Chinese Orchestra

HEAR FROM OUR CCA MEMBERS

"I came into this big family through Direct School Admission. When I joined, all my seniors welcomed me with warm hands. I used to be someone scared of interacting with seniors, because I only saw them as role models and people I should keep a strong boundary with. However, the seniors from NYCO changed my understanding of who a senior could be — a senior could also be a friend, a teammate, and a family member in this big NYCO family. I used to only think NYCO was a professional-level orchestra, because the standard of their performances consistently achieve distinction-level standards. (But no worries, many members came in with zero prior experience.) However, now I see NYCO more as a home, a family, and a safe space for my personal growth. 

以前我觉得“专业”是一个冷冰冰的形容词，可现在我发现，它也可以是带有温度的。南洋华乐团见证了我许多的成长。它让我真正的体会到群体的魅力，让我从一个不怎么会爱他人的孤行者变成一个懂得怎么去把爱传递下去的伙伴。南洋华乐团教了我许多，所以它也拥有了一个我心中非常重要且无可撼动的位置。"

- Sun Yueyuan, Xianyue player, on her experience on being in the orchestra 

"My years in NYCO have broadened my perspective on music-making as a musician. NYCO provides an abundance of opportunities, ranging from annual concerts to VIA (Values-in-Action) projects with SAVH (Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped), as well as school exchanges with students from other countries. These experiences have not only deepened my appreciation for teamwork and music, but also helped me realise how music can be utilised as a powerful tool to give back and serve the community.

Over the past three years in NYCO, my leadership skills have also been honed. Being involved in these events has given me many opportunities to step up, collaborate with others, and take responsibility within the orchestra. To me, NYCO is not only a platform for music-making, but also a space for the development of soft skills and the cultivation of a spirit of service."

- Peng Mingsi, Pipa player, on her experience on being in the orchestra

"As someone with no experience in any form of music, I was uncertain of what to expect when I joined NYCO. Yet, I have no regrets about joining this large family who share a common passion for Chinese music and support each other through the tiring CCA sessions. More than just the technical skill of playing an instrument, I have also learnt patience, resilience and teamwork. Of course, my time in CO would never have been so enjoyable without my peers, my seniors and my instructor who guided me through every step of this journey."

- Lyvia Lin, Suona player, on her experience on being in the orchestra 

"从踏入南中华乐的那一刻，我就已经知道，我绝对不会后悔。还记得初次被欢迎进这个大家庭时的忐忑，陌生生疏的话题让怯生的表情不自觉地爬上了脸庞，学姐们却热情未减，一一给我们介绍着关于这里的一切，我们慢慢放下了警戒，准备迎来新的体验。或许是华乐自带的表演性质，慢慢带出了我活泼踊跃的一面，勇于对疑惑提出质疑，直截了当地把问题解开。面对着一次次的挑战，我在学姐们的影响下变得更加坚韧、勇于尝试、勇于挑战自己。现在的我们已经熟悉了这个温暖的家庭、厚实的后盾，华乐不仅仅是音乐的诞生之地，更是孕育难忘回忆及友情的港湾。若时光倒流，南洋华乐依然是我无悔的选择。"

- Koh Hui Geok Tiffany, Dizi member of NYCO, on her experience of being in the orchestra 

"When I joined NYCO in 2022 with no prior experience whatsoever, sure I expected to find hours long of practicing, tough instructors and many anxiety inducing performances. However, what I did not expect to find was a family outside of school, willing to support each other regardless of experience levels. In the recent FOA (2024), where NYCO performed a total of 10 pieces, I found myself growing, making mistakes and improving more than ever. We pushed each other to be better, not out of competition, but because of our shared passion for music and performance and it became one of my most memorable performances in NYCO. Although there were times where I was so tired and did not want to go to CCA, however, I believe that the camps, celebrations and performances balance it out. To me, NYCO is a place where you will build your skills but also make lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories."

- Cellyn Eng Yuin Qqi, Cellobass member of NYCO, on her experience of being in the orchestra.