S t i l l w a t e r - March 2003 News Page 1

March 10, 2003
- Email from Vince Pascual, Stillwater band member

Hi guys! Are we having band practice this Saturday? Rene, is Jemar coming? We won't do any new songs right now, we will have to work on the ones we know and perfect them.

March 11, 2003
- Email from Vince Pascual, Stillwater band member

Yes the practice is on. As far as I know Jemar is coming for the band
practice on Saturday. So see you all at 3:00pm.

March 30, 2003
- Email from Vince Pascual, Stillwater band member

Hello, brothers in Christ,

I gave you all a copy of the new song we are doing, called "Fortress". We are deleting "Oh Lord Anyway" from the lineup, but we will do that sometime in the future, so try to remember it. Joey, Kuya Frank has a copy for you.
Also, last practice I spoke to you all about this project. I know all of you are putting in some sacrifice by doing this project with me. Thank you all, I appreciate it very much.
Honestly, Jemar and I were looking for a "multi-ethnic, multi-national" band We looked for months and we could not find anyone. Then one Sunday service, it came to me while the Praise and Worship group were playing, I thought to myself "Why am I looking? The whole band is here!" I was listening especially to Yetski and Kuya Frank only because in a short time, you both have become better and better. This is no small thing on both your part, you are both doing a lot as the rhythm section of the group.
So Jemar and I talked and we both decided that it would be a good thing. We all know each other and we are all comfortable with each other.
What I am trying to say is this - like I said, there will be times that we don't feel like practicing, practice will feel long and tedious, there will be times you might say to yourself why you are doing this, and this is to be expected. But I feel, for myself, why I am doing this. It should go without saying that we are doing this for the Lord and this is how I personally feel I can reach people is through music.
I feel good about this band, I feel comfortable with all of you and I tell you all this because I am the only "American" Filipino here. So, being part of both cultures allows me to speak more freely than if I belong to just one of the cultures. I am telling you all of these things because of my own personal experience with playing in bands and starting music projects. I know the mistakes that have been made and I will do what I can to prevent any of those mistakes to creep into this project, that is something that we should all pray about.
So let's make the very best of this project and see how far we can take it. Kuya Frank told me about Autumn Blaze, which is a "battle of the bands" among Christian bands which starts this fall. The winner gets a record contract. This is still too far into the future, but it is something to think of. And certainly, it is not impossible - Christian music is the fastest growing music in the industry. Think about that one.
With all of that said, I suggest that we start memorizing our songs, one by one, because July is coming fast. With each song, play it a certain way and play in the context of the song so you will remember that song better. I also suggest that Boyet and Rene split the songs. Any new songs that are added, should be divided so it is easier for both of you. The new song "Fortress" Boyet you can do and then the following one Rene can do. Maraming salamat - hanggang sa sunod na pag eensayo.