By Chuah Xin Yan (26S06B, Chairperson) and Dwayne Low (26S06S, Vice-Chairperson)
The last drops of rain taper off as clouds part slowly above the open-air theatre. The ground still glistens faintly under the lights, damp from the storm, yet brimming with anticipation. The audience leans forward under the deep clearing sky, the air cool and expectant—and then, the music begins.
From that very first note, the world shifts.
Winds whisper of faraway skies. Strings carry the stillness of falling snow, then erupt into joy, then longing. Percussion stirs the earth beneath your feet like a distant thunder. The air itself seems to breathe with us; sometimes fierce, sometimes tender, always alive. For a moment, there is no rain, no audience, no stage—only sound, and all that it carries.
This is the essence of RICO, Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra (Y5–6). More than a performing group, we are a close-knit collective of musicians who speak through music. Across five sections—吹管 (winds), 打击 (percussion), 弹拨 (plucked strings), 胡琴 (bowed strings), and 低音 (cellobass)—we explore not just the technical, but the deeply human.
Guided by our conductor Mr Yang Jiwei, a master of both musical nuance and sharp wit, we rehearse, refine, and reimagine what Chinese orchestral music can be. His mentorship, along with that of our dedicated instructors, continues to drive our passion and precision—from concert halls to rain-soaked outdoor stages.
To be part of RICO is to live for these moments: where music doesn’t just fill the silence, but transforms it.
Key Events
In April 2025, RICO (Y5–6) took to the stage both under the bright stage lights and beneath the open sky in two of our most significant performances of the year—all within the span of a week.
Months of dedicated practice came to fruition at the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation, where our polished performance earned us yet another Distinction, proudly upholding our unbroken record.
Just days later, we found ourselves setting up at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre for our concert Constellations (繁星). The afternoon had been washed in rain, leaving the stage slick and the city air cool. As the skies finally cleared, the riverside shimmered under the glow of the moonlight, and a light breeze wove through the audience.
From the exuberant energy of A Well-Matched Fight (龙腾虎跃) to the graceful poise of Dancing Leaves (天秤座) and the radiant warmth of The Golden Lotus (金莲花), each piece unfolded seamlessly into the night air. Under this open canopy, with the sound of waves mingling with our music, every note seemed to carry a little further, coloured by the lingering calm after the storm.
Moreover, RICO also regularly performs in school events like Open House and the yearly Chinese New Year celebrations. It is here where we explore other styles of music (such as jazz) or the inclusion of instruments not in the traditional Chinese Orchestra (like a bass guitar). Sometimes we even collaborate with other CCAs such as the Chinese Literary Drama Cultural Society (CLDCS) for our performances!
The CO Experience
Behind the dazzling melodies on stage lies the hard work of the CO members. RICO’s regular schedule entails CCA sessions twice a week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Monday practice time from 5.30pm to 8.00pm is utilised for sectional practice, where the orchestra splits into our instruments to practise individual parts.
At this, you might worry: what if my part is too hard or I can’t keep up?
Fret not. Sectionals build your skills and let you bond over shared challenges. With the help of your trusty section seniors, you will be able to overcome these struggles in time. Our instructors, with years under their belt of teaching students from beginners to experienced players, will also ensure not a single member is ever left behind. As long as you stick with us, RICO will support you every step of the way.
Tuesday combined practice (dazu) runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the RICO room, where the pieces come together under our conductor’s lead. This is when sectional practice really pays off. It’s the thrill of nailing a tricky part, the excitement of your instrument’s moment to shine, or even the flutter of nerves that makes each run-through feel fresh and alive!
For those eager to go further, opportunities abound — like the Raffles Alumni Chinese Orchestra (RACO), where students from RGCO, RICO (Y1-4) and RICO (Y5-6) join yearly concerts beyond regular CCA.
Other than that, students can also work towards the Chinese Instrumental Music Grading Examinations to earn certifications as a testament to the effort they put into learning.
Of course, RICO believes in both working hard and playing hard! After CCA on Tuesdays, we cast away our worries on the rooftop of Junction 8 to enjoy dinner together.
CCA bonds and takeaways / Member Prerequisites
At this point, you might be still deliberating on whether to join us—but fret not! Based on our (very accurate) observations, here are a few guiding points:
Are you someone who genuinely enjoys making music, playing around with instruments or even tinkering with rhythms? Do you relish the feel of performing together with friends and shaping melodies together? Are you a big fan of Chinese music and culture?
Or, would you simply love to try out something new and interesting for a change?
If you answered ‘YES’ to any one of those questions, then Chinese Orchestra is for you!
Although prior experience in music can be helpful, it’s definitely not a requirement—many of our best players started with none! What matters most is passion and attitude, as we grow together like a family to create moving music.
So, what are you waiting for? As long as you are willing to laugh, cry, and play your heart out with us from 5.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, CO welcomes you with open arms.
