RI Chinese Orchestra

Description

The Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra was set up by Mdm Jane Sow Chan, with the support of Headmaster Mr Eugene Wijeysingha in 1987. Due to his strong belief that Raffles Institution was headed towards becoming an international and multi-cultural school, and that the Chinese Orchestra was a means to help achieve this, Mr Wijeysingha rendered invaluable support to the orchestra.

Throughout the years, members of RICO have not only been exposed greatly to the playing styles of other orchestras in Singapore, but also those of other countries such as Malaysia and China. Recently, in 2007, Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra travelled to Chung Ling High School in Penang as guest performers. During the trip, members of RICO interacted with members from the orchestras of Chung Ling High School and Jit Sin High School and had benefited greatly from this exposure.

Over the years, members of RICO have had many opportunities to perform publicly and in school, and were exposed to Chinese music and Chinese culture. The orchestra looks forward to more exciting performances, achievements and learning experiences with its new music director, Mr Yang Ji Wei.

Achievements

Recent Achievements

YearAchievementDescription
AnnuallyChinese New Year performances in school
2009Charity concert "Compassion for COmmunity"Charity concert for SPCA at RI (JC) Performing Arts Centre
2009Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging Silver award
2009Musical Exchange in RIWith invited Chinese Orchestras from other secondary schools
2009Performance at National Library BoardInvitational performance
2008Performance at Bukit Batok East Chinese Cultural FestivalAt Bukit Batok East Community Centre
2008Public Concert "Long Yin IX"At Singapore Conference Hall
2007Public Concert "Spring of Life" ConcertA tribute concert to the late Mr Yeo Puay Hian, former conductor of RI Chinese Orchestra from 2002-2006, at Singapore Conference Hall
2007Public Concert "Melodies of Music" ConcertJoint concert with Penang Chung Ling High School at Sri Pinang Hall, Penang
2007Singapore Youth Festival Central JudgingGold award
2007Chinese Orchestra Exchange in Penang with Jit Sin High School and Chung Ling High School

Teachers-in-Charge

NameRoleEmail
Dr Jeffrey LeeTeacher In-chargejeffrey.lee@ri.edu.sg
Ms Hazel ShenTeacher In-chargehazel.shen@ri.edu.sg

Students Committee

NameRole
Ng Rui JunChairman
Qian Dong HengVice Chairman
Seow Kai CongSecretary and Head Logistics
Sun Gang YiTreasurer
Kenneth OoiHead Quartermaster
Jonathan NgHead Librarian
ShaunHead Welfare
Sng Geng Concertmaster & Assistant Quartermaster
Lim Toh HanAssistant Librarian
Chen Qi HangStudent Conductor

External Partners

Name
Mr Yang Ji Wei (Music Director, Conductor and Sheng instructor)
Dr Samuel Wong (Artistic Director)
Mr Patrick Ngo (Yangqin instructor)
Mr Neil Chua (Ruan & Liuqin instructor)
Mr Meng Jie (Suona & Guanzi instructor)
Mr Zeng Zhi (Dizi instructor)
Mr Xu Fan (Percussion instructor)
Mr Xu Zhong (Cello instructor)
Ms Wang Lu Yao (Bass instructor)
Ms Zhaoli (Erhu instructor)
Ms Evelyn Sim (Pipa Instructor)

Practice Schedule

DayStartEnd
Monday (Sectional Practice) 3.30pm7.15pm
Wednesday (Sectional Practice)3.30pm6.30pm
Friday (Orchestra Practice)3.30pm6.30pm
Members either attend Monday or Wednesday sectional practice depending on the section they are in