Saturday, June 6, 2009

Victorious March Band

This is lau ee Angie & lau chek Nigel reporting from NZ.

Hi guys!!How are you all doing??
We got heaps of things to tell you!!
But for this time, we just want to share with you guys about the band we are 'hanging' with in New Zealand, Victorious March Band!!

1st of all, let me introduce you to the band. back in 2001, 3 members with limited music knowledge suggested to SGINZ that they wanted to form a band as part of the cultural movement. To their dissapointment, majority of the leaders rejected the idea. The leaders brought this matter up to Sensei and surprisingly Sensei gave the approval personally & named the band Victorious March Band.

Currently, VMB is the only band in SGINZ & the only cultural group. There was an incident that really touched my heart after listening to it. In year 2004, it was the Oceania(NZ, Aust, Fiji etc) Youth Conference and VMB wanted very much to perform. There were other singing or dancing groups. VMB was requested to play at the entrance to welcome the members. of course they were delighted. when Seiko san (PIC) checked the schedule, there were no allocation for VMB to perform on stage. she was very angry as they have been practicing hard and yet they are negleted. all they wanted to do was to play music for Sensei, for kosen rufu. she chanted & fought for their right and finally the NZ comm changed the whole itenary just a few days before the conference. These were their fighting spirit.

About the performance, it was a joint concert with the Manukau City band(something like PESS band). They consist of youth to old aged players. they were very professional.
When we joined VMB 3 months ago, they were just starting to learn the 5 songs which is not that easy. We were so worried that we couldn't learn in time. Although their music skill is not that good but we felt the joy & spirit during practice. They were so pure and determined to ensure their success of the concert, for Sensei & kosen rufu. The concert was a huge success with a FULL HOUSE audience. VMB received lots of good feedback from members and Soka friends who attended that evening. Even Masao (VMB conductor) was surprised to hear the band played so well after just 3 months of practice.

Just before the concert, the band made a resolution booklet for Sensei. And recently after the concert, Sensei replied our message with;

"I have read all your resolutions. please continue to work hard!"
*Angie mentioned about PFY in her resolution* now Sensei is watching us too .....

Althought the message was short, it was a moment where we felt closest to Sensei than ever before. We will continue to strive and help them grow as long as we are here.
VMB in action
the most touching part of the concert!50-60 players playing 'Haha' together featuring two singers from SGINZ. a soka friend saxophonist frm VMB did a short solo that was so beautiful. Thanks for your time! =D

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