Tribute to our former member: Ms.Tou Hui Ling

Hi there guys and girls out there who has been watching this space. This is an interview post i've been wanting to do for quite sometime and i finally can post this out. Very much thank you to our former member Ms. Tou Hui Ling who has agreed on this. This post is made possible by her.

Chinese Orchestra Unit has come a long way ever since it was first established and let's not forget the efforts of our former member who worked behind for the orchestra. I always felt that there should be a place where their part of story can be tell so that the current member can appreciate what we have now and not take thing for granted. So, read on to find out about her say~~~

Question 1

Describe what's like being in the orchestra during your time. What instrument do you play? What other instrument do you play?

Back then, there wasn’t even an orchestra. We have to gather some 13 members to form a pro-tem committee for the purpose of setting up the orchestra in Kampar campus. It took us about half a year to get all documents and forms ready, and finally receive approval for setting up the Chinese Orchestra Unit in Perak Campus at April 2008.

After getting the approval, we got a verbal promise from the respective DSA Officer that UTAR would sponsor us our first set of instruments sufficient for ensemble purpose. However, the said instruments were never seen until second half of year 2010. Time was harsh without our own set of instruments. Ensemble members had to use their own instruments or to borrow from secondary school’s Chinese Orchestra Unit.

When there are invitations for performance, the ensemble members didn’t even have a proper place to practice. They ended up practicing at walkways and roadsides at Kampar new town. Due to lack of instruments, weekly practice and classes for non-experienced members couldn’t be held. I myself was one of those left aside to dust as ensemble members putting up performances.

Finally, things started to get better when Petaling Jaya Campus Chinese Orchestra Unit calls for dismissal. Part of the instruments owned by the unit was lent to us. At last, the first class was officially held in May 2009 semester. The first session only consist of four classes held on Saturdays, teaching basic music theory for members without music background. On the subsequent semester, we get our hands on our selected instruments.

With recommendation from one of the experienced member, I chose to learn Zhong Ruan. Other than that, I sometimes play on the Dizi and drums. I’m glad that my passion for mastering the instruments hadn’t vanished after the long wait.

Question 2

How long have you been with the orchestra?

Till completion of studies, I’ve been with the Chinese Orchestra Unit for a period of three years plus. It seems to be quite long, but I personally felt not long enough. If permitted, I would have chosen to stay a little longer.

Question 3

What's the best/proudest moment/achievement you've experienced?

Watching the Chinese Orchestra Unit grows from birth to its age of three, its every achievement makes me feel proud. However, if I were to choose the brightest moment of all, it would be the successful completion of our very first Chinese Orchestra Concert in June 2010. It was the first mega event ever held by us. It was the very moment we receive recognition from both UTARians and the public. It was the very achievement that earned us our first set of new instruments. It was the very event that created unity among senior and junior members, among different instrument groups, and among active and non-active members.

Front row, first left: Ms. Hui Ling 

Question 4

How were the training sessions like back then?

At first, classes are held at Block C, Cafeteria ground floor. It is fine during the day time. However, the place will be all dark and quiet during the night. It was so creepy and scary where there weren’t many members learning the instruments.

Fortunately, things get much better when we were later allowed to use the rooms at first floor which is bright and equipped with air-condition for training purposes. Our first training camp was also held there.

The first training camp, being held end of May 2010, was for the purpose of concert performance preparation, it has indeed strengthen the bond between members of the unit. Practicing all day long has been tough, but we managed it together.

Due to the room later being modified into clinic, we were forced to move. We were reallocated at staff cafeteria, with a storeroom to keep our instruments. Although the room condition wasn’t as good as before, training sessions has been one of my happiest moments during university.

Question 5

Are you still involved in music?

Currently, I’m not associated with any organisations or performing units. However, I haven’t give up in playing and practicing by myself. Big thank you to ex-Vice Chairman giving me his first flute as a present, enabling me to have some instruments to practice on. Haha!

I am planning to get involved Chinese Orchestra Unit around Petaling Jaya, such as UMCO if possible. I am also saving hard to purchase a Zhong Ruan for myself. I do not wish to break the connection with music, especially with Chinese Orchestra.

Question 6

Do you reminisce about the days you were in the orchestra?

Yes, a lot, even before I graduate. Some senior members should know I used to tell “grandmother stories” about the history of Chinese Orchestra Unit. After graduating, I’ve been telling a lot of people, including my current Boss during the interview sessions. It is not that I like to boost around, just that I wanted people around me to understand that Chinese Orchestra is nothing boring, to understand that Chinese Orchestra forms a part of our culture, and to create awareness and support for Chinese Orchestra. Like what current Chairman, Choon Chi Hong always said, being involved in Chinese Orchestra does not just mean everything about ourselves, we also bear the responsibility to carry forward this piece of precious culture we possess.

Question 7

Message to the current members

During my time, I lost 2 years of precious time to master my instrument due to unforeseen circumstances. I neither had much chance to practice because I do not possess my personal instrument. I used to grab every opportunity I could to practice, even if it means coming to practice sessions not belonging to my instrument. Deep within I understand, if I don’t do it now, I may not have the chance when joining the working community. I didn’t want to regret.

However, other members don’t seem to appreciate as much as I did. Some even skipped practices for no reason. Therefore, I hope you would treasure and appreciate a little bit more the moments and chances you have got to do things you enjoy doing, such as coming to Chinese Orchestra. Academic is important, but it would not be everything in life. You don’t have to sacrifice too much on your studies, but please seek a balance in between.

Wondering what you can achieve by involving in Chinese Orchestra? Chinese Orchestra Unit is more than just practices and performances. Chinese Orchestra is an identity as a Chinese, a nurturing plant of psychological strength, a platform for social interactions, a place to escape from stress and tension, a talent and soft-skills training ground, and many more. Too many for all to be listed here.

You may not know how great the effect Chinese Orchestra can bring to your life until you experience it, but I know. From my own experience, I witness my abilities and value grown from nothing to being appreciated, by actively involving in the Chinese Orchestra. All I did was going for practices, performances, social gatherings, and taking up positions I can afford in events. It seems like a miracle, but it does happen. If you are thinking of achieving something in your career, why not start training up yourself right now right here?

In a nutshell, whatever your decisions in the future may be, No Regrets