To celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities, the Chinese Orchestra returned for a second year and delivered a sensational performance during the Chinese New Year assembly. The audience was treated to performances of the songs “Descendants of Dragon” (龍的傳人), “The Wind” (起風了), and the “Subject Three” (科目三).
Chinese Orchestra, or 中樂團, has a rich history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty and holds high regard within Chinese musical culture. Typically divided into 4 sections – wind, plucked strings, bowed strings, and percussion, it has evolved to perform modernised compositions, known as 國樂. Archaeological findings suggest that Ancient China revolved around their music with a variety of style for performances, such as the ancient version used to perform for royalty. In the past, over 70 instruments were used, though this number has decreased over time.
Unlike a Western Orchestra, the Chinese Orchestra does not include brass, instead focusing on light and gentle melodies. Despite the contrasts between the two different orchestras, the seating arrangement of Western Orchestras is emulated by Chinese Orchestras, which positions quieter instruments in the front and stronger instruments in the back. The six instruments of CDNIS Chinese Orchestra are the erhu (溌胡), pi pa (琵琶), gu zheng (古箏), yang qin (揚琴), di zi (笛子), and tanggu (堂鼓). Other cultural instruments include gongs and bells.
Prior to the pandemic, Chinese Orchestra was an activity exclusive to Lower School students. However, members were unable to physically practise as a band and the programme was subsequently cancelled. Grade 10 erhu player Richard Wang, club president of Chinese Orchestra, made the decision to reestablish the club. “I guess Chinese Orchestra meant a lot to me when I had just joined it back in 2016, when I was only in third grade. It introduced a new type of music and instrument to me. I just thought that others should be allowed to have this experience too.” Grade 10 student, Emily Chow, who also played before the pandemic, shared her nostalgia:“I’ve performed so many times it felt pretty normal. I don’t really get stage fright or anything like that.”
Students can now perform in the Chinese orchestra once again, allowing the CDNIS community to hear their distinctive musicality. Preserving the rich cultural heritage of Chinese music, the revival of the orchestra stands as a testament to the passion of CDNIS students.
