About Music

Recently, I played in 2 events, one, on the 25th of May, which is the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ, and on the 12th of June, in Gloriamus Piano Open Competition.

On the 25th of May, I played the flute together with 2 others as part of Gloriamus' Orchestra for the Church music in GKY BSD service. I played for 2 services starting from around 7:30, and both services summed up ended before lunch time.

Before the D-Day

And yesterday was the second event, where I won 3rd place:

I learned a fine lesson on my practising journey up to the competition. I thought that, as it's a church song, it would be easy, so I delayed practising one of the songs, as I was just too lazy to practice it. In the end I practised both songs (there were 2 songs) (not so) seriously 2 weeks ago. 

Just then the opportunity to learn with Jusuf Himawan from Singapore came, and I think he's kind of a specialist in church music. Now "that song" that I was too lazy to practice months ago, wasn't perfect yet, it's still, we could say, in "ruins". So it's a bit of a waste....

A week and 2 days before the competition, I started memorizing "that song" and I got stressed out, until I wanted to resign from the competition, although my parents were disagree. It's all hectic. 

Last Monday, my teacher talked to me and showed me the ways and techniques of memorizing it quickly and strengthen it. Surprise, surprise! I managed to memorize the piece in a day (although it's not strong yet). Next I played each part (I divided them into parts) again and again until I got it right. 3 days before the competition and I'm bored with the piece.

3 days before the competition I had my course with my teacher again and she polished it, giving me tips on dynamics, how I should play it, etc, etc. So I practised it and, by Saturday I'm all set. 

The other song wasn't practised as much as "that song", but it's okay already I think.

On the competition day, I didn't feel as nervous as how I used to be in the past, probably because:

1.There were not many audience, so the seats were arranged similar to how the seats were arranged when I came to try the piano.

2. My mindset was just: play for God. This is all for God. So when I played I wasn't as nervous as usual.

What I learned was that... it takes time to master something, don't leave it out until it's (almost) too late.

Thanks to Ms. Ruth Wibisono for polishing me the most. :)

P.S. 

When I came to try the piano a few days ago, how the seats were arranged could be random, as the auditorium may be used for other events/practices, and it's usually most of the seats piled up along the walls, while only a small amount were laid out for use, so how the seats were laid out on the competition day was similar.