Singapore, 25 July 2016 (Monday) – Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra (SYCO) is recruiting new members for 2017! Through this recruitment drive, SYCO hopes to attract and groom future generation of musicians to be the future pillars of Singapore’s Chinese music industry. Application is now open till 3 October 2016. Singaporeans, permanent residents and students studying in Singapore, between the age of 11 and 26 (as at 2017), who plays at least a Chinese orchestral instrument with a minimum of Grade 5 in ABRSM Music Theory are welcomed to apply.
SYCO is a full-fledged orchestra which consists of more than 90 members, helmed by Music Director Quek Ling Kiong, advisor Tsung Yeh and conductor Moses Gay. Since 2003, SYCO has been under the management of Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). SYCO held its inaugural concert in 2004. In 2009, SYCO was elevated to the status of a National Project of Excellence (NPOE) by the Ministry of Education (MOE). From 1 April 2015, under the purview of the National Arts Council and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, SYCO continues its aim of nurturing aspiring young musicians and grooming them to become the future ambassadors and pillars of Singapore’s Chinese music industry. SYCO musicians studying in mainstream secondary schools are recognized for their involvement and are awarded with co-curriculum activities (CCA) points under the LEAPS scheme.
SYCO members will receive valuable performance experiences through participation in numerous concerts throughout the years. These young musicians will also receive professional coaching from SCO musicians, opportunities to attend music camps, masterclasses and workshops conducted by maestros and guest artistes. Selected SYCO members are also given the opportunity to participate in the Overseas Music Immersion Programme where they could attend a two–week immersion programme at renowned music institutions. In 2013, the orchestra was invited to perform at the Taiwan Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival which provided members with the chance to interact with overseas music groups. In 2015, selected SYCO members participated in the Hong Kong Youth Music Camp. The professional guidance and performance opportunities that members experienced being a part of SYCO have produced significant results. Several SYCO alumni have become professional musicians in SCO such as suona associate principal Chang Le, ruan associate principal Lo Chai Xia and zhongruan musician Koh Min Hui. Other SYCO alumni members such as dizi musician Tan Qing Lun and ruan musician Kenny Chan are with Ding Yi Music Company.
SYCO is recruiting members for the following instruments:
- Bowed strings:
Huqin, Cello, Double Bass - Plucked strings:
Liuqin, Pipa, Ruan, Sanxian, Yangqin, Guzheng, Harp - Wind:
Dizi, Sheng, Suona, Guanzi - Percussion
Auditions will be held from 13 November to 18 November 2016 at the Singapore Conference Hall. Interested applicants may visit SYCO website www.syco.com.sg for registration details. Singaporeans and permanent residents could apply for SYCO Individual Instrument Tuition Scheme. For enquiries, please contact Mr Sim Kai Yang (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Ms Joanna Lim (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra
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