I didn't want to go for the NUS Open House. My parents insist that I go and attend the talks for the Conservatory, the University Scholars' Programme and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). To cap my freedom in playing truant, they drive me there.
I fear I might run into people that I recognise (which I do). Fortunately, most of the people from my batch - rather, the majority - have signed on to their courses and some are already in the midst of their studies (the girls, really). Stony-faced and appearing uninterested to show my reluctance at coming for the carnival (well, it's designed like a carnival!), I tread quickly to the venue for the Conservatory talk, ignoring people asking me if I were interested in this or that . . .
Talk about acting dao(1).
Okay, nothing special about the talk - Dr Ho Chee Kong just went about the stuff that would have appeared on the website - requirements, eligibility, course of study, life at the Conservatory. But there are interesting snippets of information that I catch on. For instance, why is the population of the Conservatory so small? That's because the interim building is so damn fucking small that if they admitted more students everyone would have been fighting for the practice rooms.
And what's the ratio of Singapore to international students? 2:8. 20% Singaporeans, 80% International.
The foreign talent problem doesn’t just occur at the schools and workplaces. It happens here too. Believe it.
And one thing that I applaud greatly and give a standing ovation: the need to be familiar with the instrument you are playing on. Why does the Conservatory spend so much money on acquiring Steinway grands for their practice rooms? Because: the majority of halls in the world own a Steinway, coming from the manufacturer's reputation. Hence, the Conservatory has Steinways for professional pianists-in-training to get used to the instrument so that when they play at another venue, despite the difference in acoustics, the piano is some good ol' familiar creature that they were once thought to love during their university - I mean, conservatory - days.
I don't stay for the Scholar's Programme talk, which takes place right after the Conservatory one at the same venue. I'm put off by the thought of sitting through it, particularly after I have been motivated by the beautiful thought of doing music for four years. I'm so crazy about music that I can't get it out . . . it takes precedence over everything else. Like now, I forgo my rest and social life, just to concentrate on music during the weekends. Saturdays and Sundays are very precious to me. I have a greater probability of doing music almost uninterrupted. What social life do I have? "Hey, there's a concert coming up . . . you want to go? No? Okay, never mind. I'll still go myself." Because the music is too tempting.
I'm sorry that I have to say this, but well, I'm just crazy about it.
After the Conservatory talk, I head to the hall where the various faculties have set up booths. At the FASS one, I get a general information booklet describing the FASS - about the requirements, what is done there, what the subjects offered are and so on. That's sufficient for my knowledge. Anyway FASS is more of a safety net in case I can't get into the Conservatory, or get a scholarship to go overseas to study music.
I decide to give the FASS talk a miss as well. I don't feel tempted to attend it. I just want to leave, go to the Esplanade, which I have not been to for almost a month.
I never attend Open Houses. I have an idea of what I want to do, what is my Plan B, all I need is how to get into the faculty, information on the courses and what I'll obtain at the end. I'm not interested in what university life has to offer. That, I can decide about after I get in. Most probably I'll spend my free time doing music - if I get into the FASS, that is. If I am in the Conservatory, then it's 24/7 music. Work from the Conservatory, as well as engagements from other people.
I've got it all mapped out. Come following Tuesday I will head down to the Office of Admissions to sign up for a place at FASS. In the meanwhile, I'll apply for scholarships and see if I can land one that will send me overseas to study music. Who gives the fuck if I'm bonded? Music is my passion and I will gladly serve my passion. And I will work on my portfolio for submission to the Conservatory or any other institutions abroad. I'm having trouble picking the pieces though. "Xin Chao" and "Toccata for String Quartet" are on my confirmed list.
I'm going to work hard now.
