By RJGE EXCO ‘26
The air is still. Fingers rest gently on polished strings, eyes focused, ears tuned—the final seconds before the first strum. The baton lifts. A collective inhale. And suddenly, music.
It starts as a whisper—a tremble of notes delicately woven together, each guitar line distinct but inseparable. Then, like a wave cresting in sunlight, the music blooms. Emotions rise and fall in arcs of harmony, tension, and release. On stage, we speak not in words, but in six strings and unspoken synchronicity.
Welcome to the world of Raffles Guitar Ensemble (Year 5-6), or RJGE—where music binds, and every note is a shared heartbeat.
A Place for Everyone
What makes RJGE special is its inclusivity. Many members join the CCA with little to no background in guitar—and that’s exactly how it is meant to be. We believe passion and music should not be limited to experience.
For beginners, we offer a well-designed Beginner Course where our friendly seniors and instructors guide you through your first steps. From the basics of holding a guitar to playing simple pieces like Ode to Joy, the course ensures that no one is left behind.
Already musically inclined? You’ll join the Senior Ensemble, where you’ll explore arranging music and experimenting with complex harmonies in smaller groups. In RJGE, you don’t just play the guitar – you shape music that reflects your voice and identity
The Journey of 2025
For every RJGE member, the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) stands as a milestone – the culmination of months of practice and hard work, where we take the stage to share music that has shaped our journey. In 2025, although we received a Merit, our performance was a testament to our perseverance.
After all, music is not measured by certificates alone. Our performance of Allegro from Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 No. 1 in G Major, HWV 319 dazzled with its spirited tempo and precise counterpoint. Nuovo Cinema Paradiso touched hearts with its poignant, lyrical beauty. Though the result was not what we had hoped for, the stage itself became a testament to our perseverance, our teamwork, and our growth.
Concerts and Creativity
In the years without SYF, RJGE takes full creative control with our own concerts. Planned entirely by members, these are a chance to showcase not only our music, but also our imagination.
In 2024, our concert Sunset Reverie painted the stage with a kaleidoscope of sounds, from the elegant strains of Vivaldi’s Allegro to the cheeky surprise of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up.
Every concert is more than a performance – it is a mirror of who we are. We take charge of the theme, repertoire, publicity, and even the programme. In these moments, RJGE shines brightest: each member contributing not just musically, but personally, to shape something meaningful.
Life in RJGE
Twice a week, the MEP room becomes our sanctuary. On Mondays (4.45pm–6.45pm) and Wednesdays (8.30am–10.30am), we gather to rehearse. Some days are full ensemble practices, where guitar parts intertwine into layered harmony. Other days, we split into smaller groups to explore music of our choice – from pop hits to niche soundtracks to original arrangements.
Beyond music, RJGE is about friendship. Our March CCA Camp is a yearly highlight—a day of music, laughter, games, and bonding. In 2025, the ‘25 ExCo organised a campus-wide Amazing Race. We dashed from station to station solving riddles, tackling quirky challenges, and cheering each other on. The thrill, the laughter—all of it brought us closer, building bonds that extended far beyond the practice room.
And when our lovely seniors must step down, we hold a Farewell, an afternoon of karaoke, games, and heartfelt goodbyes. Seniors are celebrated with food, laughter, and awards. These traditions remind us that while music brings us together, it’s the friendships we forge that make RJGE truly unforgettable.
Why You Should Join
So, who should join RJGE? The answer is simple: anyone with an open mind and a heart for music. You do not need prior experience to be a part of our family. All you need is the willingness to learn and the curiosity to try.
At our CCA trials, you’ll be welcomed with warmth, given a guitar to try, and invited to share why you’re interested in joining us. There’s no judgment; only excitement at the thought of adding a new voice to our ensemble.
At RJGE, we believe that music is more than notes on a page. It’s connection. It’s expression. It’s growth. Most importantly, it’s a journey we embark on together.
So, take that step. Join us.
And let your story sing.
