Fellow friends at NUS! Here's what you may be curious about, should you consider joining us this Academic Year, AY10/11:
1. I am a Freshman/Year 2/3/4/ Masters/PhD student. How do I join?
Come join us for our Welcome Tea! We welcome all fellow students, Undergraduate or Graduate.
2. How many Chinese Orchestras are there in NUS?
The wide-range of performing arts groups in NUS is indeed a cause of confusion. There are two Chinese Orchestras in NUS: the NUS Chinese Society’s Chinese Orchestra (NUSCSCO), and the NUS Chinese Orchestra (NUSCO).
NUSCSCO is a Chinese instrumental ensemble initiated by members of NUS Chinese Society, which has various artistic groups under its banner.
We, NUSCO, are under the umbrella of the NUS Centre for the Arts (CFA), which manages and nurtures various performing arts talents in NUS.
3. I have no/negligible experience in music/Chinese music. Can I still join?
Yes, but you will learn the basics of your instrument during weekly sectional practices (Sectionals) first, under the guidance of one of our instructors.
4. I am not proficient in Mandarin. Will I be disadvantaged if I join?
Practices will generally be conducted in Mandarin, but the English is used when necessary or occasionally preferred. Of course, it will be helpful if you have a basic command of Mandarin. (We do have non-Chinese members in our Orchestra too!).
5. Would I be lonely in the Orchestra if I join alone?
Of course not! However diverse your background, you will find yourself right at home with our friendly Orchestra members. Needless to say, the new friends you will soon make amongst us will certainly enrich your NUS experience!
6. Where are all your practices held?
In the NUS Centre for the Arts Studios (CFA Studios). The location map can be found here.
7. Are there any membership fees for joining the Orchestra?
Yes, $30 for the first year you join us, and $20 for each subsequent academic year.
8. Are there training fees to be paid to my instructor?
No. Just our abovementioned annual membership fee.
9. Your website states the practice time slots for Sectionals and Combined Practices. So when do they commence?
Both Sectionals and Combined Practices will commence the week after our Welcome Tea (Week 2 of our NUS Academic Year 2010/2011).
10. I was previously in a Chinese Orchestra, but wish to learn another instrument. Can I?
Yes. However, we strongly encourage you to join our Combined Practices on Saturdays with the instrument you are skilled in.
11. Do I need to purchase my own instrument?
No. You may borrow our instruments for practices. If you wish, you may also approach our Property Manager to loan them home for self-practice.
12. Will there be auditions for my selected instrument?
No. Just join us in learning to make quality music!
13. Will I get the choice of instrument I want?
There will be no guarantee, because especially when interest in playing a particular instrument is overwhelming, we will have to consider carefully our potential members’ profiles.
14. What can I expect in the Orchestra?
We will be preparing for our annual concert, to be held in March 2010. We also have gig performances every now and then. If time permits, we may also enter competitions, as in the recent XXXII Bydgoszcz Musical Impressions, held in Poland in July 2009, in which we were awarded the Grand Prix. There will also be gatherings during Mid-Autumn Festival, the Lunar New Year and other special occasions, and a Music Camp to orientate and expose you to both the fun and seriousness in NUSCO!
15. What does NUSCO expect from me as a member?
We want your passion for music, and your willingness to interact and improve, both in musical standards and in character.
For any burning inquiries, do email us via our Contact page. We’ll be happy to reply as soon as possible.