Nusantara Orchestra
The Meridian Nusantara Orchestra (MNO) is a unique Performing Arts CCA which incorporates both Angklung and Kulintang Ensemble and Gamelan Ensemble.
The MNO is unique to the region and the world as it is the only orchestra that uses traditional Indonesian gamelan instruments but tuned to the international diatonic and chromatic music scale of western instruments. This has also allowed the fusion of western instruments and percussions in the orchestra, making it a truly Singaporean Orchestra with an international perspective.
Objectives:
- To nurture in students an appreciation of traditional Indonesian music.
- To develop students’ discipline, confidence, resilience and team spirit through trainings and performances.
Schedule and Venue
| Day | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm | Music Room, Art Gallery |
| Thursday | 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm | Music Room, Needlework Room |
Teachers In-Charge
- Mdm Sahrul (Overall IC)
- Miss Veronica Lee (2IC)
- Ms Ng Yi Qing
- Mdm Marini
Instructor
- Mr Shaik Khalil Mohamed – Music Instructor (alumni from Siglap Nusantara Orchestra)
Achievements
Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble
- SYF Arts Presentation 2021 – Certificate of Distinction
- SYF Arts Presentation 2019 – Certificate of Distinction
- SYF Arts Presentation 2017 – Certificate of Distinction
Gamelan Ensemble
- SYF Arts Presentation 2021 – Certificate of Accomplishment
- SYF Arts Presentation 2019 – Certificate of Distinction
- SYF Arts Presentation 2017 – Certificate of Distinction
Highlights in 2022
Showcase of Nusantara Music to New Secondary One Students during CCA Showcase Day in January.
An up close and personal experience for our Secondary 1 students who were mesmerized by the sight and sounds of the instruments.
MNO Members Join as Novice and Graduate as Maestro
The twice weekly training sessions aim to expose members to a variety of Nusantara instruments and build their confidence to play each instrument as an orchestra.
MNO occasionally train as a cohort by performing specially arranged scores such as the recent farewell concert for graduating members.
MNO Members Bond over Shared Passion for Nusantara Music
A bonded orchestra makes better music hence MNO regularly creates time for games and inter-level interaction.
Holistic Development of MNO Members
“Being the Chairperson of MNO has given me a good opportunity to develop my leadership skills. I have learnt to exercise servant leadership. I have learnt to lead this CCA by empowering my fellow exco members and inspiring my fellow MNO members.” – Rafael Azfar, 4E3 (pictured standing on extreme left)
Highlights from 2021 and before
SYF Arts Presentation 2021 (Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble)
SYF Arts Presentation 2021 (Gamelan Ensemble)
2021 National Day Virtual Orchestra
This year, the Heightened Alert Phase disrupted MNO’s original preparation for a live National Day performance. However, MNO was not disheartened. Our resourceful instructor, Mr Shaik, decided to create a virtual orchestra. Within a few eCCA sessions, MNO learnt how to use Digital Audio Workstations, such as Bandlab, to record rhythms, melodic lines, and students’ voices for this song.
SYF Arts Presentation 2019 (Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble)
SYF Arts Presentation 2019 (Gamelan Ensemble)
2020 Chinese New Year Concert
SYF 2019 Celebrations Exchange Programme:
Hosting school for Senior High School 28 Jakarta, Indonesia on 5th July 2019
2019 Speech Day
“SYF 2018 Celebrations in the Community” at Novena Square.
