By Hawa Najihah (Secretary), Lam Eu Ann (Quartermaster), Zhao Yuxuan (Vice-Chairperson) and Kaden Lau (Chairperson)
There are an infinite number of ways to start a Chinese Orchestral piece – quietly, with the ethereal chime of a Yunluo or the soulful tones of the Erhu; or forcefully, the entire orchestra sweeping head-on into an energetic passage, driven by the ever-present heartbeat of its percussion section.
Crucially, any Chinese Orchestra is defined by the intricate interplay of its five sections: Winds (吹管), Percussion (打击乐), Plucked Strings (弹拨), Bowed Strings (胡琴), and Cellobass (低音弦). RI (Y5-6) Chinese Orchestra is no different.
Since its formation in 1982, RICO (Y5-6) has experimented with a wide variety of styles, ranging from traditional Chinese Orchestra pieces to modern pop music. The orchestra has also constantly strived to improve its musical standards.
Some RICO members and alumni play in the Raffles Alumni Chinese Orchestra (RACO), as well as various other external Chinese Orchestras in Singapore. Many alumni have also made their mark in the local CO music community, most notably Wang Chenwei, the award-winning composer of various local CO classics such as Confluence – 融 and The Sisters’ Islands – 姐妹岛.
Under the direction of RICO’s current conductor, Mr Yang Jiwei, the orchestra has consistently achieved Distinction at the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation (SYF AP) and held well-received concerts at venues such as the SCO Concert Hall and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
Mr Yang is an award-winning Sheng player who actively promotes traditional Chinese music in Singapore. To RICO (Y5-6) members, he is also a dedicated and encouraging conductor who leads the orchestra with his trademark sense of humour and focus on musical technique.
RICO (Y5-6) at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) on 10 April 2023
This year, shortly after SYF AP 2023, RICO (Y5-6) put up its first post-COVID public performance at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, with the In Youthful Company concert series.
The 80-player orchestra was formed through a collaboration with RICO (Y1-4), Raffles Girls’ School Chinese Orchestra and RICO alumni. One of the pieces performed, Colours of Jiangnan (炫彩江南), even featured a soloist from each orchestra.
Performance at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on 21 April 2023
RICO (Y5-6) members also had the opportunity to interact and learn from students from other schools through music exchanges. In preparation for SYF AP 2023, RICO (Y5-6) joined RGSCO, RICO (Y1-4) and Anglo Chinese School (Barker Road) CO for a musical exchange in March, hosted by Raffles Girls’ School.
In August, RICO (Y5-6) participated in an exchange with Eunoia Junior College CO. Students from both orchestras had the opportunity to experience different interpretations of music, rehearsing together under the batons of their respective conductors.
Music Exchange at Eunoia Junior College on 2 August 2023
As part of the CCA culture, members enjoy a multitude of bonding activities where they can unwind and destress while also getting to know each other better. For instance, RICO held a celebration at the Hodge Lodge after our SYF performance and concert for members to play games and relax. Members can also look forward to having lots of fun and forging new friendships in the CCA!
RICO (Batch of 2024) at Post-Concert Celebrations on 8 May 2023
As a CCA, RICO (Y5-6) has a comfortable and friendly environment where members can often be found chatting, trying out each other’s instruments, and practising together before CCA sessions.
We also go out for CCA dinners after combined practice every week. For many members, these are the seemingly mundane moments—walking to Junction 8 as a group, laughing at the conductor’s jokes, having late-night meals together during an intensive week of pre-concert practice – which become their most treasured memories with their CCA mates.
CCA dinner at Nex Rooftop Garden with juniors, alumni and conductor on 19 April 2023
Those joining the CCA in 2024 can also expect to have an exciting journey in RICO (Y5-6), with performance opportunities ranging from a full-scale concert (RICO’s first since 2018) to the SYF Arts Presentation, as well as showcases in school at events such as Open House and the Chinese New Year celebration.
Of course, the RICO experience is not limited to these events—future members can decide if they would like to perform at community concerts, or embark on exchanges with other Chinese Orchestras, or even work on collaborations with other CCAs. As a relatively small orchestra, everyone in the CCA can contribute their ideas, suggestions, and be involved in making the most out of their time in RICO.
If you’re looking for a fun and fulfilling CCA, or if you’d like to meet other people who are passionate about Chinese music, RICO has you covered. (And if you’d still like to know more, you can find us on Instagram at @therjco or listen to past performances on YouTube at @ricoinconcert!)
Whether you’re hoping to continue a years-long CO journey or you’ve never touched a Chinese instrument, we welcome you to join us in our corner of the school every Monday and Tuesday evening for an unforgettable CCA experience!
