performance
3) AJCO Preparation Concert
4) AJCAACO KTV "SYF" Competition
5) AJCAACO Olympics
6) Chalets
7) Establishing AJCAACO Ensemble
8) More to come...... (Feel Free to Contribute Your Ideas!!!)

As the representative of AJCAACO, I wish all members of AJCAACO and AJCO a very happy new year. May the new year be smooth sailing. =)

@@@ AJCAACO - 2008 发发发@@@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

2007 Xmas Gathering...

2007-12-25T02:10:00.000+08:00

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle All the Way... to Chunming's house...

It all begins at a lunch with Chunming and Lilian whereby they suggested having a gathering at Chunming's empty house in Serangoon (he has two houses; one for living and one for storing stuff). For a few weeks in December, Lilian, Chunming and Chunming's parents helped to clean up the house which was left abandoned for 5 years. They bought Christmas decoration (which includes a a Christmas tree) to liven up the festive mood , a mahjong table, a mahjong set and plenty bottles of soft drinks. Without Chunming, Lilian and CM's parents, this gathering will not be possible. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

When we first reached CM's house, we watched AJCO's past years' concerts i.e. 15th/16th batch and 17th/18th batch concerts. We laughed our heads off, while staring at our old fashioned hairstyles (centre parting hair) in disbelief. Nevertheless, we felt a sense of nostalgia and a longing to return back to our JC period. We are also looking forward to be involved in another one of such outstanding concert (especially pertaining to the 17th/18th batch concert). After watching the videos, it was time for MAHJONG. Yeah!!!

In the 2nd storey where the rooms are, we found a bookshelf of ancient Chinese books e.g. Chinese versions of Reader Digests (读者文章) dated back to the 1970s. It seems that a hidden wall will open when one of the book is taken out from its original place. Anyway, from the shelf, we managed to find a very special book written by the author called 白中发. We laughed like crazy when we saw the author's name. I think it is easy for anyone of you to guess what the book is all about i.e. 白(板)(红)中(青)发... Yeap. It is on Mahjong - 麻雀必胜战法 (see picture below). Anyone who wants to borrow the book by 白中发 can give Chunming a call. Hee...

In the evening, we went for dinner at the famous Chomp Chomp. We ordered stingrays, satays, hum, satay beehoon, bbq chicken wings, hokkien mee, sugar cane drinks etc. It was a wonderful dinner until it rained heavily and a few of us were drenched.

(Top): I was drenched after eating at the semi open-air Chomp Chomp.

(Top): Xiuhua, Shihui, Lilian and Serene with the super big sugarcane juice servings.

(Top): Erik, Chunming, Zhiliang and Mervin

The second batch of our friends came at the night when it was raining. Xiao Ting, Peiling, Chee Yong, Wei Ning and Jianjie only came at night. Due to the rain, they have to tabao the food back to Chunming's house. So nice of Jianjie to pay for most of the tabao food. =D

(Top): Cheeyong, Puay Leng, Jianjie, Qi Ling, Wei Ning and Xiaoting eating at Chunming's dining table.

When all of us finally gathered at Chunming's house, we exchanged our Christmas gifts randomly. Our names were written on pieces of paper and dropped into a bag where all of us will take turns to pick up a name. The name we picked up reflects the whose Christmas present we will get.

(Top): Lilian, our organizer telling us how to exchange our presents.

(Left): Jianjie giving Choya to Lilian. (Right): Huiling giving a hamper to Serene.

(Top): Shihui, Zhiliang, Xiuhua, Serene, Huiling, Erik, Xiaoting, Lilian, Puay Leng, Wei Ning, Mervin, Qi Ling, Chee Yong, Chunming and Jianjie

(Top): Chocolates, Clock (送"钟"???), Matchbox (with match sticks), Middle finger hand-held fan (Kaoz... Who got this?), a bottle of Choya, Books, Cute Photo Frames, Mini Hampers (that were nicely wrapped), Dustbin, Candle Holder etc etc.

And guess what the President of AJCAACO got? What a special present!!! -_- (see below)

As darkness falls, it was time for mahjong and drinking... Something that should not be missed out during festive season. The highlight of the night was marked by Mervin getting dead drunk, with a few others high on alcohol though still sane (Enjoy listening to mervin's screams when you 'listen' to the video below). Thanks Mervin for making it so hard to sleep at night =p!!!

(Top): The "Huiling Jia Jia Footage". Taken in an unlit room.

(Top): Serene with her rosy cheeks.

(Top): The most happening bunch of CO alumni posing
(as their faces got redder and redder into the night)

In our second day, we watched "Final Destination 2" whereby a few of us got very paranoid after that. Finally, the gathering ended with a 4 hour KTV session with our KTV queen Yang Tze Shing (and her bf who got a superb voice).

Thank you (especially Chunming and Lilian) whoever have made this gathering fun, crazy, wacky, high, delicious and enjoyable. Merry Christmas to the 24 Batches of AJCO Peeps!!!

@@@ AJCAACO - We Work Hard... We Play Hard... @@@
~~ Liang Ah Lucas ~~

Christmas Gathering Update

2007-12-19T13:55:00.000+08:00

Details of the Christmas Gathering is as shown below:

Date: 22nd December 2007 - 23rd December 2007
Time: 2pm (22nd Dec) - 4pm (23rd Dec)
Venue: Chunming's House
Exact Address: 26 Li Hwan Drive (http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_19687/travel_site_1/)

How to Get There:

For buses coming from amk, bishan or yishun: 22, 24, 45, 53, 58, 133, 135, 136, 156, 159, 156, 853. Stop at bus stop right after CTE expressway.

Activities include:

Watching DVD and VCDs
Play Mahjong
KTV at Serangoon Gardens
Meals at Famous Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Christmas Gift Exchange ($5-$10 Gifts)

People Going So Far (19 people):

xiuhua, zhiliang, lilian, chunming, serene, xiaoting, peow ee, weilin, huiling, jianjie, zeyi, baohe, shihui, erik, tyng feng, peiling, chee yong, weining, qi ling.

Featured in Kukup's Official Website...

2007-12-16T03:47:00.000+08:00

Remember our Kukup Trip organized by Lilian and Chunming? Of course right? That was a really fun AJCAACO outing we had last January. When I was surfing about Kukup again (to reminisce the good memories), I notice that our tour 'guide' has uploaded 2 of our photos on their official website. Probably, our photos are used to advertise the Kukup tour package because of the shuaige meinu in the photos. Haha! Here are the photos and the URL of the website's photo album:

http://kukup.bravehost.com/group_album.html

I hope that many of us can go for the upcoming Christmas gathering on this Friday and Saturday. Details will be confirmed again by Monday. We will have a team of people to contact individuals to remind them about this potentially fun gathering.

@@AJCAACO - Reminiscing The Good Memories @@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

AJCO Preparation for 2008 CCA Carnival...

2007-12-12T00:11:00.000+08:00

As CO alumni of AJCO, I believe everyone has done banners for AJCO before when we were in AJC (I really dun remember my batch's banner liao). During the yearly CCA carnivals and open houses, AJCO peeps will design and paint a banner to hang somewhere prominent in AJ to attract new CO members. As for our current AJCO juniors, they have come up with a very cute banner. Designed by Diana (our cellist from AJCO), this banner depicts the fun and cheeky character of AJCO despite the seriousness during practice time with Huang Sheng.

Basically, the banner features characters from "Journey to the West" with Tang Sheng playing the erhu, Sha Zhen playing the suona, Zhu Ba Jie playing the pipa and Sun Wu Kong playing the cello. So innovative. Hahaha. Cute right?

Similarly, their CO T-Shirt will be based on Monkey God playing the Dizi. Here is the design sample (that awaits approval from Miss Chua Bihe). This is obviously not a clear picture. But I believe it will be very nice when printed on the T-Shirt (See below).

Other than showing off their nicely designed banner and AJCO T-Shirts (which they will be wearing), they will be distributing calendar cards with picture of AJCO performing during one of the concert. Here is the picture of the calendar card:

AJCAACO wishes AJCO all the best in recruiting plenty of good, quality, responsible and committed members for the 2009 SYF competition. This is a crucial time for recruitment because 2009 marks AJC and AJCO's 25th anniversary.

@@ AJCO - Recruitment with Innovative Ideas @@
*** Liang Ah Lucas ***

Rabobank Performance Is Back...

2007-11-25T02:07:00.000+08:00

Rubber band? No. It is Rabobank - A Dutch bank with a lot of specialized international offices. For the younger AJCAACO peeps who do not know about the 'affiliation' between AJCAACO and Rabobank, AJCAACO has always been regularly invited to perform in Rabobank's annual Chinese New Year (CNY) function held in a colonial bungalow owned by the regional General Manager of Rabobank.

Due to 'unknown' reasons, AJCAACO wasn't invited to perform in the CNY event in 2007. Most fortunately, I have just received news that we are going down to the giant bungalow to perform again in Feb 11th and 12th 2008 (7pm onwards).

It was ages ago when we were first invited to perform for Rabobank. Was it in 2003? (Somebody help me with this). The performance is always a two-night event - one night is catered for the staff of the company while the other night is for V.I.P.s. It was quite a new experience for us since that was our first major 'lobang' to earn money for AJCAA(CO). It was also because of that performance that AJCO received their first batch of quality music stand (rather than the metallic silver music stands). If I am not wrong, $1000 was allocated to buy those music stands. Aren't we nice to AJCO? HAHAHA...

We performed very 'orbit' CNY songs during our first performance. Slowly, we started to incorporate more sophisticated pieces such as 三六. As for our 2008 Rabobank performance, we hope to explore into new areas. Our dear Kah Yong has willingly provided some of his arrangements on top of the typical CNY songs:

1. 歌声与微笑
2. 云河
3. 但愿人长久
4. 菊花台
5. 风真透
6. Don't Cry For Me Argentina (Quintet Piece)

For memory sake, here are some photos of our maiden voyage to the house of Rabobank regional's GM:

(Top): Our nicely built tentage.

(Top): A view of our bow-string section

(Top): A view of our plucked string section.

(Top): The performance continued into the night with the lion dance troupe at the background.

(Top): Peijun, our Yangqin player, attracts the attention of the V.I.P.s.

(Top): One of the Rabobank staff showcasing her unforgotten yanqin skills by playing 风筝乐.

(Top): First row; Left to Right - Zixing, Xue Xian, Lilian, Teresa, Shuwei, Zhiliang, Guoyong, Yiwei, Siqiang and Mr Wee. Second row; Left to Right - Kahyong piggy-backing Fengyi, Peijun, Shujing, __________ (Sorry. Please tell me who this is?), Minyi, Weilin, Liyan, Tat Kuan, Sihui, Shumi, Zhongneng, Liping, Jianwei, Jianjie, Adrian, _________ (help me with this as well), Wanying.

It is really my wish to see the old faces back for our Rabobank performances. Also, we hope to see new faces as well because the Rabobank performance is probably a different form of performance for the freshly graduated AJCO peeps. Let us all make this coming performance a success.

@@@ AJCAACO - We Still Get Good Lobangs @@@
***Liang Ah Lucas***

AJC(AA)CO Christmas Gathering...

2007-11-12T03:16:00.000+08:00

The Colourful Message Below is Written by Our Dear Lilian:

Hi ppl.. it's me again!

as some ppl had missed out on the previous chalet, like our Missy huiling who is away in auzzie, there's been suggestions that we have another chalet.. well, the bad news is, all the aloha chalets are fully booked.. so i cant help to book one for the next one..

however... i have another suggestion, not sure if you all agree..
let's have a xmas chalet at cm's place!

Cm's family has this old, little home opposite their home now, which used to be their first own house. his parents had not sold it even after they moved after a few years. thus now it has been vacant for ard.. 10 odd years. it's a bit dusty, but after a bit of cleaning up, i think we can have a gathering there, and also stayover. what do u think? his parents are ok with having us over, and they have even started clearing the mess in the house for us.

if everyone doesnt mind, then tentatively i propose the dates be set on:

22 to 23 Dec 2008
Weekend before Xmas.

You guys can come over from Fri till Sun. No probs.. we can even go ktv during night at serangoon gardens, or go chomp chomp for supper. we can also all bring a small present, then have a random exchange, like lucky draw lidat!! hehe..

so i need to know these..
1. who is going? - LL, CM, ZL, XH, huiling, TK, QL, (hahaha i juz include u guys.. =p)
2. bbq again? - juz need to buy a simple temp bbq stand. or we can go out eat. or order in. anything oso can..
3. anyone who can lend mahjong set plus table? we dun have any..

ok! dats all for now... gg to sleep... reply me as soon as u can!! huiling, TK QL.. u all help me jio ppl can..? den tell me how many coming.. hehe.. or if anyone has managed to book a chalet, den no need his place le.. juz let me know =p

Hope All of You Will come~!!
The more the merrier!

Love,
Lilian

Dramatic AJCAACO Chalet Outing...

2007-10-22T20:31:00.000+08:00

The AJCAACO chalet on the 20th - 21st October is never the same as any of those we had in the past. Initially, it was as usual... with BBQ, with Mahjong etc. However, some dramas were added to heightened the novelty value of this particular chalet outing (stay tune for the dramas). Anyway, these are the people who went to the chalet. We are planning to get more people during the next chalet. Will try to book another one in December.

Lilian Chunming Zhiliang Xiuhua Shumin Zhongneng Jianjie Teresa Xue Xian Shihui Weilin Tat Kuan Lijia Xiuqin Qi Ling Erik Baohe Hui Ping Nigel Fukang.

(Top: NETHERAVON Block C with Qi Ling at the door)

(Top: Lilian and Xiuqin with the Chalet interior as the backdrop)

PREPARATION EXPERIENCES: HARD WORK IN PROGRESS

The BBQ preparation was divided into two groups. The kitchen people and the BBQers. When all the food was prepared and placed on the table, flies started hovering around our food. We tried to cover the food with whatever things we can find. Anyway, we had different types of food; Ah Moh sausages (two types of cheese sausages and the normal ones we used to eat), Taiwan sausages, ham, marinated chicken wings and corn.

(Top: The backs of our four BBQers )

(Top: Yeap. They are Chunming, Erik, Qi Ling and Fukang)

(Top: Shy Xiuqin using the wire gauze as a veil)

(Top: Qi Ling pointing to his ham)

EATING EXPERIENCES: PEOPLE AND CAT EATING

Just as we were preparing, we noticed a lot of small cats. We started 'accidentally' drop our BBQ food on floor to give ourselves an excuse to feed the cats with those food. =p The cat feeders include Lilian, Weilin, Qi Ling, Xiuhua, Xiuqin and me. Initially, there were only 4 cats. When the sky turned dark, the cats multiply to 9. The few of us kept laughing at the Mother Cat because she is pak4 jiao4 (See photos below)

(Top: The lucky Changi cats eating the cheese sausage)

(Top: The Changi cats drinking plain water)

(Top: CO ppl enjoying their food)

(Top: Huiling will remember Kah Yong's marshmallows upon seeing this pic)

(Top: Nigel staring at the cat. I think Nigel will be
"oldified" by us due to overexposure to seniors)

(Top: Lovely Chunming and Lilian... Woo Hoo!!!)

(Top: Teresa, Lilian and Zhiliang reminiscing their lousy
"Chemistry in Space" module they took in NUS)

Jianjie, Teresa and Xue Xian left at night. The rest of us went for supper in Changi Village at around 1230am after playing Mahjong (sorry Fukang for winning your money =p), "Blow wind blow" etc. Fukang did not follow us because he needed sleep as he will be giving tuition the next day. In the end, Fukang was left alone in the creepy chalet (Maybe Fukang can tell us whether it was a scary experience?)

(Top: Having supper at Changi Village. Delicious!!!)

EERIE EXPERIENCES: SCARY CHALET

Our chalet is probably a conserved building from the past. That explains why it looks kind of eerie. Xiuqin said that it is supposed to be haunted. When she went to this chalet with her NTU friends, one of the guys was disturbed by "something" when he was sleeping (find out more from Xiuqin). Her horror story led to some implications. When we returned to the chalet after our supper, Fukang asked me a weird question - about the weird door in his bedroom. It is actually a door to the balcony. But it looks kinda eerie. Probably he was disturbed by that weird door when we were not around.

There are two toilets in the chalet. One is located in the chalet while the other one is located outside the back door. Since we have around 16 people, it will take a long time to bath at the first toilet. Thus, the guys decided to do 'guard duty' outside the creepy toilet located at the 'backyard' (see photo below). Just near the creepy toilet is a separate small block with 3 locked doors. Gosh... They really look creepy especially at night. Even the girls gathered outside the toilet in the chalet so that the girl bathing inside feel safe to hear conversations from outside.

(Top: Xiuqin's scary head behind Tat Kuan)

(Top: Tat Kuan and Qi Ling doing guard duty outside the creepy toilet)

(Top: Tat Kuan kena 'possessed'?)

DRAMATIC EXPERIENCES: LOST-&-FOUND DIAMOND RING

The drama starts in the middle of the night. Erik was dead drunk after drinking Martell VSOP with Chunming and Baohe. However, this drama was nothing as compared to the morning's drama. And what was that? XIUHUA LOST HER DIAMOND RING!!! Gosh. It was a really scary experience. I was kind of lost also... Don't know what to do... It happens like that. Xiuhua took out her ring and put it in her handphone pouch when she was preparing food for BBQ. The next morning when she went to Changi Village with the rest for breakfast, she dropped the ring when she called me to ask what I want to eat (I was still sleeping). When we were about to check out, she realized that the ring was gone. The atmosphere was really tense. Everyone was searching for the ring. Luckily, Shumin found it at corner of the hawker centre. THANK YOU SHUMIN!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I guess it was this "Lost-and-Found" drama that makes this chalet extremely memorable (Maybe Xiuhua wants to thank some ppl at the tagboard?).

After that, Xiuhua and I decided to treat everyone at pizza hut in Tampines Mall. The next drama happened while we were eating. Nigel and Erik was drenched because a waiter spilled water on them on two separate occasions. Other services were also below standard. Even the restaurant manager failed to respond appropriately. Here are the details of the feedback I have sent through their online form available at their website.

Dear Sir/Mdm,

I will like to address a few unpleasant incidents which I have encountered with 15 of my friends in the Tampines Mall branch (21^st October 2007 between 12:15pm – 1:30pm). We were supposed to celebrate a joyous occasion together at the restaurant but our moods were dampened by the very poor services.

Firstly, one of the waiters spilled the glasses of ice water, not once but twice (once with 1 glass, the other time with 3 glasses), on two of my friends within a five minutes interval. My friend needed to blow dry his t-shirt sleeve while the other was very drenched as the waiter toppled off three glasses of plain water on his back. Though we understand that it was merely accidental, the Pizza Hut staff did not respond to the situation appropriately. The waiter simply apologized twice over the two very unpleasant incidents without even providing towels for my friends. In the end, we have to use all the paper serviettes available to wipe his top. There is just simply no follow-up to check if my friends are fine, or if we needed any help.

Initially, we intended to forget about that incident and carry on with our food since my two friends did not complain. However, the subsequent bad services are unforgivable. Since we have used up the serviette, the staff did not replace our serviettes and clear the used serviettes on the table.

While one of the waiters served a large Deluxe Cheese to our table, my friend kindly lifted up one empty pizza pan to clear the table (our table is already full of empty pizza pans that there is no place for the waiter to placed the large pizza) so that the waiter can place the pizza on the table. However, it was shocking to see that the waiter simply placed the pizza and left without clearing the empty pan (and with both hands empty) which my friend was holding on to.

Finally, when my friend gave feedback to the restaurant manager about what can be improved in terms of the services, the manager apologized and ‘asked’ us to “understand their situation as many of the staff is new and this is only their second day of work”. Neither does he show empathy to what we feel and the poor service that we received, nor is he taking responsibility (by his emphasis that we have to understand their circumstances). My friend asked whether it would be possible for a wavier, at least to take away the service charge (since the service was so bad), but the manager said it cannot be done. He offered instead some desserts as an apology but we were too angry and disappointed to even continue to stay in the restaurant. After I have footed the bill, he repeated that we must understand their situation as “Singapore has a lack of manpower”. My friend was so angry by his ‘excuses’ that she responded by saying “and who is going to understand us”. After that, we stormed out of the restaurant after footing the bills.

I am very disappointed with the Tampines Mall Pizza Hut branch due to their extremely poor service standards. Thus, I hope to receive a reasonable follow-up on our unpleasant experience in the restaurant.

So was the chalet dramatic enough? Hahaha. I bet this chalet will be an unforgettable experience for everyone. I hope more new faces can join us for our next chalet.

@@ AJCAACO - A Chalet Full of Drama @@
~~ AH LIANG ~~

Chalet Chalet Is Finally Here...

2007-10-16T21:29:00.000+08:00

Below is a copy of Lilian's announcement about the CO chalet. Her colourful announcement really brightens up the blog =D:

Hey all!!!

No noise recently.. here I am to add a bit of noise!! wahahaha!

Our chalet is coming!!! This sat to sun, 20th to 21st Oct. Shall we meet at:

20th Oct 07

1.30pm - Tampines MRT Station

If u r coming on your own, take Bus 29 from Tampines bus interchange to

NETHERAVON chalet, Bungalow C.

Here's the map: http://www.alohares orts.com. sg/templates/ maps/Changi. htm

The chalet is marked as NB on the map.. u can print it out if u wan!

Shall we have BBQ, as usual? hehe.. after we meet up at 1.30pm, we have until about 2.30pm to buy the food and charcoal we need. Then we'll take bus down to the place and check in at about 3pm.

So far, we have : Me, chunming, zhiliang, xiuhua, weilin(coming after bbq), shihui, qiling, xiuqin, kian kiat, tat kuan, teresa (maybe), erik(are u?), baohe(u better be..)

Pls tell us if you r coming so we can prepare enuff food for everyone!! N help me jio more ppl too...! preferably in multiples of four so we can play mahjong!!! haha.. more ppl more fun! hope dat all of u can make it, no matter whether we same batch anot.. u r all wanted!!

lai ah lai.. lai lai lai~ =p

Lilian

@@AJCAACO: Our Chalet Outing Is Here Again@@
~Ah Liang~

We Are Featured In Lian He Zao Bao...

2007-10-14T11:25:00.001+08:00

Last Wednesday (1oth October 2007), AJCAA Cultural Performance - The Reunion was featured on the Mandarin Newspaper - Lian He Zao Bao. Though all of us look insignificantly small in the photo, but I think it is possible to recognize some people inside i.e. Lena, Qi Ling, myself, Xiuhua, Kah Yong, Jianjie, Mervin, Siqiang, Sophia, Jianwei, Peijun etc. For those who has the original copy, you can see the picture even clearer. Hopefully, in future, AJCAACO in particular, will be featured on the newspaper (for some good reasons of course).

Before your parents sell the old newspaper to Garang Guni, you can cut out the particular article for safekeeping. For those who haven't got the chance to read it, here is the scanned version (thank you Siew Hwa for scanning it):

@@AJCAACO - We Are Featured Again@@
~ Ah Liang ~

AJCAACO Chalet Is Here Again...

2007-09-15T23:40:00.000+08:00

Harlow Friends... AJCAACO is having a chalet outing at Aloha Changi. Every year, there will be very nice AJCO alumni peeps volunteer to organize a chalet. The previous one was organized by Missy Yurb (Huiling who is studying nursing in Australia now). The coming chalet is organized by Lilian. (THANK YOU LILIAN!!!! =D). This chalet will be a good relaxation for those who have worked hard in many ways for The Reunion Concert and to provide a chance for the AJCAACO gang to meet up again. Here are the details:

Date: 20th October - 21st October 2007

Time: 20th October 3pm (Check in) - 21st October 1030am (Check out)

Venue: Aloha Changi (NETHERAVON BGL C)

Here is a picture of our chalet block:

The double-storey terraces are fully furbished with living room set with TV and games table; dining area; 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, furbished with beds (1 queen-sized and 4 single-sized), wardrobe, dresser, bedside table and wall fan; 3 toilets /bath with shower heater; BBQ pit and a fully equipped kitchen.

Taken from: https://www.aloharesorts.com.sg/booking/chalet/chaletDetails.asp?lid=27

Hmmm... I guess the place looks a bit eerie... But with the 'spastic', high-spirited, fun-loving and cranky AJCAACO gang, we will definitely liven up the place. If anyone is still uncomfortable, let's have Tan Kah Yong (our Taoist Priest) to write us a few pieces of yellow charms (like what he did on our exhibition board).

Interested individuals, please leave your names either in the comments of the blog or send an email to AJCAACO yahoo group. =D

@@ AJCAACO ~ We Reward Ourselves with Fun After Hardwork @@

~~~Ah Liang~~~

FORMIDABLE - A Multidisciplinary Artwork...

2007-09-13T12:40:00.000+08:00

AJCAACO, as a music-based group, should promote music to its members. Thus, I am going to recommend this interdisciplinary work - FORMIDABLE - involving Pipa and other art forms that will be held in the Arts House this month.

Ghost Opera & The Mad King

Having seen another interdisciplinary art work - Ghost Opera & The Mad King (with pipa, cello, violin, viola, Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Percussion, Piano/Harpsichord, Singing) with Xiao Ting, Siew Hwa and Lijia, I will strongly advise music-lovers to explore beyond the purist intepretation ('orthodoxy') of Chinese orchestra music. I believe FORMIDABLE, like Ghost Opera & The Mad King, will bring to you a novel and entertaining musical journey:

Concert Title: FORMIDABLE
Performance Group: Ah Hock and Peng Yu
Date: 27, 28, 29, 30 September 2007
Time: 8.00pm
Venue: Chambers - The Arts House
Ticket Price: $36 (Full Price), $21 (Concession)

FORMIDABLE is an interdisciplinary work, dealing with Pipa, Visual Arts, Dance and Sound Design which involves artists and musicians like Samuel Wong (musician - pipa), Darren Ng (sound artist), Hayden Ng (costume designer), Michael Loke (sculptor) etc.FORMIDABLE stems from our research of war. We were particularly intrigued by the epic that happened when the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, the final battle of Xiang Yu (Chu) and Liu Bang (Han). There are two very interesting pieces of pipa traditional music that depicts the very same battle, one from the perspective of the victor and vice-versa.

Interesting synopsis of this artwork right? Probably, this can be a AJCAACO outing for those who are interested in finding out more about the plethora of musical forms available out there. Believe me that there is no boundaries in how music can be juxtaposed after attending similar performances.

Interested people, please let me know and I will find out the ticketing information from Samuel.

@@ AJCAACO ~ Exploring Music Beyond 'Orthodoxy' @@
~~Ah Liang~~

AJCO Alumni Couple Featured in 联合早报...

2007-09-03T00:56:00.000+08:00

One fine morning, an AJCAACO member msged me on the phone. "Zhiliang!!! An AJCO Alumni couple has been featured in today's Zao Bao!!!"

Eh! The couple is not me and Xiuhua. Rather, the couple featured in 联合早报 comprised of Lijun (16th Batch AJCO President) and Yu Liang (13th Batch AJCO Dizi Expert). The newspaper article (27th August 2007) is titled:

新加波的“毕婚族”：提早规划人生，毕业就结婚

(Top): Lijun and Yuliang happily married.

(Top): Lijun and Yuliang in their 3-room flat.

(Top): The write-up about on Lijun and Yuliang (Click to enlarge).

Wah!!! The special feature on our AJCO Alumni covers half-a-page of the newspaper on their super early marriage. I wonder when Xiuhua and I got married, will we be featured in "The Straits Times" regarding the rising popularity of "姐弟恋"?!! Haha!!! =p Lijun and Yuliang... AJCAACO Wishes Both of You Everlasting Love!!!

After publishing so many entries* on this blog, I have come to realize that AJCO 'produces' a lot of talents and outstanding individuals. Their appearances on the different forms of media have helped to publicize AJC(AAC)O indirectly. With the increasingly promising individuals from AJC(AAC)O, I believe that there are more talents waiting to be discovered.

*On Channel 8 TV: Starring Our Very Own Erhu Player...
*Proud of a Talent... Proud of a Song...
*AJCO Alumni in NUS Science Pageant...

@@@ AJC(AAC)O: On TV, In Pageant and In Newspaper @@@
~~AH LIANG~~

AJCO Alumni in NUS Science Pageant...

2007-09-01T01:51:00.000+08:00

Wow... We had Tan Kah Yong in our previous entry. Now we have another 'celebrity' from AJCO. Introducing Khoo Yuqian (23rd Batch AJCO Zhongruan Player). She has gone into the finals of the NUS science pageant (unwillingly? Because I heard from Serene that she was 'persuaded' to enter the pageant). Yuqian is definitely another pride of AJCO. =D The details are taken from:

http://www.funkygrad.com/campus/displayarticle.php?artID=1008&subcat=rave

To vote for her, please go to: http://www.funkygrad.com/facade/

(Top): Photo of Serene and Yuqian in the science prom. Stop drooling guys!

"The Hotties of NUS Science Faculty"

by Adora Chia, NUS Science

F3: Khoo Yuqian

Age: 18
Major: Chemistry
Status: Single
JC/ Poly: Anderson Junior College

She said...
I bet all of you are dying to know who I really am behind that pretty face RIGHT!? Well, I am gonna tell you at this instant! I may not be the craziest and whackiest girl around...but HEY! I have got a great personality! I am a really amiable and down-to-earth kinda girl. And I will be turning 19 soon! Like REAL soon

Tell us one secret about yourself.
It's for me to know and for you to find out. =)

Which contestant are you rooting for?
My partner.. Kelvin! Woots! He's got the 5Cs that gals want: charismatic, charming, cute, captivating and CRAPPY.

What do you look for in a partner?
Tall, dark, handsome, hunky.

What do you do after school?
Stoning, sleeping, slacking, showering, sms-ing

What is the best pickup line that you've heard?
Wouldn't we look cute on a cheesy wedding cake together?

What would you do to impress a crush?
It starts with a kiss.

Your date's mum would be impressed by you because...
of the way I carry myself. :)

Disclaimer:

Serene just told me that the responses were not written by Yuqian as it was done by her friend. It does not reflect the 'authentic' Yuqian (who is definitely much better in real life)!

(Top): F3 Khoo Yuqian and M3 Kelvin Tan from the NUS Science Pageant

@@@ AJC(AAC)O - And its First Miss AJCO @@@
~~Ah Liang~~

Proud of a Talent... Proud of a Song...

2007-08-25T10:15:00.000+08:00

He is someone funny, crappy and 'spastic'; someone who is very mundane and down-to-earth; someone who is well-versed with TV commercial songs and dialogs; someone who is very gifted in music; someone who can play many many musical instruments; YES!!! He is the special someone of AJC(AAC)O - Tan Kah Yong (14th Batch AJCO Erhu/Sanxian/Dizi/Ruan player).

(Left): Aiyoh! Kah Yong... Please take more photos can? Always using this picture for all the concert programme booklets... Diaox!

Proud of a Talent:

I remember when I was in AJCO year 1, our orchestra tried to play a few special arrangements. Most of them were products of Tan Kah Yong. They include "细水长流", "I Believe" and "Titanic". If you asked him for those scores, he will do the Gatsby commercial signature move - placing his palms on his face and rubbing in embarrassment while saying "那些是我乱乱写的啦".

It is always his dream to arrange/compose something for CO. After a few attempts of "乱乱写", he finally came up with his maiden arrangement - "Dango Sankyodai" which has been performed by SCO, NUSCO and RVCO (and subsequently the scores were taken to China by some CO enthusiasts).

As his friend and his kopitiam kaki, I am proud that he has become very successful in this area. I went for most of the CO concerts which featured his arrangments/compositions. Most recently, he has arranged a song "Guitar On Fire" - A Flaming Hot Latino Music for Zhang Rong Hui Laoshi's Ruan Ensemble. It was so well-received that it was featured both as the concert item and the encore piece. After these concerts, people will be rushing to find the concert soloists to sign on their programme booklets while I will find Kah Yong for his autograph (you all should start doing it because Kah Yong will be very famous... Or rather is already famous).

Proud of a Song:

Though he has arranged so many musical pieces, AJCO and AJCAACO did not get a chance to perform songs arranged by our own talent (Its really a pity!!!). On the 18th August, AJCAACO has finally gotten a chance to perform his creation on stage - "Euphony of Bonds Across Time". Though some people might treat it as merely another musical composition, I took pride in this song and wanted every second of　it to be well-played. This song really conjures up memories of my 2 years in AJC(O). An excellent composition that captures the essence of the AJC(O) Spirit by playing around with snippets of "Non-Mihi Solum".

In 2008, Kah Yong might be helping AJCO to compose another musical piece and improve on "Euphony of Bonds Across Time"... 请大家期待！　

Kah Yong's Music Profile:

Being a music enthusiast, he studied orchestral arrangement and composition under the tutelage of Law Wai Lun and had received guidance from Yeo Puay Hian and Sim Boon Yew, both currently appointed as Arranger-in-Residence in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). He has been actively involved in arranging and composing for SCO as well as many amateur Orchestras.

Kah Yong’s maiden arrangement “Dango Sankyodai” surfaced in 2002 and has since been a regular repertoire of several overseas Chinese Orchestras in China, Taiwan and local orchestras including River Valley High Chinese Orchestra (RVCO), National University of Singapore Chinese Orchestra (NUSCO) in addition to the SCO. This lively arrangement was performed as the closing piece by RVCO in the 2005 Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Chinese Orchestra Presentation. Besides, a couple of his commissioned works were used by Keming and Chongfu Primary to compete in the 2006 bi-annual SYF Chinese Orchestra Competition.

In February this year, his mentor Mr. Law and himself became pioneers to pen music for the newly formed SCO Pop Ensemble during the “SCO Goes Pop!” concert which featured a collaboration between both of them. Together, they fused traditional Chinese music with pop and also revolutionised the way pop music can be performed by a Chinese instrumental ensemble as well as the full Chinese Orchestra.

(Top:) Picture taken from Singapore Chinese Orchestra Co Ltd Annual Report 2005. This picture shows the SCO Pop Ensemble playing Tan Kah Yong's arrangment "北京一夜" or "One Night In Beijing" in the "SCO Goes Pop!" concert.

Versatile in his arrangement, he was commissioned in 2003 by the Kent Ridge Xin Yun Quintet to explore and create several pieces tailor-fitted specially for the group. His innovative rendition of ‘Londonderry Air’ was premiered in South Africa when the Quintet staged a concert there in mid 2004. This piece was also recorded into an album featuring the ensemble.

Anderson Junior College Chinese Orchestra and Symphonic Band held a combined orchestral performance at the Esplanade in 2004 and 2005. Kah Yong was approached by his alma-mater to arrange for both orchestras to perform harmoniously together. This piece was presented in both years’ concerts.

Apart from Chinese Orchestral and Symphonic Band arrangements, he was commissioned by the People’s Association Cultural Troupe (PACT) to write several pieces for a combined Chinese, Malay and Indian Orchestra “Soundwaves II” concert last year, encompassing the 3 races’ ethnic traditional instruments. They were very well received.

A pianist himself, Kah Yong is currently a resident arranger for Music Design Pte Ltd and has since published several piano song books including the popular ‘Romantic Contemporary Hits’, ‘TV & Movie Themes’ and ‘Mega Starz Hitz’ series.

Synopsis of "Euphony of Bonds Across Time"

8 years after I have graduated from Anderson Junior College (AJC), a visit to my alma mater brought back strong feelings of the signature AJ spirit – an everlasting solidarity within the AJC family.

Euphony of Bonds Across Time is composed to evoke the sweet sentiments of homecoming and nostalgia by engaging the AJC school song as the main theme and the counterpoint to the melody. The sense of attachment and the lingering memories for the college are portrayed by the echoing of ‘Non Mihi Solum’ at the end of the musical piece.

Especially dedicated to AJC Chinese Orchestra and everyone else who forms part of the AJC Family – past, present and future, this musical piece is composed “not for myself alone” – ‘Non Mihi Solum’.

@@@ Written by Kah Yong@@@

"Thank You Kah Yong for writing AJCO and AJCAACO
a special musical piece that is only exclusive to us.
We are definitely proud of the song" - Zhiliang

The Reunion - An Intimate Concert for AJCAACO...

2007-08-21T22:59:00.000+08:00

The concert was excellent...

The performers were skilled...

The repertoire was splendid...

The venue was high-class...

The applause was loud...

But at the end of the "Ruan Ensemble in Concert" directed by Zhang Rong Hui Laoshi, I prefer our own reunion concert held just a day before. I have come to realize that the success of a concert cannot be weighed simply by the usual emphasis on the professionalism of performers, the venue setting etc. Intimacy can form the most crucial factor determining a concert's success.

The Reunion - A concert held in the cheapest venue ever - AJC school auditorium. Despite that, the concert is a huge success. The neighbourhood, the down-to-earth and the grassroot culture of AJC is something special; something not many other JC students can experience; something that has brought ex-AJCians together to watch a simple concert specially put up for them. As a part of the AJC family, this distinctive culture applies to AJC(AAC)O as well. It is this culture that creates an intimate bonding among the (former) AJCO members.

(Top): AJCAACO performing "Euphony of Bonds Across Time".

(Top): Lena and her 'grapes' performing 葡萄熟了. Performers like Peijun (14th Batch AJCO Yangqin player) has never touched Yangqin for almost 5 years but yet came down to help.

(Top): See how happy both the audiences and the performers of AJCCACO and ex-AJCO members are. Wonder what we were shouting? 要拼才会赢 in Hokkien!!! This is the first ever photograph that depicts AJCO batches ranging from the 8th to the 23rd AJCO. A very special moment captured in time within the borders of a photograph.

An Intimate Concert:

An oxymoronic feeling of bitter-sweetness can be felt on the 18th August 2007 - the bitterness of missing the fun we had in AJC(O); the sweetness of remembering the times we used to have in AJC(O) and reminiscing the happy memories. Browsing through the old photos and the CO room antiques on display, it is just hard to forget the times we had in AJCO. A bunch of CO alumni (Xinyi, Xueling, Cai Hong etc) came down with their graduation gown and (re)capture CO memories with their cameras.

Throughout the entire day, many self-initiated activities were going on. Some of them were playing the retro game "大风吹" during the break between the matinée and the evening concert; Some of them were doing weird 'rituals' (like Siqiang practicing 玉女神剑); There are even CO Alumni torturing people (Tat Kuan and Lijia were trying out 两马分尸 on Qi Ling)； Performers taking a "五连拍" etc etc. There was even a last minute sabotage on Chen Laoshi - asking him to sing 要拼才会赢 on stage.

Pictures show a thousand words... Here they are:

(Top): Kah Yong didn't get enough sleep at home as usual (probably arranging/composing songs for some other orchestras). Poor Kah Yong! He wasn't spared to just take a short nap. Siqiang (13th batch Zhongruan Player) took hold of the cello bow and practiced his 玉女剑法 on Kah Yong.

(Top): Poor Qi Ling... Another victim of two martial arts experts... Lijia and Tat Kuan just mastered the skill 两马分尸 and Qi Ling became their guinea pig.

(Top Left and Right): Serene practicing another unknown, long-lost martial arts. Biao Yi and Qi Ling copying Serene? They look scandalous in this pose!!! Definitely intimate!!! YUCKS!!!

(Top): 第零拍... Look how cute we are! Muahaha!!!

(Top): 第一拍... Still very cute right?

(Top): 第二拍... Cute? No! Disgusting for those who stuck their fingers into their nose. Creative though...

(Top): 第三拍... Look at Siqiang... He 走火入魔 after intensive practices on his 玉女剑法.

(Top): 第四拍... So many people still obsessed with saluting... Haiz... Siqiang is still a bit sot sot de!!!

(Top): 第五拍... We are SCO... Spastic Chinese Orchestra!!!

The Reunion:

A Simple and Intimate Combined Concert... A Down-to-Earth Cultural Performance... A Day of Nostalgic High (I quote Xiuqin)... A Bunch of Special Friends (Like a Bunch of Grapes)... A Special Marriage Proposal... A Euphony of Bonds Across Time...

@@ AJCAACO - An Intimately Bonded Chinese Orchestra @@
~ Ah Liang ~

18岁狂想曲 - AJCO Heritage Exhibition

2007-08-20T01:55:00.000+08:00

《18岁狂想曲》

那是何等的青春年少，我们用青春谱写生命的旋律。

欢腾的快板，我们一起敲奏喜悦。

悠扬的慢板，我们合奏绵绵情韵。

让一个个跳动的音符定格，纪念我们永远的18岁。

### 苏健伟 ###

The Exhibition Theme:

18岁狂想曲 is the theme of the AJCO Heritage Exhibition held on the 18th August 2007 in conjunction with the ReUnion Concert (Alumni Cultural Performance). Jianwei (13th batch Pipa Player) came up with this excellent theme for the exhibition. Reading this poetic depiction of the exhibition conjures up memorable moments we kept preciously in our hearts.

In August 18th 2007 (when we gathered to watch The Reunion), the alumni members of AJCO ranges from 30+ years old to 10+ years old. There are those born in the 1960s, 70s and 80s (the current AJCO JC1 juniors are born in 1990). However, one common element binds us together - We were all 18 when we shared our laughters, tears and sweat in AJCO. Thus, Jianwei came up with these beautiful words as the exhibition theme description.

The Artefacts:

The exhibition consists of a display of 'historical' artefacts. Upon seeing the ancient CO room desk, the lop-sided conductor stand, the 'splinter-ful' drum stick and the old music files, the 'older generation' AJCO peeps managed to recapture a plethora of AJCO memorable images (and sounds). The valuable 'antiques' face the danger to be deemed as rubbish by others. Last Friday, the school servant threw the old CO desk into the rubbish chute while a few of us went in search for it to retrieve it back.

Stories Behind the Antiques:

Desk from the former Chinese Orchestra Practice Studio
"Back in the days when the Chinese Orchestra practice studio was situated at level one, our conductor, Mr. Ng Seng Hong, used to sit behind this desk, drumming the edges of the desk with a drum stick, while the orchestra members play to its rhythm. After more than 10 years of repeated hitting, the edges of the desk are chipped and splintered. The chipped edges were repeatedly covered in masking tape to prevent people from getting hurt by splinters. Currently, the desk is enjoying its retirement at an obscure corner in the present CO practice studio".

Lopsided Conductor Music Stand and Broken Drum Stick:
"This conductor music stand has borne the weight of countless heavy conductor scores for more than 10 years. It has also withstood the ‘abuse’ of Mr. Ng and the various student conductors as they drum the rhythm on the conductor stand using the drum stick. Now, the music stand has problems standing straight and the drum stick is irrevocably fractured".

The Forgotten Music Files:
"The grey music files once stood proudly on the music stands of many SYF competitions. Now, the grayish out-of-fashion files lies neglected in the CO store room".

Some nice graffiti left by AJCO (Alumni) peeps
(8th batch - 24th batch):

(Top): The signatures of our friends from AJCO (Alumni)

(Top): One of the first few signatures. It is my beautiful signature. Yeah!!! However, 16th batch didn't manage to get a gold award for SYF... BOO BOO... So I didn't mention about SYF unlike those whose signatures are in the next picture.

(Top): Here are some signatures proudly drawn by Siqiang (13th Batch AJCO) and Peiling (20th Batch AJCO). 13th batch AJCO clinched the first gold award for AJCO while the 20th batch AJCO clinched a gold and went into the finals. See how proud they are.

(Top): The MOST "BEAUTIFULLEST" AGELESS 美女 - Miss Heng Lena. Now you should understand why AJCians are typically poor in English.

(Top): Ming Xiong and Shujie from the 8th AJCO. Gosh!!! That was ages ago. And there are Jenny and Diana's signatures as well (though not shown here).

(Top): Xiaoting and Sophia - our two new committed AJCAACO peeps =D A couple(d) signature from the 18th batch: Lilian and Chunming.

(Top)： Though Nigel left AJCO in year 1 and went to Ngee Ann Polytechnic, he is really helpful, responsible and committed to this concert and exhibition. I am really proud of him. You can see Guo Yong and Shuwei's signatures as well.

(Top): "Huiyi is spastic... Agree Agree We Agree..." This was one of the special cheers created to tease the 14th batch AJCO president - Huiyi.

(Top): And the best part of all is Mr Tan Kah Yong who vandalized the display board with his special signature (in conjunction with the Lunar 7th month). This explains why the first two rows of the auditorium weren't left empty during the concert as this charm has warded off spirits from entering the auditorium.

(Top): The Exhibition Team
2nd Row Left to Right: Nigel, Tat Kuan, Siew Hwa.
1st Row Left to Right: Jianwei, Lijia and Zhiliang.

*Nigel came down to help right after his exam paper (his exam not completed wor).
*Tat Kuan took a day off from his work and canceled his tuition to set up the exhibits.
*Lijia gave valuable ideas from her wealth of experience working in museums.
*Jianwei came up with the 'beautifullest' depiction of AJCO in a poetic fashion.
*Xiuhua, again, supported me in this project in EVERY WAYS.

Thank you all for the sacrifices you have made to make this exhibition a success!!! Apologies for any misunderstandings we had during the stressful preparation stage. =D

@@@ AJCAACO: We Are Proud of Our Heritage @@@
~Ah Liang~

"The Proposal" - A 'Musical' Production By AJCAACO

2007-08-13T00:01:00.000+08:00

As the pianist hit the keys, a beautiful melody filled the stage...

He walked towards her singing Richard Marx's "Now and Forever"...

"Will you marry me" he said...

After a few seconds, she nodded as she wiped away her tears...

The crowd cheered as they hugged each other...

So what does this 'fairy tale' has to do with AJCAACO? What does this 'fairy tale' has to do with a concert rehearsal? First, this is NOT a fairy tale. Second, this scene just happened last Saturday between two former AJCO members (current AJCAACO members).

Starring:

Zhiliang - The Man
Xiuhua - The Woman
Kah Yong - Mr Lobang King/The Pianist
Kah Yong's Mummy - The Tai Tai
Miss Siau - The Actress
Jenny - The Florist
Jenny's Son - The Flower Kid
Lijia - The Military Strategist
Serene - The Ghost (Featured only in the video)

PART I - THE PLAN

The Man had it planned months ago when he knew he is going to get his first pay in NIE around July. The Man waited and waited until he got his first pay. The Man felt that the most meaningful way of using his first pay is to buy a proposal ring for The Woman.

With a 'certified' Military Strategist, The Man went searching for the ideal diamond ring... Went to Lee Hwa, Aspial and Tiffany & Co.

One particular salesgirl said to my strategist, "Why not you try it on? Eventually, you will be the one wearing it".

"No! No! No!... I m just giving him some ideas about rings"... My Strategist exclaimed.

"Oh... Sorry. Then I guess you must be his Military Strategist (军师)" The salesgirl replied with a smile.

PART II - THE RING

On the 5th of August, The Man got help from Mr Lobang King who offered to bring him to a jeweler to buy the ring right after a CO practice.

The Woman was disappointed as The Man was supposed to have a date with her but instead, The Man went out with Mr Lobang King to get the best diamond lobang.

In the jeweler's shop sat The Tai Tai - Mr Lobang King's mummy. The Tai Tai was wearing a TWO carat diamond ring (worth more than $50k). The Tai Tai simply said a few words to the jeweler and tata... The jeweler gave him a special price for a very good diamond ring.

Gosh! It is more than $1k cheaper than the market rate.

The Man paid and left happily despite using up more than half of this first pay.

PART III - D(IARRHEA)-DAY

The clock struck 12pm. The Man was still awake. Nervous. Excited. He went online to find people to chat with. As usual, his nervousness resulted in having diarrhea at 3am in the morning. The Man forced himself to bed.

When The Man woke up at 7am, he had diarrhea twice as he was getting more and more nervous. Gosh!!! As The Woman was sick, The Man went over to her house to carry her Zhongruan. The moment he saw her, his stomach got 'naughty' again. The Man went to the toilet for the third time of the morning.

The Man made plans with The Pianist the night before. When he was in AJC, he and the pianist went to the auditorium stage to try out the song he was planning to sing for her. He also went to find The Actress, The Florist and The Flower Kid to plan out The Proposal.

PART IV - THE PROPOSAL

《葡萄熟了》 just ended. It was time to propose. His hands got sweaty.

The Man got his mic ready. The Actress called The Woman and pretended to tell her that some stage adjustment needs to be done. As they were talking, The Florist and The Flower Boy walked up the stage and gave a bouquet of 12 roses to her. The Pianist was playing 《追》 on the piano at the same time. She was stunned. She was surprised. She was clueless.

The Pianist changed to play Richard Marx's "Now and Forever". The Man walked out from the backstage towards her and started singing...

"Whenever I'm weary... from the battles that is raging in my head... You make sense of madness... When my sanity hangs by a thread... I lost my way but still you seem to understand... Now and forever... I will be your man... Sometimes I just hold you... To caught up in me to see... I'm holding a fortune... that heaven has given to me... I try to show you each and every way I can... Now and forever... I will be your man......"

The Woman started crying as The Man continued to sing... She was shocked yet touched and happy...

Finally, The Man proposed... "Thank you for all the things you have done for me in the past few years... So right here... In front of everyone, I will like to propose to you... (Pause) Will you marry me?"

The Woman smiled to The Man sweetly. Still wiping away her tears, she nodded. The Man took out the diamond ring and put it into the fourth finger of her hand.

The crowd cheered as The Man thanked The Pianist/Mr Lobang King, The Florist, The Flower Boy and the Supporters. The Man kissed and hugged The Woman and they will live happily ever after.

Thank you everyone for all the support you gave me during my proposal to Xiuhua. We will never forget this memorable event and what all of you have done for us. Without you people, the proposal will never be so successful.

**AJCAACO ~ where I have met my best friends and my wife**
~ Ah Liang - The Man ~

特别献给敬爱的杨培贤老师...

2007-07-19T00:01:00.000+08:00

特别献给敬爱的杨培贤老师。。。

2007年7月11日（星期三），难过与震惊地……我收到了杨老师已经离开了的消息。

岁月不为人而停留。命运不为人而改变。

无奈。痛心。怀念。

因为安初华乐团，所以加入了人民协会青年华乐团（人协）。

因为人协，所以认识杨老师，也曾经在杨老师的教导和指挥下学习演奏曲子。

离开人协已有大概6年了吧。我的记忆向来都不细腻。

却无法忘怀杨老师……那亲切的微笑，那温馨的招呼，那耐心的教导，还有…杨老师叫学生们为“小孩们” …

杨老师，谢谢您。

~秀华~

AJCO Heritage Exhibition August 18th 2007...

2007-07-16T21:00:00.000+08:00

AJCO Heritage Exhibition

Date: 18th August 2007
Time: 4.30pm - 7.00pm
Venue: Outside AJC Auditorium
Admission is Free

**Notice that the heritage exhibition is on the same day as the concert**

Anderson Junior College Chinese Orchestra (AJCO) is one of the few local Chinese orchestra with historical genealogy that stretches 20 +++ years back. We are even older than the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) that is inaugurated only in 1996. However, AJCO has existed since almost 24 years ago. Other than our long history, I am proud to say that many batches still stay 'connected', for instance, Jenny and Diana from the 8th batch AJCO, Lena from 12th batch AJCO and many many others from the contemporary era =p.

(Above): 8th Batch AJCO with President Hui Bao (Diana) sitting down

(Above): AJCO used to be the orchestra that chaired the annual CO 观摩会

(Above): 10th Batch AJCO practising in the room beside the old CO room

To celebrate the successful journey braved through by the individual AJCO friends from all batches, we are organizing a heritage exhibition on the 18th August in AJC. It serves to bring back the great memories of the ancient times and to appreciate how the current success of AJC(AAC)O is attributed to many years of development (of course with the help of Huang Sheng and Chen Laoshi and AJCAACO). We will even feature the gradual growth of Huang Sheng's beautiful, soft and radiant hair (He had really short hair when he was conducting for the first few batches of AJCO).

In order to make it a success, we really need volunteers from different batches of AJCO to be researchers/archivists (compile information and source for exhibits), designers (design the layout, style, theme and storyboard for the exhibition) and publicists (promoting the exhibition).

Please contact Jianwei (Our Exhibition Coordinator) or me (Zhiliang) at AJCalumniCO@yahoogroups.com.

AJC(AAC)O ~ We Are Proud of Our History
***Ah Liang***

The Reunion - The AJC Alumni Cultural Performance

2007-07-15T17:21:00.000+08:00

The Reunion - The AJCAA Cultural Performance

Date: August 18th 2007
Time: 3pm (Matinee) and 7pm
Venue: AJC Auditorium
Ticket Price: $10 per ticket.

The Reunion is the name of the AJC Alumni Association Cultural Performance. It includes performances put up by the AJC Alumni Association Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Dance, Guitar Ensemble and LDDS.

AJCAACO will have the privilege of performing first for the concert. We will be performing a musical piece "Euphony of Bonds Across Time" composed and arranged by Tan Kah Yong - Our 14th Batch AJCO Sanxian player. In addition, AJCAACO will be featuring Heng Lena - 12th Batch AJCO Erhu player - playing an Erhu solo piece "葡萄熟了". More importantly, there are four 8th Batch AJCO members in the management committee of this concert. This poster is designed by one of them - Ming Xiong - as well.

(Above:) The Handsomest and Beautifullest Peeps of AJCAACO Ensemble...

I hope that all the alumni members will show their support by becoming our precious audiences. Please send your name, handphone number and concert showtime (3pm or 7pm concert) to:

AJCAACO Yahoo Group (AJCalumniCO@yahoogroups.com)

OR

AJCAACO President Zhiliang (sinclairteo@hotmail.com)
AJCAACO Vice-President Tat Kuan (vincentnal@hotmail.com)
AJCAACO Treasurer Qi Ling (tql1987@hotmail.com)

On Channel 8 TV: Starring Our Very Own Erhu Player...

2007-07-01T15:50:00.000+08:00

Throughout the whole of last week, there was an air of excitement among members of AJCAACO and AJCO. This is because many of us saw someone familiar being featured in a TV commercial on Channel 8 - 请你来变装 (Make Over Pte Ltd).

请你来变装 Makeover Pte Ltd

Kym Ng - the Host of the Variety Show

SMSes and emails were circulating among AJCO and AJCAACO members to remind everyone to watch MR TENG QI LING on the 27th June 2007 8pm on Channel 8 TV variety programme. Yeap. Qi Ling (aka Wei Ge) is fated to be featured with celebrities in the course of his life. When he was just a tiny boy, he acted with Mediacorp's (Formerly SBC) Chen Liping in the 早安老师 Educational Video Series. Our dear Qi Ling will proudly tell you that he was caught on video when he was digging his nose. GOSH... I mean GROSS... HAHA!!!

The little Qi Ling with the slim Aiyoyo Laoshi

OMG... (He was) so cute right? Hahaha. Maybe we should ask Qi Ling to dress up on this attire at his current age and take pictures of him. =p Anyway, Qi Ling was featured in this variety show to impersonate Chen Shu Chen of his acting character in the 'ancient' SBC Drama 戏班. With his passion for Teochew Opera, Qi Ling got many votes (from aunties cos he is well-known as auntie 杀手) and eventually WON... WE ARE PROUD OF YOU... OU XIANG!!! Here are some snapshots and the youtube of Qi Ling on 请你来变装.

See how shy Qi Ling is with two girls beside him. His face is all red.

@@ AJCAACO - We Have People with Multiple Talents @@

***Ah Liang***

Makeover Pte Ltd 请你来变装（戏班）

2007-07-01T15:48:00.001+08:00

AJCO ~ Transcending Ethnic Boundaries...

2007-06-09T00:12:00.000+08:00

Chinese orchestra literally means 华族乐团. In Singapore, most COs (whether professional or grassroots orchestra) comprises of pure Chinese ethnic individuals as the performers. However, AJCO is proud to have two Indian Chinese musicians. This blog entry, thus, showcases two lovely Indian Chinese student musicians - Haridrani Dananka Peiris and Asha D/O Sasangan - Dananka and Asha in short.

Dananka was the Gaoyin Sheng player of the 15th batch AJCO (Oh man... that was so long long long ago in the ancient times). She played a Sheng and Orchestra piece (高音笙独奏，乐队伴奏) - 火车进侗乡 for their batch SYF. Despite clinching only a silver award for SYF, she received wonderful remarks on how she has demonstrated that Chinese orchestra can transcend beyond ethnic boundaries. Dananka was a very funny person (I am using past tense because we have since lost contact ever since she has graduated). She used to joke around a lot and crapped a lot of lame jokes with the rest of us (for e.g. how she played her Sheng like a Chicken flapping its wings). I still remember she was famous in AJ for skipping PE classes and got into quite a bit of trouble with her PE teachers. HAHA. OMG... And when I did a search for Dananka on Yahoo, I realise Junyang is her secondary school classmate from Nan Hua Secondary School (http://4e1.cloudie.net/gallery/formal.html). Here is a photo of Dananka playing 火车进侗乡 in the hot AJCO hall (15th and 16th batch AJCO concert):

(Top:) Apologies for the quality of this photo. It is actually taken from
the video of Dananka's performance from my laptop using a camera

Asha, on the other hand, is from the modern contemporary era. She plays the pipa in the 23rd batch AJCO. Pipa is quintessentially a Chinese musical instrument (though derived from Persian) and we are proud of her, as an Indian Chinese, for taking up that instrument for her CCA. She only starts learning pipa since JC1 and I hope she can continue learning pipa even when she has graduated. She was supposed to be featured in the previous entry on interesting names because her name "A sha" can be interpreted as "a 沙" (That is what some of her AJCO friends called her). And here is a 沙 holding a 琵琶.

(Top): Asha posing in AJCO room with her pipa

(Top): Asha, Me and her Pipa Friends (Shufen, Hejing, Huiling, Felicia, Shirley)

AJCO ~ Transcending Ethnic Boundaries
*Ah Liang*

Interesting Names of Peeps from AJC(AAC)O

2007-05-28T00:39:00.000+08:00

Featuring the 'Ling' Siblings, the 'Fishball City', the 'Gentle' and the 'Vegetable Gal'...

This week's special features will be a showcase of a few AJC(AAC)O peeps... I hope this blog can serve to introduce more juniors to seniors and vice-versa. We had a blog entry on marriage and couples in AJC(AAC)O. This time, the theme for this blog entry will be on special names (or rather nick names) of some interesting people.

Profile Number One: Qi-Wei Ling (Viagra and Sis)

Everyone knows the 'Ling' Siblings... The ultimate siblings of AJCO... Wanna know why they are featured here? Pictures tell a thousand words... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 expressions... Yeah!!!

So who they are?

Name:

Wei Ling (23rd Batch AJCO) and Qi Ling (21st Batch AJCO)

Nickname:

Qi (Ling) Mei and Wei (Ling) Ge aka Wei Ge *No Offence =p*

Descriptions:

Both of them are really really very nice people (though crappy - Wei Ge is more crappy than Qi Mei). The most loving siblings I have ever seen. And they sings VERY well wor. Qi Mei just stepped down from her Xianyue SL post in AJCO while Qi Ling has just taken over Missy Huiling's post as a treasurer in AJCAACO. Qi Ling is well-known as an auntie 杀手. His charming smile will melt the hearts of friends' mamas. A definite threat to the friends' papas. Wei Ling has the same charismatic smile (She is damn photogenic and of cos pretty even outside photos). Luckily, she is not an uncle 杀手 (or else will attract the wrong men).

The Secret of the 'Ling' Ancestry:

Wei Ge has inherited a skill from the Ling Ancestors - Using the snapping of fingers to perform 龙腾虎跃 percussion solo. I think he is quite disappointed as Qi Mei doesn't seem to have the same talent. It's OK. JIAYOU QI MEI... Practice makes perfect.

Profile Number Two: Fish Ball City

No. I am not trying to feature S.H.E. in the AJCAACO blog (though S.H.E. has so many songs that uses CO music). Rather, I am trying to introduce the Number One Fan of S.H.E. in AJCO. Before I start, let's have a "DO-YOU-KNOW?" section first. Do you know that Wanting, Susanna and Wei Ling from AJCO 23rd batch took part in the AJ Idol contest (They did not win though =p)? (See Below Right)... Ok... Enough of Crap... Here is the story of the World's Most Famous Fishball!!!

So who she is?

Name:

Chen Yuan Yu, Susanna (Tan Yuan Yu) (23rd Batch AJCO Yangqin Player)

Nickname:

Yu Yuan Chen (Fish Ball City) or Yu Yuan Tan(g) (Fish Ball Soup)

Descriptions:

Fishball just stepped down from her treasurer position so that she can focus on meeting S.H.E.... I mean studying... As you can see, she is one of the AJCO S.H.E. who took part in AJ Idol. 'Equipped' with the voice of Selina, Fishball rocked the Kbox room with S.H.E. songs (with the pretty Wanting and crappy Wei Ling). Alumni Aunties and Uncles... If you wanna feel young again, join Fishball and friends for KTV... Guarantee plus chop you will feel like 18 years old again.

The Secret of the 'Fishball' Ancestry:

Fishball and her two (real) sisters have changed the impression of idol chase into a very innocent fairy tale. Do read her blog to feel about her encounters with S.H.E. brings life into her. I think it is S.H.E. that makes our dear Fishball to be the World's Most Famous Fishball... Yummy!!! (I wonder can Huang Sheng has the same effect? Hmmmm)

Profile Number Three: Gentle

I haven got a chance to know more about this person with a special name. (Dun even have a proper picture of her). Not a special nick but a special name. When I first heard people called her, I thought that was supposed to be her nickname. Yeap.... Gentle is her name. 姓温名柔 = 温柔...... Can you believe it? That is such a NICE NAME... (In the past... we have another AJCO peep with a beautiful name - Shi Zhongmei... 始终美 = Forever Beautiful)

Guess who is Wen rou? Just see who is the smallest of them all. This is a picture of the Liuqin players for SYF 2007. The petite gal in the middle is Wen Rou. Miss Gentle. If you think Xiuhua is small size... Check out Wen Rou... =p

(Nick)Name:

Wen Rou

Description:

Liuqin Player (24th Batch) Though to a lack of interaction with her, I am unable to provide additional information.

Profile Number Four: The Vegetable Gal

This gal is the foundation of 23rd batch AJCO. Though she is just a 'tree-branch' but she supports AJCO like a tree trunk. Without her leadership qualities in leading the whole orchestra, AJCO would not have gotten gold in 2007 for SYF. Can you guess who she is?

Here she is...

Name:

Cai Shuzi (23rd Batch AJCO President)

Nick Name:

Obvious rite? Literally, Miss Cai can be known as 'Vegetable Tree Branch' or '菜树枝'

Description:

As mentioned earlier, 'tree branch' is more like a tree trunk which supports AJCO. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, 'tree branch' was promoted to the president of AJCO (replacing Nigel). Though the 23rd batch AJCO experienced a bit of reshuffling and restructuring at the end of 2006, 'tree branch' managed to pull everyone together and braved through difficult times. Yeap... Cai Shuzi has proven her point. Eat more vegetables and you will grow stronger mentally and physically. Nothing can stop her for Miss Cai is 100% natural green with the needed vitamins for survival.

***AJC(AAC)O: Beautiful People with Beautiful Names***

~Ah Liang~

Qiao Feng a 指挥? Huang Sheng in 天龙八部?

2007-05-27T02:12:00.000+08:00

Have anyone watched Jin Yong's "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" (天龙八部) on TV before? Those from AJCO or TJCO might have noticed that our dearest CO conductor HUANG SHENG is playing the role of Qiao Feng. To outsiders who don't know about CO (hence, the existence of Huang Sheng), their first impression of Huang Sheng might be... "Hmmm... I didn't know Qiao Feng can orchestrate a CO"...

YESSSH... Both of them (See the two pictures shown above) are O.M.G(odly) identical!!! Equally suave... Equally nice long hair... Equally having the charisma of MAN... If you are still unconvinced, let me show you all a few more photos for comparison... Prepare for the battle of Huang Sheng VS Qiao Feng...

Huang Sheng with his "18 Dragon Subduing Palms" aka "xiang long shi ba zhang"... And the victim... Our beautifullest Lena... Look at her eyes... She is definitely seriously 'injured' by the power of Huang Sheng's 内功.

(Top) OMG... 'Huang Sheng' with Christy Chung? This picture is really really very 'Huang Sheng' right?

(Left) From this angle, the equation works right? Huang Sheng = Qiao Feng Equation.

(Above): What about this picture? Maybe Huang Sheng can try on
this new outfit for conducting AJCO next time. =p

(Top): The Legendary Xian Long Shi Ba Zhang and... Below is Huang Sheng's self-created version

Well well... Our dearest conductor Huang Sheng has his own version of 'Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang'. His charismatic moves that flow with the music have the power to manipulate the orchestras under his baton. Yeah... So here is our authentic Huang Sheng's martial arts movements... Hee... Oh Man... He is the best... (Better than Qiao Feng)..

Blog Entry Dedicated to All Fans of Huang Sheng!!!

Zhiliang
President of the AJCAACO Clan...
Not the Beggar's Clan - Gai Bang...