A message I sent in reply to other messages from my RJCSB batch which I thought applied to all of you too.

It's a shame how contrived that concept of an "ownage" concert is. I'm sure that after four years under Mr Oura's guidance all of us know perfectly well that, as a band, music always comes first. Our objective is to entertain with our music. Sure, the gimmicks and "creative ideas" add to the degree of fun and entertainment, but ultimately it is our music that must determine how successful our band is. Which is why it is encouraging that most of us know SYF should be our main priority, and that practice is the only way we can play well.

And there's the competition. It is very much agreed upon that competition can only push players to strive for better results, but as musicians who are we competing against? While each band (and each musician) can and should learn from one another, should our aim be to "own" all the other JC bands? Such an ostentatious approach to making music -- surely it's not what we seek?

I hope we are not in this band to beat all the other bands, win cash prizes or gain fame and reputation, but because we love making music and wish to perfect our music so as to provide entertainment of the highest quality.

So, practise for that SYF Gold with Honours and aim for the top -- not for the bragging rights, but to prove that we're good musicians and have entertained.