School Supplies SG

Performing Arts

Chinese Orchestra

Chinese Orchestra (Huayue) runs SYF Arts Presentation each year. Instruments are school-loaned for first-year members. Senior players invest in personal erhu / dizi / pipa. You buy strings, rosin, music folder.

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Before you shop

What Chinese Orchestra is like in school

Chinese Orchestra (Huayue) competes in SYF Arts Presentation each year. Mix of bowed strings (erhu, gaohu), plucked strings (pipa, zhongruan), winds (dizi, suona) and percussion.

Activity rhythm

  • 2-3 sessions per week, 2-3 hours each.
  • Heavy SYF prep period March-April.
  • Performances at school events, community concerts and the SYF AP cycle.

The school provides

  • Most instruments on loan for first-year players.
  • Sheet music + rehearsal venue.
  • Conductor and section coaches.

What parents buy

  • A4 music folder.
  • Strings (erhu / pipa) — by instrument; ask section leader.
  • Rosin (for huqin family).
  • Clip-on tuner.

Watch-outs

  • Senior players (Sec 3-4) often invest in personal erhu / dizi (S$200-800 range). Don't rush at Sec 1.
  • Climate-control matters — humidity affects bowed strings. Store away from direct fan / aircon.

Frequently asked

  • Need to read Chinese?
    Helpful but not required. Many scores use Western staff notation; some use jianpu (numbered notation).
  • Which instrument should we start with?
    Coach typically assigns based on hand size, ear and orchestra need. Most kids start on erhu or dizi.
  • Same SYF cycle as Symphonic Band?
    Yes — SYF Arts Presentation runs all categories annually.

Chinese Orchestra kit

Instruments mostly school-loaned. Buy strings, rosin, folder.

4 items

  1. A4 music folder + sleeves

  2. Strings (erhu / pipa / zhongruan)optional

    By instrument — ask section leader.

  3. Rosin (erhu / cello-family)optional

  4. Clip-on tuner

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