In RICO, there are 2 main CCA sessions: Sectionals and Combined.
Sectionals are sessions where students gather based on their instruments to be taught by their instructors, and is typically held on Mondays, from 3.45-6.30pm. This is when students learn and practise the specific parts for their instrument.
Combined is when the entire orchestra comes together to rehearse pieces under the guidance of the conductor. It is typically held on Fridays, from 3.30-6.45pm.
Through these sessions, members get to develop their musical skills and learn to work together as an orchestra.
RICO camp is one of the events that members look forward the most to every year. It aims to help members bond with each other through various activities like games, quizzes, and even practice sessions. RICO camp is a great opportunity for members to interact with those from different sections, especially because they do not see each other often during CCA sessions.
RICO also participates in overseas trips! Most recently, RICO went to Taiwan for a CO exchange trip.
The Taiwan Trip was a memorable experience, as we got to learn a lot about the Chinese culture as well as improve our musical skills through interactions with CO students from schools in Taiwan.
RICO has also traveled to Hong Kong and Korea in the past few years for exchange programmes or concerts. We look forward to future overseas trips in the near future!
In order to help our members to get to know each other better and to strengthen bonds within the CCA, RICO members often get the opportunity to go out with fellow section members for lunch and outings.
We would often have section lunches together, allowing us to bond and connect as a section. As we usually only meet during CCA hours, these section outings are instrumental in creating a more unified section.
Post-concert group photo with our conductor!
Occasionally, RICO members also go on outings to attend concerts by local Chinese Orchestral groups / ensembles (eg. The Teng ensemble or Raffles Alumni Chinese Orchestra). These outings promote bonding between members and allow members to experience a wider range of Chinese music and culture.