OH CRAP. Potential Finalist possibly forfeited.

[JeremyImp]

You could be a comedian instead of a violinist. You look pretty funny at the beginning! No offence at ALL. But it's a good pose. Yoga ftw! xD

[shakinbakecookies]

omg u look sooo cute! like a child who just got in MAJOR trouble and doesnt know wat to do! ( i dont mean any offence! Love the pijamas!)

im happy things worked out for u though!

[adriantween584]

hmmm well that's not so bad actually - even if that was a while ago... for the future, I'd advise you to change your password if you're getting spam... but anyway...

[smorgantc]

now that this whole thing has been corrected... nice pajamas.

[samardj]

wow man you make the violin rocks ... =) congratulations... keep rocking

[goodcommentguy]

WOW that's exactly what happened to me for a contest, but luckily I got called ; D

[hacker1535]

Omg, thats great!! (i mean the update not the video) I mean WOW!! make us proud, make your youtube fan's PROUD!!

[PlatypusofCalifornia]

There is product placement in this video.

How much did they pay you?

[BenChanViolin]

A LOT. Lol, actually, I didn't even notice that the BioGS thingy was in the back until you mentioned it. I don't do product placement stuff for pay in any of my videos, although it's a thought at some point, provided I actually believe in the product itself.

[nylknarphx93]

HOW CUD U?! BLOCK IT?!!?

[yvettebbah]

mayonnaise0, i see that you have your own bet and i dont care about that - i dont think anybody out here cares too. just go on supporting who you want to support and stop putting others down. ben chan here is doing his best and if that doesn't please you, it's not his problem anymore.

actually, ben is amusing with his ben chan style. lol. anyway, ben you got my vote! =) i enjoy your vids (especially the chocobo thingy) good luck!

[BenChanViolin]

:-) Awesome! And I appreciate your words about eagerness- I really AM eager to represent the YouTube community at Carnegie Hall. If people want absolute perfection, they should watch players like Hilary Hahn and Gil Shaham. However, if they (you) are looking for something completely new and original, my channel is an open invitation! And, trust me- you won't regret it if I make it to Carnegie Hall! I'll make it more than fun for you all however I possibly can from my end!

[mayonnaise0]

i was replying to a guy who posted a timpani video, what are you talking about?

[yvettebbah]

ben, it's not such a big thing (i think) if you don't have those. the thing here is that youtubers here support you coz we see your passion and your eageness to get into the symphony - and i think, that even if some people out there are better than you, what matters is that you really do have the ability and the super high enthusiasm for this. it's not about being the greatest here, i think. what matters is that youtubers see something in you, and apparently, the symphony guys too. congrats!

[BenChanViolin]

Thank you, guys! If I do make it in, it's largely because of all of your support! I think we'll be able to make it!

[your4moms]

make it on man!!

[lilflamegurl]

I don't think Youtube decided to post my comment here. Either way, I was basically summarizing how it would be the apocalypse if you weren't accepted as a finalist.

Congratulations ;D

[ikillurobot]

Ben, it wasn't like they were going to say you were disqualified because of the mistake, they would miss out on too much.

CONGRATS!

[j4dragon88]

did it come as a youtube message or an email?

[BenChanViolin]

Funny you should ask- most people got it as a youtube message from Symphony. My account apparently bounced the message, so I got a separate email from the guys in charge (Jeff & Marden) after one of my good friends and a finalist (Calvin Lee) requested that they look for it. Hence this video- I was consigned to the fact that I hadn't made it up til today.

[ferguti32]

So, the problem was actually that you didn't recieved the mail isn't it? not that you were supposed to recieve today among other players?

Congratulations by the way ben!

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks, ferguti32! Yup- I apparently actually MISSED the notification because my YouTube account blocked it. So, Jeff Vitale sent it to me again this morning via his own email (very nice of him!!) And luckily, I really WAS supposed to be a finalist, or I really would've made a fool out of myself!

[ferguti32]

Oks cool! The bad news with that are that it means that all the notifications were sent already so the waiting is finish...

Good luck! I will vote for you!

[mayonnaise0]

Congratuations Ben! So does that mean all the finalists are already selected? I'm not in this thing but apparently no one in my favrourite except Calvin Lee had claimed that they got in. One of them (katandfthefiddle3) didn't even log in to youtube for more than a week. I think she's good but I could be wrong as my judgement are completely musically since I don't play violin...

[mayonnaise0]

i've watched all the timpani videos, to be honest i don't really think you have got a chance, there's a guy from turkey called musican76 whos world class, if he's out for some stupid reason there are still people like owainawilliams and SebD82 both at a much much higher level than you are.

[galleryofhearts]

mayonnaise0, was that really necessary? If you have nothing nice to say, maybe you shouldnt say it. Didnt see you make an audition video. Didnt ask you the question. And last time I checked, were talking about BenChan here.

[BenChanViolin]

Haha, it's ok. I openly admit there are better players out there than me, as I chose a completely different career path than the typical professional musician. I have no orchestra to claim, no litany of solo performances around the globe, barely 2-3 hours a week to practice...

But! Know that even with the odds stacked against me, I'm going to do my DARNEDEST to get to Carnegie Hall and represent the YouTube community as a fellow long-time YouTuber who loves music and wants to entertain!

[LittleMissLollita]

But still even with the odds stacked against you you manage to sound amazing and make time for all us fellow you tuber peoples ^^ So you have OUR FULL SUPPORT! (Ok I cant really speak for the world but I speak for my world!) So YOU WILL MAKE IT TO CARNEGIE HALL! Good Luck Ben-Chan

[mayonnaise0]

right, i agree it's not a good idea to hijack ben chan's video to speak about timpani. BUT those people i mentioned have set the timpani spot to a very high level and i really do think that it would be of your interest to watch and learn from all these high standard playing instead of sitting there dreaming about something way beyond your ability!

[tyrannor]

these people you mention dont even play the violin

[mayonnaise0]

i was replying to a kid who posted a timpani video and thought he's gonna be in the final. i did not claim they play violin, so whats your problem

[tyrannor]

in that case, its my fault. i thought you were criticizing ben and pointing out better violin players. i apologize.

[dhrupadfan]

My last comment did not make it.

Just very very glad for you Ben. Nice guys dont always finish last.

[Vaillajus]

Awesome news, Ben.

I'm glad to hear everything was sorted out, you definately have the talent and loving personality to be a finalist in this competition :)

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks so much! I'm SO relieved, I can't begin to describe the feeling!

[BenChanViolin]

You guys are the best, and GUESS WHAT! As of 5 minutes ago, I'm a finalist!! Prayers have been answered!

I don't know whether it's because I bugged them last night about it, but regardless- I'm so excited now!! And I'm SO entirely grateful for all of you. It just warmed my heart up (sorry, corny) when I woke up this morning to a whole LOT of support!! You are an amazing group and I'm just very proud to know each of you individually. (Content silence). OK! Time to prepare to vote!

[jaznarem]

Hi Ben! Congratulations!!! So how was it? They answered your mail or they just sent you the letter??

[BenChanViolin]

They just sent the message, which means either it got bounced and re-queued over and over again til now, or they didn't notify me til today, but regardless, I'm almost positive now that there are STILL more notifications coming tomorrow, given the number of entries that were submitted for violin. Did you hear anything yet?

[jaznarem]

Nopes, not at all! I've been checking my email quite often yesterday and today but nothing...

Well, you deserve it so much! And it's life, and for some eason they didn't like my video... but i will still keep a bit of hope alive inside me for the next couple of days ;)

[BenChanViolin]

Keep hope alive! And if it doesn't pan out, no biggie! I can honestly say I got to the point where I was content being a complete supporter of the YTSO last night, so I hope everything works out for you as well, however it may!

[silvialo123]

Wow! That's weird! You are great!! Really do not loose hope I'm sure you will make it!!

[silvialo123]

That was a response to jaznarem's post ;) I know you Ben made it congratz again ;)

[timfiddle]

ah dude yur such a humble down to earth musican!

[dpxmidisplaylol]

OH BEN

Darnley! iHate when something like this happens to me... Good luck Ben, i`m pretty sure you were a finalist!

[DJAngiePangie]

Whatever happens don't beat yourself up about it. I have done so many stupid things exactly like this but it always worked out. You will be fine. :D Pinky Promise!

[misterbearbe]

Get in contact with Youtube?

[silvialo123]

Hi Ben! I'm so sorry to hear what happened! However, don't worry at all because if that was the reason, you are in for sure, no matter how long it takes to answer your e-mail. Besides that, I am very happy to soo how the things turned in the end! Because counting that you are IN for sure all my favourites got it ( except one, JAZNAREM, i really don't get how is possible that he wasn't selected! ) , so congratulations in advance because you are in for sure!!! Bye!!

[asmallkitten]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Nobody deserves something like this. Especially a good player that put a lot of hard work into their videos.

Hope everything works out for you.

[balthica]

Ben, add me as a friend, send me a message so I can reply to you. You deserve to be there. No evil plan required.

[cky1616]

Haha, I sent you a message, but then i realized that you don't accept messages from non-friends. I was going to post it here, but I see that risingpianofire has already extended the offer, but if you still need someone else to send you paperwork, I'm more than willing to help out.

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks- I appreciate your willingness to help out! I'll do what I can over the next two days, but I'm guessing they'll have gotten one of the messages I've sent to them, so if I don't hear anything, I guess that'll be that. Good luck to you in the finals!

[alanna382]

aw

it's okay ;D

your amazing talent can conquer anything =]

jia you

[risingpianofire]

Ben,

Great video :) You really do bare your soul.

Anyway, they said in the notification message that you need to send the paperwork back to them (fax or email) before the 12th. I have a plan for you if you don't hear back from them before the 11th - midday (it will be legit... not to worry your fans). I won't bother sharing details here because we probably won't need to go that route... hehe..(insert evil laugh).

[BenChanViolin]

lol, thanks Calvin- without you, I wouldn't have even noticed, so evil laughs are of course welcome (insert mine).

[Soopatone]

oh man... what a drag.

[DaZeD871]

Well I hope you'll get in!

[noodleninjaa]

Heck, man, aren't you a violinist of some renown? You should be able to get in.

[BenChanViolin]

Guess we'll see! Thanks though!

[DevanMarieKacie]

how could you not be a finalist!? =P You're amazing, and all of youtubeland knows it! Everything will def. work out! *snuggles!*

<3 Devan Marie

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks, that's comforting!

[iamMrQUICKSILVER]

i saw your video on thier list though, doesnt that still give you a shot at it?

[BenChanViolin]

If you mean in their favorites, you'd think that would help- but I'd better not assume anything or I may get overconfident...

[tkw4vla]

Hey, have you seen the message from KlassiKlarinette on the Lang Lang message board? She says she talked to a rep on the phone and supposedly notification wasn't supposed to have gone out yet? But that seems REALLY strange...I believe that people who heard probably heard correctly. Regardless of whatever is going on, I really hope you make it! If it was an email blip, you've got lots of supporters to rally behind you. :)

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks very much!

[mamemimoma]

everything is gonna be alright :) they cannot ignore your awesomeness just because you (might have) blocked their mail

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks- I hope that's the case!

[mydogisfunny]

Hey, Ben, don't feel to bad! In the fall, of 2008, I cleaned the back of my violin with rubbing alcohol...Yes rubbing alcohol!!!!!! I called my mom and I was sobbing. Now I have to get it fixed...hope this makes you feel better.

[BenChanViolin]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that!!

[mangobat827]

*gives you a BIG hug*

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks :-)

[yamsef]

Hola Ben! Mira... yo se que para muchos de los participantes el haber mandado sus videos esperan ser elegidos.... yo deseo y muchos de los que te vemos en tus videos el que estes dentro. Yo pase por algo similar con respecto a una selección de violin... tal vez la experiencia no fue agradable, y el que uno haya sido desechado no es para olvidar todo el esfuerzo que has logrado. No estoy decaido, al contrario, me siento con mas animos de ser competitivo. Y tu Ben.... eres el mejor!!

[SCSQ4]

Thank you Ben for the update. I'm so sorry about the e-mistake you made with your YouTube Channel set up.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you try to resolve this frustrating situation, and pursue your audition result from YouTube Symphony in the coming days.

Whatever the outcome, I support you 100%! I think that you are such an awesome musician and person, and you truly deserve all the best!

[BenChanViolin]

Thank you very very much, and I appreciate all the other nice comments you've written on my videos, too. I'll get back to your message once the dust settles on this audition thing, as it's been consuming my brain latey!

[radagast1986]

why can't you just email them the situation or call someone about it? I don't see why it should be a big deal.

[IAdoreSora]

dont worry!!! ^_^

[tetsero]

Aw that sucks man!

I am SOOO SORRY!

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks so much, guys! I'm so very appreciative of your support during this rather annoying time (annoyed at myself time, anyhoo!). I'm off to bed now and will hopefully be able to get some rest, but at the very least I know I've got a great group of YouTube friends who are rooting for me! Regardless of the outcome, expect more great videos from me to come, yo! The synergies you bring to my channel compel me to keep posting and videoing, and I love it!

[DancersAreCool]

oh gosh that sucks /hugs

[jaylawson4233]

you are the best ben chan i will vote u will

[OrchestraSheets]

Hey Ben, this is OrchestraSheets, i just think that you should just un0block them, cant you do that? Also, you can just email the youtube symphony people. Also, is taht why u didnt reply to my mail, i am going to try to add you as my friend, and then send the mail again, i have some pretty important things included in the email.

[WittyUsernameHere007]

I know your awesome, YOU know your awesome, EVERYONE knows your awesome. Your awesome. Of course you'll make it, and you've got my vote!

[Steven679]

Wow...that sucks...at least you're taking it in stride. Hang in there. everything works out in the end. Maybe you can talk to them and explained what happened?

[solidbeaver]

Hey Ben...I don't know why I feel like the one that made the mistake....you know these things keep happening to me and probably all of us...these are the kind of things that make me so mad that make me quit. I don't know if you'll reply to this but I just wanted to let you know I 100% support you I really like your music. I really find it stupid their way of telling you how you qualified, via email? They could've at least modified something on your YT account. Things happen =/

[matthew1992102]

I hope that everything will work out for you.

[ultracloudx]

...OOOO wow...i hope things work out!

[Un1234l]

LOL! I know how you feel. Stupid things like this happen to everyone at least once in their lifetime.

But I have a question: Why do you think the YouTube symphony emailed you?

[BenChanViolin]

I've got a few violinist friends who made it in, and they're of that opinion, plus my mail blocker was in fact on. Plus, one of my videos is currently displaying on Symphony's front page in their "favorites" section.

But, it's STILL possible that I didn't make it, so I don't want to put up a big fuss if that's the case.  So, if nothing happens, I'll live with it and will still support them.

[bleachcenter]

You were def. a finalist. Your skills pwn. :D I looked at some of the entries...some were pretty good, others not so much. Hope you figure it out. :)

[xAngelCaidox]

xDDDDDDDD

bad move Ben XD bad move XD

[wakizashi333]

Hey, Ben. I feel really sorry for you, but I still have a lot of confidence in your abilities, and don't doubt for a second that you will be a finalist. It is you humble attitude that is an inspiration to so many of us!!! Best if luck.

-Andy

[Lypur]

good luck man! I hope you get it all worked out. You're really talented and deserve to be there in my books.

[BenChanViolin]

Thanks, Andrew- we'll see what happens! I'm at their mercy now.

[fallenzonex3]

LOOOOL

that was awesome :]

[SynthRay]

LOve IT!!!!

[SynthRay]

sorry i said "LOve IT!!!" I just wanted to be 1st comment :) but that's pretty sad though. :(