Guzheng Ensemble

Set up in 2009, the Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble seeks to provide opportunities to develop students’ talents and lifelong passion for the arts regardless of their background and experience. Through the meaningful music experiences planned, the Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble also endeavours to build students’ character, foster friendships and cultivate a sense of belonging to the school.

The CCA will enable our students to:

• Appreciate a wide range of musical genres and the culture of music-making
• Learn how to play an instrument as an avenue for them to express themselves
• Acquire knowledge in music and experience stage performances
• Learn the importance of self-discipline, resilience, perseverence and collaboration

Achievements

2023 Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation @ Singapore Conference Hall

CCA Activities

In 2019, the Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble had their inaugural Guzheng recital at the Esplanade Recital Studio.

Guzheng Recital at the Esplanade Recital Studio

The Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble have also had their recitals in school including lunch-time concerts.

The recitals aim to showcase the passion and talent of the Guzheng Ensemble. Pieces played at the recital highlights the versatility of the Guzheng instrument through traditional Chinese music pieces, Mandopop medleys and English pop songs. The exposure and preparation for the Guzheng recitals allow members of Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble to grow as a person, a performer and as a team player.

Guzheng lunchtime concert at the canteen

• CCA Fiesta Showcase
• Chinese New Year Concert
• Hari Raya Concert
• Open House Showcase

Performance at the 2023 Hari Raya Concert in School

Since 2009, the Guzheng Ensemble has also participated and performed in many community events outside school, like:

• Pei Hwa Senior Citizens Day
• Pei Hwa Alumni Dinner
• Chinese New Year celebrations at Seletar Mall
• Chinese New Year concert at APSN Delta Senior School
• SG50 Heart Map
• Fernvale CC Fundraising Dinner
• Sengkang West Annual Constituency Dinner
• In Youthful Company by Esplanade

The Guzheng Ensemble also provides numerous opportunities for its members to participate in learning journeys. Some of learning journeys include:

• Tunes of Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) Programme
• Public Concerts by SCO
• Esplanade Back-stage Tour

Tunes of SCO Programme

The Guzheng Ensemble works closely with the other performing arts CCAs, so that the members of Guzheng Ensemble will have opportunities to learn about other performing art forms.

Joint events include the school’s biennial public concert, PHiesta, which is conducted during non-SYF years, and the annual Performing Arts Group camp which allos the different performing arts group members to work with and learn from one another.

Recording session for Pei Hwa’s biennial concert PHiesta in 2022

Guzheng members teaching other performing arts students how to play the Guzheng during Performing Arts Group camp

Performing Arts Camp 2022

For more information on the Direct School Admissions to Pei Hwa Secondary School through Guzheng Ensemble, please click here.

Student Testament

"As the Chinese saying goes, one minute of performance onstage is equivalent to ten minutes of hard work offstage. Having been in the Guzheng Ensemble, I’ve acquired countless skills such as perseverance and self-discipline. To further improve on my playing, I had to devote adequate time to practice while managing other responsibilities as a leader in the ensemble. Through my journey as a leader in the Ensemble, I have become much more resilient having to manage when responsibilities get overwhelming and face things with an open mind. All in all, although there were tough moments in my journey, it was the superb culture that got me through. The unwavering support that my peers, teachers and instructors had given motivated me immensely. With that, my time in the guzheng ensemble would always be etched deeply in my mind." President of the Guzheng Ensemble, Natalie Lau Wen Xin

"My journey in the Guzheng Ensemble has been extremely enjoyable as my teachers and friends in the CCA have always been supportive. For example, when I had a bad day, they would the ones who cheer me up. They will give me advice and motivate me to do better. I look forward to my CCA practices as my CCA instructor makes every lesson enjoyable and fun to learn. Honing my skills in playing the Guzheng has made me more resilient and also helped me picked up other skills such as using different techniques to memorise a song piece. This for instance has helped me in the retention of information. " Secondary Two Member, Muhammad Afi Shafy Bin Mohammad Sophiaan

"Before joining the Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble, I used to harbor negative stereotypes towards Chinese music. However, my perspectives changed after I joined the Pei Hwa Guzheng Ensemble. The teachers were really caring and supportive in helping us learn the instrument. They understood the difficulty of learning the guzhengs and were always ready to help us improve. Playing the instrument has been very fun for me and I look forward to coming for each CCA session. I look forward to working together with my friends in my CCA to practice and eventually perform a certain song piece. Every CCA session is a rewarding and great experience which cannot be found anywhere else!" Secondary One member, Octavius Trajan Tan

CCA Details