Call To Set Up Special Music School

Yesterday a letter I wrote to The Star was published. It was actually a reply to an earlier letter from Dr Marc Rochester, Programme Annotator of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

It started when Dr Rochester suggested that Government run schools with additional music tuition would not be beneficial because "great musical genius cannot be taught". While I agree with that somewhat, a structured musical education can certainly produce musicians - performers as well as composers - of international calibre.

I gave two examples of public-funded 'special music schools': the Kaufman Center in New York City and the Wells Cathedral School near Bristol, UK. Both schools have an academic programme that is equivalent to the public schools curriculum, but have additional emphasis for a musical programme for students.

It is important that talent unearthed early in life be sustained by giving continuous education. What is even more important is that the child is surrounded by a class of his peers so that they may share their gifts and learn from each other in order that their full potential is realised.

Julian In The Sun

Julian's name was mentioned in The Sun today.

It was only a single line - but a mention all the same. I would have loved to include a photograph taken during the event that got him the top spot for the recent Talent Quest.

Well, maybe another time.

Julian Won!

Yesterday, Julian won the first prize in the first ever talent competition he took part in. He beat 25 other contestants in the 6 to 12 year-old category. His performance of Der kliene Wandersmann and Greensleeves impressed the judges enough to give him the top prize - he won RM200 and a flask - in the hotly contested competition.

In reality, it was supposed to be a fun Talent Quest, organised by The Sun and the USJ Residents' Association. After all the theme was "Fun with The Sun". That did not stop some of the kids coming really prepared, with make up and costumes and well-rehearsed moves. There was a "strip-tease" by a young girl (don't get cheeky: she had leotard underneath) and also a lip-sync rendition of a rock number by a rock-star wannabe - long haired wig and all.

Contestants had to provide their own instruments. Mummy did not bring the keyboard and had to return with it after the registration. In fact, Julian was the last to register, arriving about an hour after the event officially started. The person at the registration table even had to get permission from her superior to get Julian's name in.

Good thing the Talent Quest was the second event, right after the treasure hunt. Rain came midway through the talentime, but that did not dampen the spirit of those present, including Lee Hwa Beng, State Assemblyman for Subang, who also gave away the prizes to the winners.

Fort Magerita

This is a test post. I just want to see if the image turns out OK. So what else can I write in here? This picture was taken during a trip to Kuching, Sarawak in July of 2005. It was actually a business trip.

If you wonder where Kuching is, go here and see the map of Malaysia. Kuching is located in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. It is often referred to as East Malaysia, whereas the mainland (Peninsula Malaysia) is usually called West Malaysia.

Sarawak actually joined Malaysia in 1963, whereas Malaya got its independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia is made up of 13 states and 1 Federal Territory. The Federal Territories are located in 3 geographical locations, i.e Kuala Lumpur, Putra Jaya and Labuan. There is news that another location is to be sequested to the Federal government. How this will come about is yet to be seen. Many believe that Langkawi is that place.