I took the afternoon off today!!
A recent announcement was made to all NSFs that all OIL (off-in-lieu) had to be cleared within 1 month and not within 6 months, as it was previously thought. Hence, I'm clearing it before it expires.
I decided to visit my old school to catch up with some of my teachers.
While I was there, I thought I'd walk ard for a bit, trying to get some feeling of nostalgia. It's not like I'm leaving for anywhere far but I felt that it won't be long that I will stop coming back to this place as all the old staff move on to other places and I can no longer recognize my juniors.
In fact, I could only recognize some of the year 6s and 5s.
I spoke to a few people: my class mentor, Mrs Lay, my research mentor, Dr Tang, and finally Ms Mazni, a motherly figure who's always interacting with us students.
While chatting over a cup of coffee, Mrs Lay shared that a student will be performing her senior recital that night.
Now this would not normally interest me, especially when the performer is someone i do not know personally, but when I found out her 1st instrument was vocals, I couldn't resist the temptation to stay and catch her recital. I've watched many piano/violin recitals, but this would be the first time I'm attending one presenting vocals.
And I did not regret my decision. Sure, i did end up coming back home really late, but I managed to enjoy a unique performance.
Claire, a soprano trained in classical vocals, had an impressive voice. And the songs she sang that night, while having a few hiccups, were fun to listen to.
Being her own Emcee that night also added a personal touch to the recital. She had a sincere likable personality. And her awkward humor never went too far.
Her pieces on her second instrument were however less polished. On her first piano piece, many had already realized that she was nervous. And she suffered for it. Mistakes became increasingly obvious and at one point she stopped playing completely.
Messing up a performance to such a state would kill any musician. But her personality saved her. Taking a deep breath, she told the audience confidently, that she would do the entire phrase again, before apologizing. And the crowd gave her their support, cheering her on with another round of applause.
She made it through and one could see that as the recital went on, she became more relaxed and started enjoying her time as a performer.
The recital ended at 9. By the time I got back home it was 10. So much for taking the afternoon off. :(