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.
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
| Year | Achievement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Annually | Chinese New Year performances in school | |
| 2009 | Charity concert "Compassion for COmmunity" | Charity concert for SPCA at RI (JC) Performing Arts Centre |
| 2009 | Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging | Silver award |
| 2009 | Musical Exchange in RI | With invited Chinese Orchestras from other secondary schools |
| 2009 | Performance at National Library Board | Invitational performance |
| 2008 | Performance at Bukit Batok East Chinese Cultural Festival | At Bukit Batok East Community Centre |
| 2008 | Public Concert "Long Yin IX" | At Singapore Conference Hall |
| 2007 | Public Concert "Spring of Life" Concert | A tribute concert to the late Mr Yeo Puay Hian, former conductor of RI Chinese Orchestra from 2002-2006, at Singapore Conference Hall |
| 2007 | Public Concert "Melodies of Music" Concert | Joint concert with Penang Chung Ling High School at Sri Pinang Hall, Penang |
| 2007 | Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging | Gold award |
| 2007 | Chinese Orchestra Exchange in Penang | with Jit Sin High School and Chung Ling High School |
Teachers-in-Charge
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Jeffrey Lee | Teacher In-charge | jeffrey.lee@ri.edu.sg |
| Ms Hazel Shen | Teacher In-charge | hazel.shen@ri.edu.sg |
Students Committee
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ng Rui Jun | Chairman |
| Qian Dong Heng | Vice Chairman |
| Seow Kai Cong | Secretary and Head Logistics |
| Sun Gang Yi | Treasurer |
| Kenneth Ooi | Head Quartermaster |
| Jonathan Ng | Head Librarian |
| Shaun | Head Welfare |
| Sng Geng | Concertmaster & Assistant Quartermaster |
| Lim Toh Han | Assistant Librarian |
| Chen Qi Hang | Student 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
| Day | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Monday (Sectional Practice) | 3.30pm | 7.15pm |
| Wednesday (Sectional Practice) | 3.30pm | 6.30pm |
| Friday (Orchestra Practice) | 3.30pm | 6.30pm |
| Members either attend Monday or Wednesday sectional practice depending on the section they are in |