Jointly reported by;
Tan Ray Xin JR1Z(6)
Ng Yi Phin JR2Z(2)

After a long wait, the Kuen Cheng Chinese Orchestra’s holiday training program is finally back! It kicked off at 2 p.m., 8th June 2022. After a short briefing on other things to note on (such as the Senior Middle 3 students’ theory exams and the purchasing of the orchestra’s t-shirts and badges), the program finally started. Let’s see what the orchestra’s members were up to!

Day 1 – For the newbies

Since the newbies had yet to have their instruments, they learned about some basic theory such as musical notation and rhythm. The newbies also filled out a form to choose which instrument they wanted to play, as it would be very important for later years in the orchestra.

Day 1 – For the rest of the members

As they already had their instruments, the other orchestra members got to practice their basic skills and learn new songs. The two coaches, Mr. Goh Suk Liang and Mr. Chong Koi Min also gave useful tips to members when entering each instrument’s breakout rooms.

Day 2 – For everyone

For day 2, the same activities were held, but luckily, the Orchestra Committee managed to invite 3 alumni, Teo Yuan Hui, Tan Wynn Khei and Lim Xin Jieh who all graduated during 2019. They were from the percussion and erhu group. They talked about their experience and memorable moments in the orchestra.

How did you feel when you were first assigned into your instrument group?

Yuan Hui: To be honest, I was very shocked and sad at first, because I wanted to join the flute group. I remember crying for several days at a time. Sometimes, I also gave weird excuses just to escape training sessions. However, I moved on quickly and soon learned to love my new instrument.

Wynn Khei: I first entered the orchestra because my mother suggested it, and I was way luckier than Yuan Hui, as I loved erhu, so I was very happy when the instrument group members were announced. However, I thought at first that we would be assigned directly into our instrument groups, without needing any basic skills, but I enjoyed the classes because the older students were fun.

Xin Jieh: As I wanted to enlarge my social circle, I joined the orchestra. The interesting performances by the members also intrigued me. I wanted to join the percussion group originally (which Yuan Hui was in, haha!), but I got assigned into the erhu group instead.

What was the process when joining the orchestra?

All three of the alumni joined in multiple activities, including:

  • -Welcoming and farewell parties
  • -Group camps
  • -Performances and competitions
  • -Orchestra exchanges

They all stated that the activities were enjoyable, especially the competitions as they have learnt to stay together and control their emotions.

What do you want to say to the orchestra members?

Yuan Hui: Do not quit although you might want to give up! There are still multiple chances for you to work harder. Since you have chosen to enter the orchestra, don’t feel remorseful and enjoy the process.

What are your future hopes for the orchestra?

Wynn Khei and Xin Jieh: We do hope that the orchestra members will not give up easily and always be motivated to push the Kuen Cheng Chinese Orchestra to new heights.
After the sharing session, the holiday training program finally came to an end. For more photos, remember to follow KCCO’s Instagram and Facebook page!
(Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcchineseorchestra/ | Facebook: www.facebook.com/welovekcco)

Group photo