leavenband.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sequence for Lenten Vigil

Our 4 hours of hard work and discussion:
Please familierize yourself with the sequence.

Priest Talk

(Opening Prayer)
As We Gather

(Emcee)

Warm-The-Crowd-Songs:
This Little Light of MIne
Dip Dip
I Will Celebrate
Lord I Lift Your Name onHigh

(Prayer)

I could sing of your love forever
Heart of Worship

Mediatative Mode
Come Holy Spirit

(Prayer with scripture)
A Quiet Time

(Pledge & Reflection Moment)

He will carry you
Praise her with a flower

Open the eyes of my heart
Hosea
I wish you Jesus

(Peace Hug Moment)

I wish you Jesus (Final Chorus only)

Finale Song: Tell the world of his love

Unknown@1:12 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Just dabbling...

Nice not?

Prolly abit too holy for us yah? Heh.

Clifford@4:35 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Stuff for Saturday...

Ok guys,

We have 2 more practices till 5th April, so here are the songs that MD has selected to learn on Saturday:

Hosea - G
Blind Man - Am
Romans 16:19 - D
Tell The World Of His Love - C
Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord
Lord I Lift Your Name On High - G

Come Holy Spirit - C
Bless The Lord My Soul - Em
A Quiet Time - G
You Are Mine - Bb
You Are My Hiding Place - F
I Wish You Jesus - F

Also, for those who don't know, here's the schedule of what's gonna happen on the night of Maundy Thursday:

2300 - Appetizer Songs (Leaven)
2315 - Talk by Fr Andrew
2400 - Praise & Worship (Leaven)
0100 - Break
0105 - Intro to Washing of Feet and Songs (Youth Choir)
0110 - Washing of Feet (Fuel)
0210 - Break
0215 - Intro to Last Supper and Song (Youth Choir)
0220 - Last Supper (Nick)
0250 - Long Break
0325 - Intro to Garden of Gethsemane & Song (Youth Choir)
0330 - Garden of Gethsemane (Youth Choir)
0430 - Break
0435 - Intro to Stations of the Cross and Song
0440 - Stations of the Cross
0540 - Breakfast

So we got a hour's worth of music to fill. Thus, this Sat, will be fully concentrated on learning the rest of the songs we don't know. It's gonna be acoustic again, so my favorite guitarists, let me bring my acoustic guitars for you once again. Randall, please bring the Church guitar back for me to fix. Tag if you acknowledge.

For our drummers, we want to try real acoustic first, that means with bongos only. No drumset. Reason being, we got a packed schedule and majority of the time will be spent on learning. So please understand, we learn first, then we incorporate later. Can? But need to learn hor, so we need you both down as well. Tag if you disagree or have any comments.

This Sat practice will be in the Attic, for us to get used to the place, and gauge what we can or cannot do.

Last thing is, let us know your attendance, by telling us on the TagBoard, so that everyone knows.

Kamsia.

Clifford@12:04 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Logo to sew on your skin, coz we're true Leaveners...

OK I was really productive at work today. I made these for fun. Only for fun. NOthing set in stone. Nick think's they're pussy, with wings. I did the wings coz Leaven looks like Heaven, and Heaven words normally have wings. Duh.

Ok go.

Clifford@3:32 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Please note down

For the next 3 months...

Saturday 24th March, practice starts at 2pm. It would be at attic.
Saturday 31st March, practice starts at 2pm. It would be at canteen.
Thursday April 5th, practice starts at 7pm. It would be at attic.
Sunday April 29th, pop song gig at canteen for canteen crowd.
Sunday May 27th, pop/pw song gig at canteen for feastday crowd.
Fri-Sun 1-3 June, Camp in Johor. Fri night acoustic set. Sat electric set, sunday mass.
Sat 30th June, pw before mass or campfire concert in church carpark.

Nick!@12:49 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Sunday, March 18, 2007
Behind the scene

Nobody will remember the founder or the person who starts the ball rolling. Usually what they remember is what they can see.

And the only reason Leaven can play any form of music is because of the songs Dawn and Clifford came up with. Their passion and efforts shown and given to the band can never be replaced.

If any of you remembered, the band went through a lot of trying and searching. A group of boys with no prior knowledge, and me trying to come up with some directions after going around and asking around. It moves, but slowly.

But lo and behold, God works in astonishing ways. The Clifford that we thought we would never see again, appeared at the Swee Lee shop that I didn't want to go. The boys had met him once before but they didn't do what I would do, which was to invite him back to help us with a purpose now. And I was so happy that he did come back and help out. Initially thinking he would just come for 1 or 2 practices, he even shown interests to be part of our entourage! Right now, we can really look forward to that music I dreamt about, and in the near future be the Catholic PW band the church talks about.

Now Dawn is someone who has so much talent and knowledge but not given any opportunity to express them out in Saint Stephen. And the problem with such talented Arty people is that they want to talk about music with people who understands music. None of us can really talk to her about music cos we do not know much about music. We can only pretend. So it was with exuberance that she agrees to come on board of Leaven to help out with the music selections and bounce her ideas with Clifford. Thus the partnership is complete, with the music arrangements and the sound of the various band instruments. Basically letting Dawn's knowledge and Clifford's experience fuse into one magical body, into a worthy performance.

The last person to complete the picture is Zac, he who is shy and quiet with little confidence cos he sees himself as a bass, was most reluctant to sing much less before a crowd. He had quietly practiced loudly in his room thinking that his efforts had gone unnoticed. But we noticed alright, his melodic "Keane-ish" voice had wowed us and wooed us. For someone who thought he couldn't sing, had brought shame to me who thought I can sing. Indeed, a much pleasant awakening.

Right now, the PW band is complete. The direction is in line with the vision, which is to become a proper PW band. Now I only hope this band never stop being a band, not a band that is forced to stay, but a band cum choir that plays for the church, bringing music into the traditional Catholic scene.

And I quote the lady "can you play like that for our mass? We need something like that for our youths!" Such sincere words cannot be faked, and I believe we have something there that we never noticed before.

Drum Demon was quoted "this band has so many hidden talents, it's been 2 long years since I enjoyed playing drums in church!"

Kazaa was quoted "did you hear that? That was the song I'm talking about!"

Music Director said "The music was good, the harmonising was good, the singing was good"

Do not give up the efforts now, we have everything, talented leaders, talented musicians and a wonderful jam room. All we need to do more is to give our intended audience an experience they want to talk about and look forward to.

Let your heart of worship sing of God's love forever, and may our music rise on eagle's wings as we walk by faith with our Majesty.

Nick!@10:26 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Saturday, March 17, 2007
I Was Wrong!

Ok as much as I hate to admit it, I'll be a man and say I'm wrong!

Mutton IS from sheep. BUT.

Mutton

In Asia mutton can mean lamb or its more elderly counterpart, hogget or mutton; it can also mean the flesh of kids or goats. Goat meat is usually leaner than that of sheep or lambs.

This is not deliberate deception, it is simply that in India and among Indian populations in Malaysia, Fiji and Sri Lanka, it is considered quite legitimate to refer to meat from both sheep and goats as 'mutton'. The animals are closely related, their meat tastes similar and there is more likely to be a difference due to age rather than breed.

In some instances, the older meat is actually better as it stands up to long cooking. The following recipes may be used with lamb, but reduce cooking time so the meat doesn't fall to pieces.

I, being Asian, was taught that 'mutton' came from goats and 'lamb' came from sheep. So to Verena, you're really right. And I'm quite right. Heh.

Clifford@1:41 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Leaven's first gig...

Ok, when you read this, we'd have finished our first gig at Holy Spirit Church for Fuel, for a Praise and Worship session in the morning, of all times.

And no matter how it turned out, I'd like to say that this practice was amazing for me, because I finally heard what I wanted to hear. And I got a glimpse of the true potential that this band has.

And strangely enough, it was acoustic. Yes, there were drums, and you guys proved me wrong by showing me that you ARE ready, as a band, to show people that you have something worth showing.

I was very much in favour of an acoustic session, and although both YOU and ME love playing electric guitar, hearing the band come together liddat by using acoustics was simply very pleasing. Randall, I'm sure you realize that you can't cheat when playing acoustic guitar. Aloy, you sounded good today, and truly, you are the leader of this band, and it showed in both your playing, and in your (however feeble) attempts to get everyone in place.

Fonz, we missed you quite abit, and you have to know that you're a very, very important part of the music we're making. The responsibility of 'being heard loud and clear' is that people hear you and follow you, instead of the usual distortion guitars. You have your job cut out for you in future man.

For Drum Demon, and Almost Drum Demon, you both very important. If I say no drums, doesn't mean I dun like the way you play. It means that sometimes, not playing is more important than playing. Clarence you are an asset here, and you know it. You showed alot of self-control. Thanks for putting up with my anal-retentiveness when it comes to music. Auggy, hope to see behind the drums too, in practices and of course, for Lent and other gigs that are definitely coming our way.

Zac, I meant it when I said I finally have a lead singer. You really sound good, and you have a pleasing, unique voice. It's normal for all people to hear their own voice and think it sounds wierd. This goes out to Verena and Dawn too. Trust people when they tell you your voice is good. Trust me. I don't know if anyone has told you this but in my books, the lead singer makes or breaks the band. No matter how good the musicians are, the lead singer will always represent how good the band is. You got a big job ahead of you bro. But you're on the right track lah.

Nick, when you read this, you'd probably be very happy, because Leaven had done a wonderful job of the PW Session. A BIG, BIG part of today's final pratice was because of you. Believe it or not. Your first prayer, your earnest prayer, be it role-play, set everyone in the correct mood. The full-dress rehearsal made everyone sit up and pay attention, kept us on our toes, and you made it all the more real. We ARE doing this for God, and we are playing worship songs. This is the first time I felt we were doing worhip. And your harmony today was good. You also showed self-control, because you are a naturally louder singer. It takes alot of self-control to let Zac take the step forward, while you step back. Respect.

Verena, thanks for your guidance in this. Your experience, as well as Nick's, help streamline Leaven into what it's should be, and what it set out to be. I know it's hard dealing with people who love hearing themselves, and love loudness in general, so thank you for your patience.

And Dawn, your presence was truly missed today, which was a pity, because it's the best I've ever heard Leaven play.

Aiya, bloody, am I the only EMO one here? And who the hell gives thank you rants BEFORE the performance.

PS: If anyone reads this BEFORE the gig, please call and wake me up. 92278547.

Clifford@1:27 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Lenten gig for Fuel

This Friday's practice would be in church from afternoon 5pm. We will set up the place first, for the performance on saturday.

Saturday would be from 10-1045am.

All recalled personnel, please report to church as soon as you can with all your file and equipment. Please bring your FILES if you want to use it on sat, we must look clean and professional. Even if we need to look at files, at least its a file.

You can stay over at my place but please bring your sleeping bag or blankets, my aircon temperature will not be changed whatsover.

Nick!@10:59 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Monday, March 12, 2007
Practice Photos...

Even tho' someone mentioned that my pictures effect make him wanna pee (or something to that effect).... I still like it. So enjoy!

Non-Pee Inducing Photos Link:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094581303

Unknown@9:53 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

In Action...

Aloy, The Leg Shaker

A Short Clip of the never-bored Rain Down

Unknown@12:17 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Sunday, March 11, 2007
Erm... Here we go again.

I don't know if this is of any cause of worry but after some research, here is what I found:

Definition of Leaven:
In Matthew 16:12, yeast (or "leaven") is, in New Testament usage, a symbol of corruption and great sin.

So how?
Bleh bleh bleh?

Unknown@11:19 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Wednesday, March 7, 2007
March 17th small pw session

After thinking through the list our Music Director chose for Lent, I have come up with the list of songs we would be playing for the March 17th unplugged P/W session for FUEL.

As this is a simple gig, only a few guitarists are needed and no percussion or keyboard is needed.

1) The Heart of Worship
2) I will run to you
3) Majesty (Here I am)
4) He will carry you
5) Romans* (I prefer our band version though)
6)Eagles Wings

I think we need more, will think of more (I mean when the MD thinks of more)

All recalled personnel, please standby.

Nick!@12:05 PM | 0 comments | Post a Comment

Monday, March 5, 2007
The Acousticity of Lent...

Ok.

A few changes in the gigging schedule, just like to state them out.

Mar 10 choir session was canceled by Nick, because they wanted us to play on Mar11, 7am MASS. Being the lazy bastards we are, I say that was a good call. Heh.

Now, big event is Apr05, which is the Maundy Thursday, Lenten Vigil, PW Session. It's acoustic with piano, so basically means we gotta practice acoustic guitars with Dawn, and drummers gotta play percussion.

So....

This Sat, can all guitarists bring their respective acoustic guitars for practice, and drummers bring all percussion instruments known to man. Or bongos.

Bassist will use normal electric bass (as practiced for the Yam's place), and guitarists will plug into main sound system. Please let me know if you need me to bring electric-acoustic guitars for you, my favorite guitarists.

Dawn, MD, will be teaching us lot of songs, some we know, and some we don't, so I'll be adding this into our arsenal of Holy Songs that we can use to fight evil. Dawn please gimme more songs during the coming week.

Currently, 3 songs:
- Draw Me Close (Key of G)
- Make Me A Servant (Key of F)
- We Hill Carry You (Key of Ab)

Ok go.

Clifford@1:38 AM | 0 comments | Post a Comment