Band Performances

Over the last year, I have experienced a lot of band performances, both with my usual Aileen and the Green Tea Latte band and also a newly formed band. The first performance that I would like to note about is the performance at the 2512 Christmas Gala. At that time it was the first major performance that my band did in that semester. This time it is also different. No more tiny stages. This time it is a full stage performing to both Cita Hati students and teachers and also people from the public (including my parents too). The challenge in this one was that I have to focus on both the treasure hunt and this performance as well. I have to (of course) practice for the songs played. Unfortunately, I personally felt that it did not go as well as I thought due to the lack of practice and also how I forgot my line. At that time, I told to myself that I will do better in the next performance.

[Sudden flashforward]. It is now February and Cita Hati wants to celebrate it's 25th birthday in an epic carnival, similar to what 2512 was like. This performance has a twist in it. I was not in 1 band but 2 bands. The other one requiring myself to play the bass, an instrument I have never learnt officially nor performed on stage. It is a new challenge and something fresh. It went better than expected for my band but a bit rigid for the other band (Pollution/Green Fix CAP band).

[Another sudden flashforward]. Around another month after the events of Cita Hati's 25th Anniversary was the color run. It was in accordance to Cita Hati's birthday as well but was put on a different date and the venue was in Cita Hati West. Similar to the events of 2512, I was performing for 1 band only, the Green Fix band. The challenge here was I had to learn a song in just 1 night. Ko Harman, the day before the event said that the band should perform 1 more song and I had to play the bass line. Knowing that I do not have a bass at home, I had to learn the song from Ko Harman through Line video call with an acoustic guitar (at that time I accidentally left my guitar at school). The performance went on okay, did some mistakes here and there but I can feel that I have improved with using the bass on stage. I hope that I can further improve by playing more performances in public.

Here is also a music related award that I received during my 10th grade experience:

5 Years Have Passed

So, back then, when I was just another average 7th Grader, I decided for once to join an organization, the student council. I did not know what to do really, other than make the essay that it requires me to do and the interview. Indeed it was truly a great step for my 5 year younger self. I was not that type to socialize in bigger communities, I really was not. In the whole grade, there were also 2 other people who decided to join the party. I felt as if being the little midget among the giants (the other SMA students). For the first year I felt lonely, knowing that this organization tests my socializing skills which was bad at the first place. Years past and I grew more tolerant and understanding towards the people around me. I know what to do in an organization. I have to communicate with each other, see what is on my priority list and sometimes help organize other people.

There were also several notable things that I have done in the past year. Right before the start of the new school year, me and Michelle S.K. were assigned to organize both of the SOP programmes, the one for the new 7th graders and the one for the 10th graders. It was basically a really new thing because most of the time I was given a backseat role or a follower role. I hated the meetings because I had to speak in front of all my colleagues. It was yet another big step which I learnt from. When I was doing the paperwork, Michelle S.K. had to leave for at least 2 weeks because of family purposes leaving me with 2 inexperienced (I myself was too) SMP students. It was not all that smooth. It did went along well, no major cases of people hurting each other or themselves but it was bland. It was oooo--kay. I learnt how to manage other people, how to speak in front and how to face my fears.

A few months later, I was given another chance to help organize an event called the 2512 Christmas Gala. It was an event that has a purpose in giving donation for children who had cancer. And then I was assigned to head the treasure hunt game. Sure enough it was delivered near our exams I had to manage the treasure hunt AND study for my semesteral exams. Great. And there I was, having to plan the treasure hunt alongside the team and also teachers that wanted to help. Aside from that I also help make the trailer video, which I myself video taped it and edited it. Then it comes to the D-Day, the prep before the show was extensive as well. We had to decorate the rooms and hallways so that it can fit the mood perfectly.

A notable problem during the game was that one of the teams just had to take the clue along with them. There were only 1 clues for each game and it was for every team. Right at that moment the problem was at it's peak, I was called down because I had to perform on stage. Thank God, my partners in the 4th floor hall was able to solve the problem and the treasure hunt went on normally. Other problems such as the people queuing was too many and also the whole treasure hunt not being able to eat (too many costumers) were passed along together persistently. I am very proud in everyone that participated in making the game come true.

Now that I look back, 5 years. 5 years has passed and now I am officially a 'veteran' student council member and I am proud in being the longest running student council member on my grade.

Bakti Luhur Cover

In every single RCS project, each class has to make their own paper, in conclusion of our project. And as always I get to design the front cover (including the back cover).

Bakti Luhur Project (rcs 2014)

Its not very long since the last RCS project we had in grade 10. This time, we have a joint operation, joining 3 IG classes in 1 huge event. It was an idea that has its ups and downs but either way, all of us has to manage, somehow.

Some while back I also helped out in surveying the place, which is Bakti Luhur. The place is immense and huge. The place was actually quite peaceful, for an orphanage. There were around 80 elderly and 100 children living in it, so I think that it should be big. Though, out of the 100 children, around 80% percent were mentally disordered and from what I've been told, they were mostly abandoned by their parents on the streets and picked up by nuns.

Before the big event starts, we all have to gain money, per class. My class, 10IG1, supposedly gave out 'gorengan' or fried street foods to those who are willing to donate. Its more like, "You give you get" rather than selling. I participated in the selling, promoting from one end to another. It was quite fun actually, walking to people and persuading them to donate to us.

Then goes to the phase where we had to purchase the items to donate. These items also include:
-Diapers
-Snacks
-Water dispenser
-Food
-Soap
-Tooth paste

I also helped buy some of the items at Indogrosir, which was my pleasure in doing so.

The event did go smoothly and I helped pray for the elderly, one by one in the house in stationed in. The elderly were happy, they loved seeing young children pay a visit once in a while. So, I think that the event went on okay, with its troubles and happiness.

Prime Music Guitar Competition (2013)

5th of November 2013 marks the day I joined my first guitar solo competition. It was a nerve wrecking day, I must admit. And knowing that I was playing something thats a bit off from my main style (fingering, contemporary). The competition went on smoothly and I did well, for my current skills. And after training, and practicing all day long, for a couple of weeks, I managed to gain the 3rd prize for the competition. I didn't really joined the competition for the prizes, so it doesn't matter if I won 1st,2nd,3rd or even not winning at all. Its all for the experience.

Recent Debate Competition

My most recent competition participation had just ended last month. It was a sudden debate competition. Wait a sec, Clara in a English competition? New eh? I didn't know what I was doing anyways at that time. One day Laura told me that there were open slots for the debate group and I spontaneously said yes. It was already 1 week before the competition and I had no idea what a real debate competition was like. Also, the reason that two members of the grade 10 debate team, Michelle SW and Laura dropped out is that they were afraid they could not catch up with the mock exams. They also thought that it would be best to leave the competition opportunity for the scholarship students. T minus 3 days before the competition, I just figured out that there were these so called first speaker, second speaker, and third speaker. I never knew there was a format. All I know about debating is arguing with people and proving they're wrong. Oh how clueless I was back then. Its funny to give a moment to remember that me and Aileen only had 3 days of practice right before the big day.

Finally, when actually participating on D-Day, we knew that we had to have all possible research carried out. This is mostly because that we are not going to be given a topic, not until 30 minutes before the debate. We had to squish it all out in 30 minutes, write every single possible points for our cause (Government or Opposition). Long story short, it was an awesome, tense, emotional battle. Our 'enemies' were actually quite nice, and we became friends. In the end we got to the semi finals before we were totalled by Gloria 1.

ICAS Competitions

Last year, in 2013, I was hand picked to participate in the ICAS. Not only one category but two. Making me the only girl that gets chosen for both competitions. In my opinion, I think that I can proudly say that I did well in both. Both of the results showed credit and me being in the top 25 percent (around 25 percent for both certificate results). In addition, this is my fifth ICAS competition, making me one of the most experienced in ICAS. Even though I did not win any medals, I still crave one. I want to win another one, if possible, a gold medal. So for me this is still a good step for success, and a lesson for me to do better.