Alumni's Flashback: Jeremy Wong Weng-Yew

Jeremy Wong Weng-Yew - currently residing in Brisbane, Australia doing a PhD in Biological and Chemical Sciences (Human Nutrition) in The University of Queensland.


Jeremy Wong.
Describe what's like being in the band during your time.

Believe it or not, being a band member was not my initial plan. When I entered Form 1, I signed up for Scout but my friend pulled me into the band. I reluctantly joined, thinking that I would probably quit soon as I had no interest. Little did I know that MMB actually made a deep impact in my life that it moulded me into who I am today.

It was there where I learned to be independent, vigilant, responsible and most importantly, communicative. MMB back then was very military-styled. We talked about responsibility and punctuality. Section leaders or afternoon supervisors would ring to find out if his members were absent. If we were late, we had to do push-ups and run rounds, depending on how late we were. Sometimes we even had to carry benches from the canteen or tuba/sousaphone while running. Push-up was all the time killing especially when it was under the senior's timing.


Jeremy Wong (middle) during his first Merdeka Parade function.
Well, it was a hard life in MMB then but somehow, these punishments made us stronger and healthier (and even more macho, ehm…). In fact, some of us began to developed muscles which made the girls from schools drool, driving them into frenzies (lol).

Serious stuff aside, MMB was also a place where I made several friends and we became lifelong friends till today. We went through plenty of ups and down together and our friendship strengthened.

What's the best/proudest moment/achievement you've experienced.

It was in 1997 when we had several big events. We had Coca-cola Clash of Band Competition in Ipoh, where we emerged as the 2nd runner up with the best Drum Major. We were invited to perform in Genting Highlands. In Merdeka Parade 1997, we lost. It was a setback and everyone was sad. However, there was no looking back as MMB emerged as champion in the Cabaran Taiping competition the next day. I reckoned that could be the first time MMB won after so many years. On top of that, we also won the best Drum Major award. That was the sweetest success of the year.

In 1998, I was the 2nd QM and the main task was new band uniform. Together with the EXCOs and Master Razlan, we worked our way through and finally got a new uniform. That was the beige coloured uniform. Well, the younger generations now may say that the uniform is nothing compared with the Power Ranger style but we were proud of it. It was sort of the standard back then. Later that year, we wore it during the MBI Day competition competing for Azlan Shah's cup. We emerged as 1st runner up and, again, we got the best Drum Major award. Mr Louis congratulated us for the magnificent performance and the suave uniform.


The beige coloured uniform as mentioned by Jeremy. It was replaced in 2004.
Organizing concerts was new to us then but we managed to put up a splendid show in 2001: Michaelian Musical Extravaganza. That was the pinnacle of MMB's success. A year before, we did an experimental concert in the school hall: Serenade 2000 and it was a stepping stone towards the real concert. We had an enjoyable time then. Most importantly, we showed the band community that we were capable in putting up concert too.


Jeremy Wong (most right) during the Michaelian Musical Concert in 2001.
How was the training sessions like back then?

Training then was kinda strict. Time management was the most important thing. Whenever we were late, we'll be punished. Another word which sends shivers to spine was court martial. I've never been called to one (thank god) but I heard that it was a scary interrogation for those who committed a really serious offense in the band.


The Michaelian Military Band during Jeremy Wong's years.
We were trained to follow orders. While orders can be harsh, there were times when orders were fun and challenging. Have you ever eaten rice with only 2 fingers? Not having a single grain of rice left in the lunch box? Not to rest your arms on the table while eating? Haha, we really had good times while having meals.

We used to have afternoon session practices too. I remember we had practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Holiday means more practices. It was difficult to plan for family holiday but we worked out well. Perhaps, that was the level of commitment we showed back in those days.

Your role models, or the people you look up to in the band. Why?

I would say I have a bunch of good friends and seniors whom I looked up to. Master Keng Huei was my respected Section Leader. He was with us through thick and thin. Trumpet section I knew back then comprised of mostly juniors.


Jeremy Wong (3rd from left) with his Trumpet section.
Back then, we were being looked down by other sections as we couldn't perform well. However, Keng Huei stood by us and finally; we performed the first full song perfectly: Thunderer. For once, trumpeters were in full force! We were only Form 1 and 2 and everyone was impressed. From then on, the Trumpet section moved forward together: One heart, one mind and one soul.

Are you still involved in music?

I've not been playing musical instruments since I left the MMB. However, I still attend concerts, recitals and symphony orchestras when there are good ones in town. Perhaps music has been part of my life that I still love to listen to orchestra and concert band pieces.

Do you reminisce about the days you were in the band?

I could still remember clearly that the first Saturday practice, there was about 50 new members. Just when MMB thought that they've recruited a big group, the number decreased to 5 by the end of the month. They were Kin Yan, Chun Wah, Jun Qing, Keng Yip, and I. We stayed on as the only 5 juniors until MMB decided to recruit the next batch 5-6 months later.

Back then, new members were called "Recruit". Only when you've passed the elementary test (marching and theory) that you'd be called "Junior". Five of us were the only Juniors then. But from 5, we became 4 when Keng Yip left to KL. So the four of us became closer friends and till today, we still hang out together. Recently, we branded ourselves as The Four.


The Four. L-R: Kin Yan, Jeremy Wong, Jun Qing and Chun Wah.
Besides, I still cherish the time I had with my fellow EXCOs. We went through plenty of bitterness. We never gave up and we supported each other. I'm glad that I've this bunch of buddies. Before practices on Saturdays, we loved to spend time in Kong Heng Kopitiam. Because of that, we named ourselves The Old Town Guys (OTG). Till today, we still meet up regularly.


Jeremy Wong (most right) with his Old Town Guys gang.
Message to the current band members.

Being a band member is a gift. No doubt at times, life can be tough but if you can get it through, 10 years down the road as you look back, you can proudly say that "Yes, I've made it, and I've made the right choice". Treasure the time you have in the band. It's vibrant, lively and exciting. You'll never experience the same thing once leave SMI, most importantly MMB.

With Pride Shall We March.

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Jeremy Wong
Trumpeter and Trombonist, 1995-2001
2nd Quartermaster, 1998-1999
Senior Instructor, 2000-2001