UITM 11TH JULY 2007

UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY MARA

This university in Shah Alam, known for its music department was the fifth university ICOM headed to for the competition. Another 45 minute journey from Jalan Pahang, the crew travelled in a van with the ever-ready McDonald's meal to occupy their stomachs for setup. We reached UITM and our pianoman arrived prompt and thus began another routine, which by now was almost set in everybody's mind. Unloading done, the stage folks began their stage dressing and make-up, power and snake boys doing their thing, Chief engineer Nian Tze preparing her FOH station all by herself in a matter of minutes! And within an hour and half, we were done and then waited for the next activity to begin.


Nian Tze: Me, my console and these chairs













Aiman: If he's not above, he must be below or vice versa.



Crew and the cat doing their respective things



There was news that there might be more than 10 bands, but to our surprise, that same day was registration day for the students, so there goes the soundchecks or whatever had to take place, since all the students were already occupied.


Nevertheless logistics man, Zart informed us about a breakfast buffet, which everybody rushed to and feasted on a Malay traditional meal and then back to work.

<---Shall we share or stare?




























<---PM: Alright boys, stop looking at me!
















Nian Tze suggesting Tai Chi to the boys...

...well if you can't, at least give the victory sign


The usual waiting began before the Astro & Power Root artists arrived for their performances. We managed to get one soundcheck but the stage manager had to send them away to 'tuning school' and then come back when they graduated.


Shir Li focusing on the horoscope

The Astro and Power Root artists did their thing and kept the crowd wanting for more, this time there were lots of games which involved girl students eager to get a closer glimpse of their artist and shake their hands. All this done, the ICOM band went up for another set and managed to reach out to the crowd standing behind the FOH station ,while the day kept getting hotter.

Just to highlight on various aspects of the production process, soundcheck is one crucial part wherein the band can get their stage levels and tone right, the FOH manager can get the band's sound controlled. But to run these soundchecks, a lot of patience and control is required if not direction is lost. Our stage manager, Christina makes sure she's got the darn stage under the whip of her tongue and arm! Watch below...








...roger, roger Nian Tze!





...now, sister listen up!





'...oye, listen up you all, better watch out!' thus spoke the stage manager



...lending a hand just in case the ladder gets tired!


...the three singers giving the gegar-U!


...aye sister give your hand???
...ayya, I got phone ma!


View: Front of House, (right: back stage)



























An acoustic act which reached the final


PM: Hitch a ride to Pulau Penang folks



...while the crew enjoys a post-tear down Teh-Tarik session