* Parts of speech from Azlan, definitions from Dictionary.com

FAIL:
1) disappoint, prove undependable to; abandon, forsake
2) fall short in what is expected

CHAMPION:
To fight for, defend, or support as a champion

Therefore, TK BAND, you have not failed, for you did not disappoint us. You did your best and we all knew that you did. You meet up to our expectations. You have not failed. You are always champions, for you fought for your championship. You have defended our 5 years title. And all of us have defended and support our champion in our hearts, TK Band.

Those were said (the content, not exact words) by Azlan in TK’s auditorium at around 9pm. Azlan should just become a motivational speaker. He can be a preacher too. Haha.

To add on, TK band is a champion, because we accepted defeat with grace. We may not got where we wanted, but we had support from so many people. We are champions for we did not run away and hide, we did not bow our heads down low. We didn’t get mocked. We still stood strong. It was a touching sight there down at the National Stadium…

Hands held, clenched, as the announcer mentioned: “Tanjong Katong Secondary School Band, Gold … With Honours”. The whole pool of alumni wearing black burst into screams and cheers. We had a chance. We were in for the run of Best Display Band. Then it was time for the announcement of the Best Display band award. Hand once more held tightly and clenched. The announcer then speaks “And the Best Dislpay band of the year is … Deyi Secondary School Band.” Yes, sadness filled these pool of black dressed group of people, but it wasn’t due to disappointment, no it wasn’t. It wasn’t due to due to anger that we didn’t win. It was weird emotion. Something similar that the whole pool of people felt. Something unexplainable. Something like the same feeling as though as we were the ones on the field. As if we were the ones of lost this competition. Yes, we felt the same, for we are all a part of this same family. We were all from TK Band. We all felt what the Band on the field felt. It was as though we spent that same amount of hard work, time, sweat and tears, for we did. It may not be this year, but we all had our fair share of it. It was as heartbreaking as us as it is to them.

We all made our way down to the band as they still continued to play their repertoire and did their gimmicks. With tears brimming in their eyes, they continued to play their repertoire with pride. They played and did their gimmicks to their very best. They may have broke down into tears, but they did not move, they did not stop playing. The very spirit of TK Band lived in their hearts and they continue to play on proudly. The group of TK Students watching them, cheering them on. Cheers and cheers and many more cheers. Showing the band how proud they are of them, despite their defeat. Many rushed down to give their friend a hug, a pat on their back. The alumni surrounded them, immersed in their pain and tears. We all felt the same as them. The band still marched with pride, with their chins up high. They still played “Belphegor” at their very best. We all stayed, until we were the last band left at National Stadium. We immersed in all the memories we had there. All the victories, or the defeats that we faced that made us grew stronger. We all shared a special bond with that place. National Stadium, where we had tears of joys, or tears of pain.

We board the bus, it was a tired trip back to TK. As we left National Stadium, a group of TK Students stood by the road and saluted us. while some of them continued to cheer us on. It was just a very touching night. (Plus Azlan, Marco and the Principal’s speeches.) And with their speeches, TK Band arrived back in TK with tears, but left without any waters in their eyes.

TK BAND, I’m so damn proud of you guys!

On a side note, the reason for our defeat, I think, is that we are too predictable. I don’t mean everyone definitely know what we will be doing, but I mean, when we perform, people will immediately know “That is so TK BAND”, or “That is so typical of TK Band”. We need something fresh that makes people go “Oh my, that’s new” or “That is so cool” or “Now that is refreshing”. But I believe that with our team of alumni, we can achieve greater heights. I would like to go back and help out the next outdoor, but then again, it would have to see if I have any time or not. I really salute the teams behind TK Band.

One last thing, congras Deyi Military Band. You guys were great. You were a worthy opponent.

In a game, you either win or lose. Only one person can win. If we win, deyi would go back in tears. Winning isn’t everything. What’s important is that you put in your best. TK BAND, I know you guys were great. You guys got Gold With Honours in only 4 months. I still can remember how you were in December last year. You guys made superb improvements and think about it, you Deyi may win with 2 years of training (I think, correct me if I’m wrong), but TK BAND, you guys were at same standard with only 4 months of training.

Tell me, ain’t TK BAND just great?