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SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

PROFILE

The Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education is a project of excellence.  The orchestra comes under the purview of the Co-Curricular Activities Branch, Education Programmes Division, Ministry of Education.  The orchestra is a non-profit organisation and is funded entirely by the Ministry of Education.

Members of the SNYO come from primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, international schools and tertiary institutions.  The aim of the SNYO is to provide each student with an exemplary orchestral experience and the highest quality professional music education and training.  As part of the holistic approach to the education system, SNYO aims to inspire and nurture career-minded musicians, enthusiastic amateurs and dedicated music lovers.

On its 21^st Anniversary, April 2001, the orchestra was renamed the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.  SNYO is singular in its quality, makeup and promise in Singapore today.

The SNYO is well regarded as the premier national orchestra for young musicians, with some 200 members from 75 educational institutions in Singapore. It benefits from the extensive training it receives from professional tutors from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Its record now includes an impressive repertoire, overseas guest conductors and performers, collaborations overseas with international youth orchestras and participation in international concert festivals. The Orchestra is the premier co-curricular activity of choice at the national level for young, aspiring musicians in Singapore schools. Over the years, many outstanding musicians have passed through the ranks of the orchestra and become prominent professional musicians in their own right. 

Besides promoting aesthetic appreciation in our schools and to the community, the SNYO has also participated in several international music festivals. Most recently, in July 2005, SNYO participated in the 34^th International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna,Austria and was awarded the joint first prize in the competition for Orchestras with the Golden Sails Symphony Orchestra, Beijing, China.

SNYO is active in promoting works by Singaporean composers.  The orchestra has commissioned and premiered numerous works by Bernard Tan, Er Yenn Chwen, Ho Chee Kong, John Howard, John Sharpley, Joyce Bee Tuan Koh, Kelly Tang, Philip Tan, Phoon Yew Tien, Robert Casteels and Tsao Chieh

MISSION and VISION

MISSION

Our priorities are our youth and their music.  Within this broad framework, the aim of the SNYO is to provide each student exemplary orchestral experience and the highest quality professional music education and training, as part of the holistic approach to our education system. SNYO aims to identify, nurture and promote career-minded musicians as well as inspire and grow a pool of enthusiastic amateurs and dedicated music-lovers.

VISION

SNYO aims to be an orchestra where each student is encouraged and inspired in a challenging and supportive environment, where he can pursue the highest standards he can attain in the performance of music, and where he grows ultimately to enjoy the pleasure of music whether as a performer or as a listener.

TRAINING SCHEME and CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP

LEVELS OF TRAINING

The Main Orchestra

The main orchestra gives at least three major public performances annually in March, July and December. In addition it promotes appreciation of orchestral music in schools. All applicants must be at least 10 years old. Young adult members above 25 make up the Alumni.  The present size of the main orchestra is about 90.

The members of SNYO come from primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, international schools and the National University of Singapore.

The Training Orchestra (SNYTO)

Besides the main orchestra, the SNYO has 4 training ensembles: strings, winds, brass and percussion.  The members in these groups are exposed to ensemble music before attempting the more complex orchestra repertoire.  The SNYTO is often given opportunities to perform. They also have a music outreach programme for schools and the community.

The objectives of the SNYTO outreach concerts are:

·        To provide an platform for the SNYTO to perform

·        To introduce Western classical music as well as compositions by Singapore composers to schools

·        To recruit members

·        To share the gift of music with the less fortunate through community concerts

The training orchestra gives two lunch-time public concerts a year- in May and December (Christmas concert).

Auditions

The SNYO conducts 3 to 4 auditions a year to recruit members.  All applicants have to audition for membership. They are required to play two contrasting pieces.  Competition is keen and only very competent and talented students are accepted.  The end result is an orchestra, which exhibits a high level of performance skills. 

The SNYO offers two levels of membership:

1            Performing member

2            Trainee member

Trainees

These are members who show potential but have yet to master their instrument.  A trainee receives instrumental tuition under the SNYO Individual Training Scheme (see below). Their progress is closely monitored and there is an 18-month probation period.

                                               INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SCHEME                      

The Individual Training Scheme has helped many young talents to master instrumental techniques and musicianship under the tutelage of professional musicians, many of whom are from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.  The Ministry of Education under the Scheme pays for the weekly one-hour lessons.

ASSESSMENT

Members are required to undergo assessment when they join the Individual Training Scheme. The objective is to monitor the progress of each member.  Members who are found to be competent and who have shown good progress will qualify for a place in the main orchestra; similarly, a trainee will qualify to join the training ensemble

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Rehearsals are held at the Music Studio, Co-Curricular Activities Branch,

21 Evans Road, Singapore 259633.

Main Orchestra

Rehearsals are held twice a week:

Thursday            7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Saturday            2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Training Ensemble

Thursday             Brass ensemble & Wind Ensemble             7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Saturday             String ensemble                                              12.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Saturday             Percussion ensemble                                    5.00 pm – 7.00 pm

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (CCA) POINTS

Members who are in secondary schools are eligible for the award of CCA points for their participation in SNYO.  All members are advised to give serious commitment to their involvement, as they are required to give priority of commitment to the SNYO.

MUSIC DIRECTOR – LIM SOON LEE

Mr Lim Soon Lee is currently the Music Director of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.

SNYO ENSEMBLE COACHES

Professional tutors, many of whom are from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra provide training to the SNYO members. The four ensemble coaches are:

Strings -              Mr Eric Lee Tsu Hock

Winds -              Ms Elaine Yeo

Brass -               Mr Han Chang Chou & Mr Leonard Tan

Percussion -      Mr Lim Meng Keh

SNYO OFFICERS:

Mrs Olive Kan / COM 1

Manager, Public Relations

Email:
olive_kan@moe.gov.sg

DID: +65-6-4609-833

Mrs Wong Ho Chong / COM 7

Manager, Finance and Student Welfare

Email: Wong_ho_chong@moe.gov.sg

DID: +65-6-4609-834

Addresses

Singapore National Youth Orchestra

Co-Curricular Activities Branch

21 Evans Road

Singapore 259633.

Fax: +65-6-4654-574

SNYO website
http://www.moe.gov.sg/ccab/musicdance/snyo.htm