<![CDATA[Chinese Orchestra DSA]]>Hi all,

My daughter, 11, is from Kong Hwa School. She is from Chinese Orchestra and has participated in 1 SYF (Gold with honours). (Nxt year, another one)

Her choice is Dunman High School and she has done well academically, and her behaviour is good as well (Senior Leader).
P1: First in class
P2: 2nd in class
P3: First in class
P4: 3rd in class, 3rd in level, Best in chinese

She is afraid that she might not do well, and her "Plan B" is DSA. Will DHS let my daughter in without any entry tests? And does she need a portfolio?

Thank you.
Regards,
Mdm Tay

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/18814/chinese-orchestra-dsaRSS for NodeTue, 28 Apr 2026 13:58:38 GMTFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:22:39 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:15 GMT]]>Does anyone know what is NAFA aural test for so call ’ to test the child’s natural ability to listen with a musical ear ’ please?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2001059https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2001059Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:04:49 GMT]]>Dear all parents,

My girl is the percussion group in CO. She wants to use xylophone as her instrument for the audition,so , her music sheet is a classical song. May i ask if she is allow to play a classical song or she must play a chinese song.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1988560https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1988560Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:04:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Sat, 18 Jul 2020 06:15:53 GMT]]>Hi all parents,


My girl has been shortlisted for DSA (Chinese Orchestra) at Ngee Ann Secondary School. Anyone is going for the e-interview as well? How many musical piece will be ideal? Thank you in advance!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1986414https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1986414Sat, 18 Jul 2020 06:15:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Nov 2019 01:21:03 GMT]]>

Vodkarib\" post_id=\"1944689\" time=\"1572883872\" user_id=\"48519:

Hi parents
I have been reading about DSA experiences but thought if any parent can share specifically for Chinese Orchestra DSA. My son is very interested in his instrument and would like to apply to Sec schs in the East (e.g. Dunman, Anglican, Chung Cheng, Victoria etc) to continue his CCA. Unfortunately, his academic is not so strong (70-80 marks on average).
Just want to understand how to increase his chances in getting DSA offer?
Other than SYF participation, is it a must to get NAFA graded certification for the instrument? He has not taken any exams as it will involve additional private tuition with his CO teacher which we do not have time to ferry him to/fro.
Hoping that parents with successful experience can share more to help us along.
“ how to increase his chances in getting DSA offer?”
> Study harder. Unless you are willing to consider other options, DHS and VS are top tier schools, academic demands on top of CCA demands for DSA are to be expected. Likewise, AHS and CCHS are among the top mid-tier schools, they will have some academic expectations of their students.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1944749https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1944749Tue, 05 Nov 2019 01:21:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:11:12 GMT]]>Hi parents

I have been reading about DSA experiences but thought if any parent can share specifically for Chinese Orchestra DSA. My son is very interested in his instrument and would like to apply to Sec schs in the East (e.g. Dunman, Anglican, Chung Cheng, Victoria etc) to continue his CCA. Unfortunately, his academic is not so strong (70-80 marks on average).
Just want to understand how to increase his chances in getting DSA offer?
Other than SYF participation, is it a must to get NAFA graded certification for the instrument? He has not taken any exams as it will involve additional private tuition with his CO teacher which we do not have time to ferry him to/fro.
Hoping that parents with successful experience can share more to help us along.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1944689https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1944689Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:11:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Mon, 06 May 2019 09:44:01 GMT]]>

pettyflora\" post_id=\"1909037\" time=\"1557132093\" user_id=\"74157:

Hi Parents,
Need some opinions here…
My DD has been in her school Guzheng CCA since P3.
But due to her school’s certain arrangement, she didn’t have the chance to represent her school for SYF competition (as school puts priority to those attending school’s weekend Guzheng grading class).
She only did some school performance during school’s open-house days and prize-giving days.
She didn’t attend any grading classes as she has been in Piano private classes since P1, currently G5 in both theory and pratical.

If we want her to DSA to those mid-tier schools (COP around 240) using CO, how’s the chance?
Unless you have something else to apply on, this is the only option you have. Just have to apply and hope for the best.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1909051https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1909051Mon, 06 May 2019 09:44:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Mon, 06 May 2019 08:41:33 GMT]]>Hi Parents,

Need some opinions here…
My DD has been in her school Guzheng CCA since P3.
But due to her school’s certain arrangement, she didn’t have the chance to represent her school for SYF competition (as school puts priority to those attending school’s weekend Guzheng grading class).
She only did some school performance during school’s open-house days and prize-giving days.
She didn’t attend any grading classes as she has been in Piano private classes since P1, currently G5 in both theory and pratical.

If we want her to DSA to those mid-tier schools (COP around 240) using CO, how’s the chance?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1909037https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1909037Mon, 06 May 2019 08:41:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:31:48 GMT]]>any successful experience in DSA via CO?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1904805https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1904805Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:31:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:12:08 GMT]]>Parents, FYI -

Registration for the Chinese Instruments Graded Examination is open for registration 14 Aug - 14 Sept 2018.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1865015https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1865015Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:12:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:29:07 GMT]]>

pirate:
The problem with some of these schools' CO as CCA is that it is by invitation/audition only... 🤷

That's my point to her. When she gets into the school via T score, it will be equally tough to get into CO.
Plus there will be auditions as well.
Not that she will confirmed get the DSA, but I told her might as well try anyway.
Since she is already playing her Grade 8 songs everyday, for her year end grading exams.
So can use the same songs for the DSA audition. Just my personal opinion.
Ultimately, the main character must agree 🙂 lol :rahrah:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851323https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851323Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:29:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:24:17 GMT]]>

Zappy:
Oh My Gosh:



To be honest, I am still trying to persuade her to DSA using CO 😂
Wish me luck :rahrah:

Why - you going to fulfill her 6 yr bond for her har? 😆

Haha... I am musically idiot 🙂
I was telling her since she will be joining CO even if she gets in via T score, might as well DSA right?
I mean, no need to \"compete for CCA\" thereafter also.
She has no interest for other CCAs.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851320https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851320Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:24:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:56:40 GMT]]>The problem with some of these schools' CO as CCA is that it is by invitation/audition only... 🤷

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851314https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851314Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:56:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:56:22 GMT]]>

Oh My Gosh:


To be honest, I am still trying to persuade her to DSA using CO 😂
Wish me luck :rahrah:
Why - you going to fulfill her 6 yr bond for her har? 😆

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851304https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851304Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:56:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:34:42 GMT]]>Totally agreed with Zappy. But even with interests, some kids may not want to DSA using CO.


DD joined CO in P2. Grew to love the instrument, so we bought her the instrument and got her a professional tutor. Then she started taking graded exam and is now doing her Grade 8 exam this year. Asked her to DSA using CO, she is not interested. But when I asked her what CCA she will join if she got into secondary school using T score, her reply is \"CO of course\". She explained she still likes CO a lot but only want to play it for interest but not competitively hence she never take part in any CO competition (SFY competitions to her is fun with friends, not competitive). Taking graded exam is never what she wants but with tutor's encouragement, she agreed to go for it.

To be honest, I am still trying to persuade her to DSA using CO 😂
Wish me luck :rahrah:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851295https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851295Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:34:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:27:53 GMT]]>

beautyseek:
If I want to use Guzheng as DSA, is it possible to just let daughter continue her CCA in school without obtaining certification (less stressful this way)? Or does she need to attend NAFA lessons / other private lessons and sign up for grading at NAFA?

For most sports/ aesthetics DSAs, the children cannot just go in to explore and play or just join as CCA and not expected to compete or perform at SYF, etc.

Going back to the foundations of DSA, it's meant to allow kids with a specific talent to enter into schools prior to getting their PSLE results. Hence they should be very good in what they do (Maths, Science, languages, sports, arts) plus they must be determined & dedicated enough to work through their 4 or 6 yr agreement with the school.

If you or your child are not sure that you want to go through with this bond or if you just want to go in and participate in a CCA with options to quit/ change interests in the teenage years, then DSA is definitely not the path to go. You're locked down regardless of whether you are stressed or have lost interest or whatever reasons you want to quit.

Go in via the PSLE results and then you have the option to choose CCA's and if your child finds another interest or if it is too stressful to balance studies & CCA, then he/ she can change and explore new interests.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851284https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851284Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:27:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 02:43:02 GMT]]>

poopoo:
Hi all,


My DS is a 嗩吶 (Suona) player. May I know which sec school accept DSA for Suona Player? Do you know what the min requirement grade is?
DSA requirement for individual instruments are usually stated on the website - alternatively go for their Open House and ask. Depending on the instruments, most are looking for at least a grade 3. But with so many kids having Grade 8-9 at P6, the bar is \"invisibly' raised

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851223https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851223Tue, 05 Jun 2018 02:43:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Fri, 24 Nov 2017 05:43:55 GMT]]>Hi all,


My DS is a 嗩吶 (Suona) player. May I know which sec school accept DSA for Suona Player? Do you know what the min requirement grade is?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1817834https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1817834Fri, 24 Nov 2017 05:43:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:29:58 GMT]]>

beautyseek:
hi grandmasters


My daughter joined Guzheng CCA in second half of P2 and she is recently selected to go to SYF group in P3. Teacher in charge told me that this SYF group is training to compete in SYF in 2018 (i.e when DD in P4). The external instructor has asked daughter to purchase a Guzheng for home practice. I thought I may as well think about using Guzheng as possible DSA for daugher in future (aiming for Dunman High). So I asked the external instructor about how to get her graded. She asked me to consider NAFA which will start weekend class in May 2017.

Questions:

1. Is NAFA very demanding on time? While I hope DD can pursue Guzheng, I do not wish to stress her out

2. I read on NAFA website that the course is for \"Gifted Young Chinse Instrumentalist\" and need to go audition. I am not sure if daughter is indeed \"gifted\". But her instructor is also teaching at NAFA and says she can arrange for daughter to take her classes. Any idea if it is hard to get into NAFA?

3. If I want to use Guzheng as DSA, is it possible to just let daughter continue her CCA in school without obtaining certification (less stressful this way)? Or does she need to attend NAFA lessons / other private lessons and sign up for grading at NAFA?

Hi, i would like to share with you some thoughts about using gz as DSA. Like you, my daughter is in gz CCA since p2 and speaking from experience, it is very difficult to keep a child motivated and interested in a chinese instrument 🙂 My daughter has progressed, on private lessons, to grade 9 exams this year but she has firmly told me, mummy, i do not want to dsa with gz. so much so, she basically 'ban' all schools which has chinese orchestra/gz ensemble 😄

To continue on with GZ for another 6 yrs in secondary school, she will probably severe ties me . hahahaha 🙂 i think she went into gz when she doesn't really know what is all about and also only limited CCAs were open to p2 kids... so by the time she is older and can choose, she would very much prefer other CCAs like drama club etc but wasn't allowed to quit cos of SYF commitments etc.

I guess it is the same for all sports/instruments/special skills used for DSA. unless you are truly passionate about it, my advice is don't use it to DSA 🙂

but to answer some of your questions asked:

NAFA music classes are structured and will provide your gal quite good grounding for the instrument. whether it is stressful or not, i think is mostly dependent on the attitude of the learner. NAFA lessons are pretty rigorous.


for dsa, my understanding, based on DHS, is just grade 3 for chinese instruments and experience in SYF for performing arts. a few of the kids in the gz group at my gal's school will take the exams in p5 privately. grading is available at nafa, nus and also places like shangyin music school.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1785125https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1785125Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:29:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 28 Mar 2017 16:27:26 GMT]]>

beautyseek:
hi grandmasters


My daughter joined Guzheng CCA in second half of P2 and she is recently selected to go to SYF group in P3. Teacher in charge told me that this SYF group is training to compete in SYF in 2018 (i.e when DD in P4). The external instructor has asked daughter to purchase a Guzheng for home practice. I thought I may as well think about using Guzheng as possible DSA for daugher in future (aiming for Dunman High). So I asked the external instructor about how to get her graded. She asked me to consider NAFA which will start weekend class in May 2017.

Questions:

1. Is NAFA very demanding on time? While I hope DD can pursue Guzheng, I do not wish to stress her out

2. I read on NAFA website that the course is for \"Gifted Young Chinse Instrumentalist\" and need to go audition. I am not sure if daughter is indeed \"gifted\". But her instructor is also teaching at NAFA and says she can arrange for daughter to take her classes. Any idea if it is hard to get into NAFA?

3. If I want to use Guzheng as DSA, is it possible to just let daughter continue her CCA in school without obtaining certification (less stressful this way)? Or does she need to attend NAFA lessons / other private lessons and sign up for grading at NAFA?

Hi beautyseek,

Heard that NAFA piano programme is super high standard though very stressful. Not sure about Guzheng though.

Good luck to your child!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764282https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764282Tue, 28 Mar 2017 16:27:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 28 Mar 2017 06:36:53 GMT]]>hi grandmasters


My daughter joined Guzheng CCA in second half of P2 and she is recently selected to go to SYF group in P3. Teacher in charge told me that this SYF group is training to compete in SYF in 2018 (i.e when DD in P4). The external instructor has asked daughter to purchase a Guzheng for home practice. I thought I may as well think about using Guzheng as possible DSA for daugher in future (aiming for Dunman High). So I asked the external instructor about how to get her graded. She asked me to consider NAFA which will start weekend class in May 2017.

Questions:

1. Is NAFA very demanding on time? While I hope DD can pursue Guzheng, I do not wish to stress her out

2. I read on NAFA website that the course is for "Gifted Young Chinse Instrumentalist" and need to go audition. I am not sure if daughter is indeed "gifted". But her instructor is also teaching at NAFA and says she can arrange for daughter to take her classes. Any idea if it is hard to get into NAFA?

3. If I want to use Guzheng as DSA, is it possible to just let daughter continue her CCA in school without obtaining certification (less stressful this way)? Or does she need to attend NAFA lessons / other private lessons and sign up for grading at NAFA?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764144https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764144Tue, 28 Mar 2017 06:36:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:57:03 GMT]]>Anyone has successful experience of DSA via Chinese Orchestra?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1720020https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1720020Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:57:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:56:56 GMT]]>Anyone has successful experience of DSA via Chinese Orchestra?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1720019https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1720019Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:56:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:27:17 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:
Oh My Gosh:

https://www.singaporeyouthfestival.sg/index.php/results/2016


2016 SYF Results

Thanks, and Oh My Gosh! It is gratifying to see the neighbourhood schools doing so well in the Band CCA versus the more \"elite\" ones. I'm also surprised at such a low rate of participation by the more academic schools.

Maybe academic schools focus is more on those Maths Olympics/ Science competitions than SYF Competitions.
Indeed, I know of a few instrumentalists from neighbourhood schools who are really good in their instruments.
These students will hence be able to DSA into the so-called branded Secondary Schools.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1717395https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1717395Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:27:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Chinese Orchestra DSA on Tue, 06 Sep 2016 01:16:58 GMT]]>

Oh My Gosh:
https://www.singaporeyouthfestival.sg/index.php/results/2016


2016 SYF Results
Thanks, and Oh My Gosh! It is gratifying to see the neighbourhood schools doing so well in the Band CCA versus the more \"elite\" ones. I'm also surprised at such a low rate of participation by the more academic schools.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1716965https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1716965Tue, 06 Sep 2016 01:16:58 GMT