it's over

We got a standing ovation for our performance at Carnegie Hall. I couldn't believe it. Just two days before that we played at the IBM atrium and things did not go smoothly; during the sound check (at Carnegie Hall) our playing sounded like shit. But we were lucky - two runs were enough to get our playing back in shape again. In other words, the rehearsals at RI were worth the while and our efforts paid off.

The plane ride was terrible. Maybe I need to lie flat before I can fall asleep. Travelling time aside, some other places we visited: Statue of Liberty, Museum of National History (where Night at the Museum was filmed), UN Headquarters, Ground Zero. It was kind of like touch-and-go but at least it was an eye-opener for us. As usual, I spammed my money on clothing, CDs and small souvenirs.

I feel really lousy now that the trip's over. Ironically, I don't miss New York at all. What matters most is that I can't bear to part with RISE - this time for real. In a span of 4 weeks many things have changed, both in RISE and my state of mind. I don't want to leave now, especially right after sharing fond memories of the trip and making new friends and strengthening old, ailing friendships.

Our RISE days were long over, but then this opportunity came about and we gladly took it so that we could come back and enjoy a few more weeks in RISE - now that's over for us too and we finally have to split for good. Reluctantly. My heart's sunken yet I can't do anything to ease the pain; I want to cry yet no tears would flow out too.

Time flies, and we are forced to move on with our lives.

24

24 hours to flight.

Almost packed for the trip. Everything fits nicely into my luggage. Then, I realize my pair of concert shoes has no space. Now I have to re-organize my belongings. I'll think of a solution...

Can you believe that we're bringing our tutorials there to mug?! We don't really have a choice =/

Sadly, this blog will be on hiatus until my CTs are over.

mixed feelings

The flight's on Saturday night. I really can't wait to go to New York, yet at the same time I feel extremely fearful and uncomfortable.

Playing at Carnegie Hall is a privilege that come with huge responsibility. I guess that's so cliche I shouldn't even be saying it. But we're going to have to be more than well-rehearsed. I hope everyone's mentally prepared for it too, otherwise we may succumb to panic. Can you imagine how unnerving it'll be if we only begin to realize how much is at stake when we're already on stage and about to perform - in front of an audience completely unfamiliar to us? No way...

The problem is, I still can't play the runs properly for Janacek 1st movement, and the slow sections kill me because my arm will shake uncontrollably when nervous. How to sustain long notes like that? Oops now everyone knows how often I've been practising the violin... Sorry to shock you, but I've really got so much to study because I don't wanna die for my CTs. And I'm still far from completing my revision. HELP =/

So how?