Music or noise?

"Music has to be the spark that lights up the fire in human spirit."
-- Ludwig van Beethoven.

Right, I have been learning to play the violin from a music school in Selangor, and every year they will organize a sort of an annual concert. Last year I was very lucky to be able to join their orchestra, and to perform in their annual concert.

This orchestra is initiated by one of the teacher, she even volunteered to guide and conduct the orchestra. And mind you, she VOLUNTEERED, meaning she was not paid for all the trouble.

The concert last year was a huge success, and every one was happy with the orchestra, especially the performers themselves. And of course, me!

Early this year, everyone was already anticipating the annual concert. Finally in May, the concert pieces were out. Every one was really excited about the pieces. And like last year, the rehearsal session was held once every fortnightly.

But unlike last year, the attendace was poor. Despite the poor attendace, every one still work very hard. Although we will never be perfect, but if we work harder, we can be almost perfect.

And because of the limited rehearsal session, some of us organised a group practice session every alternate rehearsal session. Making it a practice session every week.

Why do we do this? Was it only because we want to take advantage on the school just to get more practice session? No! Because we want to play better in the concert, because we do not want to disapoint the school and the teacher.

As of last week, I received a memo from the school, infact every performer received one, it is a memo requiring the performer to pay a tution fees of RM100 per person for joining the orchestra, and because the attendace was poor.

Tuition fees?? But the teacher wasn't pay a cent for that. Then was it for utilities charges then? But isn't RM100 too much for utilities charges?

Or is this just another business opportunity for the school?

I don't know. But all the sudden, the school seems like a filthy beggar that will do anything for money, instead of the advocates of music and arts.
I wonder how hurt the teacher would be when she heard the news.

RM100 may not seems to be very much, but money is not the concern.
It is about how the school treat you, how the school value you, and how the school appreciate the orchestra.

Do they started up this music school to teach music because the love of music and they enjoy sharing it with the others? Or, just because the students are a bunch of idiots that they can exploid to make more money?

If so, was what they preached, music or noise?

edited 30th June 2005