BBCO Concert - Do Support Them!!!

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

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

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...

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...

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:

1. To update AJCAACO people about the developments of AJCAACO from 2006 to 2008.
2. To conduct the handover ceremony to the 4th AJCAACO EXCO and introduce the new committee to the rest of the alumni.
3. 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...

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...

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...

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)...

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

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...

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'

"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***