DALT-er! Drummer!.

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 15:16

Hello DALT-ers!
Holiday Trainings
Hope all of you have received the consent forms for holiday trainings (7, 8, 23 and 24 June, 8.30am-3pm). There is gonna be lunch break in between so don't worry that you would go hungry(but lunch is NOT provided, bring your own food or money during training).
Drum Performance
We have been invited by a YFC group in NYGH to perform on 19 and 20 August, 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Nanyang Siew May Auditorium. :) Dinner will be provided. However, the group only requested for 4-5 people to perform (we will request for more people to perform) so not everyone will be involved. I will keep all of you updated with the event through DALT blog or during CCA sessions so keep a look out on DALT blog and stay excited for the event :D.
HCJC Lion Dance Performance
HCJC DALT (our seniors) are going to have a lion dance performance on 19 June (during the holidays) and they need people to help out as cymbal players/ da tou wa wa. (3 cymbal players and 1 da tou wa wa) The rehearsal dates are not set yet but the confirmed ones are gonna be on 15(da tou wa wa) and 17 June (everyone). Do let me know if you are interested in participating by tonight(27 June), 11pm. It is gonna be an interesting and fun experience working with seniors to put up a lion dance performance. :) I will be going for the performance as well so don't worry that you are going to go alone. If nobody sms/ email me to volunteer for the performance, I will have to ask everyone one by one till I get 3 volunteers out for the cymbal players so do volunteer! (But if there's more than 3 people who volunteered, I will have to choose. SORRY!)
CCA Outing
Remember the CCA outing I have talked about during one of the debrief? It is temporarily fixed to be on 21 June but the details have yet to be confirmed so I will let all of you all know again. Just try to keep your schedule on 21 June free so you can join us for the outing. :)

That's all! Enjoy your holidays and see all of you on our first holiday training on 7 June! Thank you very much!

-Glenna

Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 08:59

Hello DALT-ers!
Thank you for everyone, the performers and people on shifts, who came back to school on Saturday for Open House! :)
Although the performances were not perfect, I'm sure everyone had put in their utmost effort and I think that's enough. Continue working hard on your drumming, cymbals or lion dancing skills and I'm sure we would reach the perfect state soon. :)
For those new-comers, hoped you all had a fun experience performing on stage and for those "old members" hoped that you all had gained more experience and know more about Open House to prepare for future ones. :)

-Glenna

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 21:44

Hello DALT-ers!

Remember the recounts that we have asked everyone to write about CCA? I have already selected a few to be printed for the Open House and you can find out who they are tomorrow. :) However, I can see that all of you have put in the effort for this so to acknowledge everyone's effort, I'm posting ALL the recounts that has been emailed to us here. :D Thank you to everyone who has put in the effort to write the recounts. :)

Elizabeth
I have enjoyed my time in DALT, because of the activity and also more importantly, because of the people in this CCA. I am mostly in charge of playing the drum in lion dance. Although it is one of the easier instruments to master, playing it during performances can be very stressful. This is because we have to look for signals given by the coach, the teacher and the lions and change the beats of the drums accordingly. One must be quick and responsive, some qualities that I have yet to master. Being a drummer is also a very critical role as it is the foundation to the whole performance and without it; the people performing the cymbals or the lion dance would not be able to coordinate. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed being a drummer because of the thrills with not knowing what might crop up during a performance. I look forward to transferring these skills as a drummer to my juniors.

Glenna
Drumming or playing the cymbals may seem like a very easy task to many but a lot of effort has been put in by each member and performer to master the skill of playing the drum or cymbals properly. After three years in DALT, I have learnt to respect each and every role in a performance, no matter big or small. Even a mere cymbal player may seem unmeaning to many, however, I had learnt that the cymbal players also do play a very major part in enhancing the festive atmosphere during a performance. What DALT has made me understand in the past 3 years is indescribable. To sum everything up, I would like to say that DALT has nurtured my interest in both lion dance and drumming.
每当锣鼓声响起，我都会热血沸腾。

Celeste
Drumming has been an enriching experience for me. I think that it is a relatively unique skill and I am privileged to have had the chance to learn it.It is always interesting to learn new sequences and I get a sense of satisfaction when I am able to play a whole sequence without mistakes! Also it look cool to be able to play a complicated looking sequence which actually isn't that hard (:

Yi Wen
I got into the lion's head just a few months after I officially joined DALT. I wasn't well-versed at the cymbals at all, and truthfully, my juniors were my "seniors" in all of the segments of lion dance. Nevertheless, I was really honoured to be given the opportunity to learn the lion dance. My impression of lion dance was totally tarnished when I finally tried out the lion's head. It was heavy, so heavy, I realised that 17 inclined pull-ups during NAPFA is not even significant of one's arm muscles and ability to do the lion dance well. But, that's what I appreciated in DALT. All of the members are new to this art; we have barely had any experience IN the lion's head. Watching a lion dance performance and viewing the audience from inside the lion's head is two completely different worlds. What is so unique about DALT is that, we all start from scratch. Whether we are physically fit or not, there will always be something you can do or strive to do in DALT. Of course, to strive to be able to do the lion dance is the most ideal goal, but to be able to do it, I guess it still boils down to the saying you reap what you sow. I wasn't a big lion dance fan right from the start, I think that it was just this Chinese New Year custom, and the stereotypical belief that girls who do lion dance are just tom-boys. It is true that I have became more "manly" due to lion dance, but the qualities aren’t that of becoming all muscular and gangster-like, instead, I have grown to be more disciplined and more confident about myself. Being in a lion's head, you cant see what you are delivering to the audience, so you have to acquire the self-confidence to tell yourself that you are doing not your best, but THE BEST to the audience. Lion dance is not merely a CNY thing; it is about getting the festive mood and showering respect to he guest of honours. Lion dance is regarded as a "guys" thing, but don’t girls always say that we can do things as well as guys or even better. Thus lion dance is really a golden avenue for girls to show that this art is not male-dominant. If you still think that lion dance can’t bring you the satisfaction of getting a trophy in other CCAs, imagine: you are performing in a lion's head, and all of a sudden, someone shouts: hey it is a girl! It is not the embarrassment that you feel, but the pride that you have left a great Nanyang impression in their minds.

Charmaine Chow
DALT is absolutely an interesting CCA to join. I guess it's really fortunate that we are the only female DALT group in Singapore, and our CCA has performed for so many people, even including the Chinese President. I never imagined meeting so many important people. Before I knew of this CCA, I had always perceived lion dance as simply just two lions prancing about, but now, after watching what happens behind the scenes, I've even learnt how to be part of it myself. Here in DALT, my experience has been ever so unique.

Simin
Drummer
As a drummer, I feel that playing the drum makes me relaxed and I can easily express myself through the drum beats as the rhythm changes and the speed also changes. I also feel accomplished and enjoy myself during every training with our coach, seniors and juniors. I also look forward to every drum performance that is organized, such as the combined sports meet every year. Joining the drums also made me realize my passion for it and now I am looking forward to every drum practices!
Lion dancer
Lion dance was not in my list of choices when choosing CCA. However, I have come to realize that lion dance is equally good as all other CCAs and is even cooler than most of them. Lion dance has helped to build up my stamina and has shaped my muscles over the years. Joining the lion dance troupe also means being able to perform in many occasions such as welcoming the guests-of-honour, foreign students and of course, during Chinese New Year every year! I have cultivated my passion for lion dance through the years as I learn patiently and put in my best during trainings and performances. Though it had been a tough time trying to learn initially, I got the hang of it and gradually improved. Looking forward to performing and showcasing my talent to others!
Member
As one of the EXCO members in DALT, I feel heartened when I see members of our CCA very bonded together, especially during trainings and outings. I like to see our members come for each CCA practice happily and enjoying themselves during CCA, which is often filled with laughter and joy. We have been through many hard times together but it is those times that bring us even closer to one another. I love DALT and hope that DALT will continue to shine and we will bring out the best in us!

Hsi Chien
I first joined DALT 2 years ago, thinking lion dance is a strenuous and tiring CCA.However as I started learning the basic skills, I was really motivated to perform as good as my seniors one day.Hence with this goal that I set for myself, every effort seemed worth putting in to better polish my skills.Today, I am still working towards this goal with all my friends. But there's one thing about DALT that will live inside me forever; DALT is where my heart belongs, join only if you have the passion to.

Felicia
I think DALT is very fun because I can learn a lot of stuff like drums, lion dance and cymbals.(: And also I think it's very cool! Although it's quite noisy at first, but after a while you'll get used to it. I used to be very slow at learning but as long as you practice, you'll improve over time. CCA sessions are quite fun sometimes because we get to rest and do something different other than the usual lion dance stuff. And the seniors are quite nice also I feel that if we abide by the rules and bond well with our CCA mates then we'll get to enjoy DALT! And once in a while we get to have CCA outings and lunch :D

Jing Wen
When I first heard about this CCA, I though it was going to be another CCA which you just attend a few times per week. But I was wrong. When I entered this CCA, I realised that this CCA allowed me to master new skills which I doubt any other ordinary person will in her life (except if she decides to join a lion dance troupe in the future). Through these 1 and a half years in DALT, I've learnt how to play the drum, the cymbals and have also learnt how to play as the 大头娃娃. Also, DALT gets to perform for the welcoming of CIPs, and also, we will sometimes be invited to other schools to perform. In this CCA, I have learnt about what other lion dance troupes do during Chinese New Year, and it has also taught me some Chinese beliefs. Overall, I enjoy being part of this CCA.

Kassandra
I can do this I can do this!" I reassured myself as I got ready for the performance in Nanyang kindergarten. Although it wasn’t my first performance, but it was the first time I performed as a mini lion. "tak taktaktak tak tak" Upon the signal, I swung the lion head over myself and jumped into action. I always wanted to be a lion head but I don't have the strength to lift an actual lion head yet, so being the mini lion was the next best thing. :) I started off a little nervous, but as the performance went on, I started to enjoy every second of it! We had to interact with the little kids and it never fails to make me smile when I see the little kids so happy and excited. :D I really enjoy being part of the lion, be it the head or tail :) I bet you want to have an awesome experience like me right? :) SO COME JOIN US IN DALT!! :D

Keyi
Playing the drum was a first for me. The basic beats of drums are not difficult; however, it is still a little challenging to me because of the fast speed and complicated rhythms. Practice makes perfect, I believe I can play better as long as I put in more effort. Overall, I enjoy the moments when everyone plays the drum and tries to make the beats sound like only one person is playing. Every time when we play the drum together, I can feel a strong sense of pride and belonging to my CCA.

Sijia
I am a newcomer of this CCA, but I have already found it very interesting. All the old members are very nice and helpful; they take great pains to explain everything to us clearly. I think it is very fun to play drums if you can grasp the rhythm. I am glad to perform at this year’s CSM, we did quite well after our consistent effort over a period of time.(: Lion dance is our emphasis but it is a little harder for me to control the 狮头well so I need to keep on working hard to catch up!(:
Our CCA is very good and I enjoy it a lot. I made some new friends and learnt many skills! I hope our CCA can become better and better! (:

Zeng Shan
DALT always makes me feel warm. We are a small CCA with supportive members. I have never felt being left out as a new member. During our CCA time, I feel I am overtaken by the energy exposed by these traditional Chinese arts; feeling emerged into the beats, the syllables, and the motion. I enjoy the practices a lot. And most importantly, we share a passion as strong as the drum beats we beat out for our CCA. After all, that is what unites us as a family.

Irina
In my opinion, I think that DALT (Dragon And Lion Dance Troupe) is really a special and interesting CCA. This is because not all schools have this CCA, thus we do not have any competitions. The only way we get to showcase our skills is during performances. As its name implies, we basically play the drums and also learn more about lion dance during CCA. By playing the drums, we can gain a better sense of rhythm. I believe that many people have watched a lion dance performance before. It is commonly seen at big events such as the Chinese New Year. Lion dance requires more physical movement but it is still fun.

Zhi Chi
As a first-year student in this school, DALT has definitely opened my eyes as an enriching CCA. Other CCAs might offer just a single sport or one instrument; however DALT gives us the opportunity to try on a diverse range, such as the lion, cymbals, drums and even the big-headed doll! Personally the drum is my favourite as it allows me to express my feelings whilst playing it. Especially after an exhausting day at school, playing the drum helps us relax and 'pound' out all the stress we have building inside us in a way. Learning the whole routine might be a little tough and confusing at first but after everything's down pat, I find it very enjoyable. DALT also provides us with a platform to showcase our talent in one way or another to the public. One example is the recent Combined Sports Meet, where we were able to give a drum ensemble performance to a huge audience.
So to sum it up, this is why I love DALT! I don't think I'll ever regret joining DALT/DRUM. :)

Jia Wen
CCA is fun! :D Learnt how to play the drums, cymbals and learnt a bit of Lion dance. Seniors are very helpful, always helping us when we have troubles. :D The drums are very fun! I like playing them (: Cymbals sounded louder at first, but they don't seem so loud after learning how to play them! Everything seemed very hard at first, but after learning how to play it, they seem easier now :D The CCA sessions are very fun, playing the drums, cymbals and sometimes doing lion dance. :D

Sophia
Before I joined DALT, I thought that the CCA would be quite boring. However, after I tried playing the drum, I found the CCA not so boring after all. Drumming was actually kind of fun, and wasn't like what I had expected it to be. Even though I have only just started learning lion dance, I believe that it would also be equally interesting. Although I have only been in DALT for a short while, I have found this CCA to be interesting in many ways. I do not regret joining DALT as most of the CCA sessions not only enabled me to learn new things, but they were also quite fun.

Wan Lin
I find CCA quite fun as never would I expect myself to play drums. I like drums practice, but I don't find lion dance trainings fun -- playing cymbals and carrying the head of the lion is quite tiring for me(I'm bony XD) I'm satisfied with my DALT friends(can get along well). All in all, I like drums practice the best. :)

An Qi
Basically, I think CCA is quite fun.We could learn new things that are special,like lion dance, which people don't usually contact with. The drum that we learnt is also very cool, in a way. These special things make up our special CCA!

Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 22:31

UPDATED
Open house details
Date: 21 May 2011, Saturday
Time: 08 00 - 14 00
Venue: NYGH (all CCA booths are in hall)
**Lunch coupons would be given out on that day to members.

Drum Performers (Drum performance starts at 09 00)
Attire: DALT tee + track pants
Reporting time: 07 45 at drum room
Wen Xi
Shin Tian
Celeste
Yu Yen
Felicia
Jing Wen
Shen Yue
Sophia
Jia Wen
An Qi
Glenna (emcee)

Lion Dance Performers (Lion dance performance starts at 13 22)
Attire: DALT tee + gong ku + long xie
Reporting time: 12 15 at DALT room
Charmaine
Shen Yue
Felicia
Jing Wen
Simin
Hsi Chien
Yi Wen
Kassandra
Glenna (emcee)

Shifts members
Attire: DALT tee + track pants/ gong ku
Reporting time: 15 minutes before your shift starts at DALT booth in the hall
Shift 1 (08 00-10 00): Yi Wen, Simin
Shift 2 (10 00-12 00): Kassandra, Sophia
Shift 3 (12 00-14 00): Jia Wen, Glenna
Main job for members at the booth is to answer any questions from the public regarding school matters such as academic, CCA matters etc. However, if any parents ask you questions regarding administrative matters, you should direct them to the teachers as the teachers would have more understanding than us regarding to that. There would be a noticeboard regarding our CCA at the booth to let the public read more about our CCA and flyers (with recounts written by some members) would also be provided to be given out to the public.

I hope that all of you have a better understanding of how Open House would be like on Saturday. :D If you have any questions, feel free to ask me (Glenna). I would be giving a briefing again on that day itself so all of you would be clearer on what to do on that day. Let's work hard together on Open House 2011 no matter whether it is for the performances or duties at the shifts. :D

UPDATE: There will be no CCA during the sabbatical week and holiday CCA would be on 7, 8, 23 and 24 June. Consent forms would be issued to everyone next week. There would also be a CCA outing during the holidays, either on 21 or 22 June (TBC).

-Glenna

Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 20:07

Hey DALT-ers!!

This is Elizabeth here(: I will be going overseas on Monday.. so do be nice when to Glenna when i am away kay? haha! i will be back in June!! (:

I won't be here for open house.. Good luck to all the performers too:D and jiayou to everyone involved in OH'11! Hope you all will have a blast!I will give you all moral support from the other corner of Earth!

-Elizabeth

Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 19:56

Hello DALT-ers!
For those who didn't go for the meeting after school today, here are the issues that we talked about during the meeting

Open House
Open house is on 21 May, Saturday, 0730-1430. Please let us know if you can make it so we can arrange the necessary manpower arrangement. Other than that, we are also planning to put up recounts of members at our booth so do write a short paragraph about your experience in CCA (e.g. as a drummer, lion dancers, cymbal player or just a member :p) and email it to us at ny.dalt.drum@gmail.com by this Sunday, 15 May. We would let you all know more details when it's nearer to the date after everything is more or less settled. Other than that, we would also be putting up drum and lion dance performance during open house so those people who didn't get to perform for CSM, this is your opportunity to show off your talent to the public! :D

DALT lunch
As mentioned in the facebook page, we would be having a CCA lunch together after CSM. We would meet at the clock tower in HCI, under the shade. Do make it if you don't have any plans made in the afternoon.

Holiday
As the june holiday is coming really soon, we would be arranging a CCA chalet and holiday trainings. Please email us your holiday plans (ny.dalt.drum@gmail.com) along with the recounts stated above by this Sunday, 15 May. We would take into consideration of everyone's holiday plan and arrange trainings and chalet when MOST people can make it.

That's roughly everything that we have said. If you have any problems, feel free to SMS or email us to clarify.

CSM performance coming up in 2 days!