phankao\" post_id=\"2066642\" time=\"1651909692\" user_id=\"3486:

So aim for YO Saturday afternoon instead. And rehearsals not throughout the year like YS.

Really appreciate your sharing. :thankyou:

phankao\" post_id=\"2066617\" time=\"1651897278\" user_id=\"3486:

Maybe every other week sectionals? Not quite sure. Been crazy covid schedules. It's not individual lessons. Anyway you seem to know quite much about the many orchestras.

My child is in one of the community orchestras and she had 1 sectional out of the 6 months she was there, since in-person rehearsals resumed. So just trying to compare notes across groups.

I think there are limited choices of orchestras for primary school age children. However, once they reach secondary school, the choice will be much wider for them to choose from. My child didn't try for SNYO initially as her school CCA (sports related) is very hectic. Now, even if she can get in, her Sat schedule clashes with the sinfonia rehearsal schedule. :? No chance liao...

Thanks, phankao. I meant to ask how many of the weekly rehearsals are sectionals. Quite interested to find out how often they are coached by the professionals.


For CC based orchestras, twenty years ago, there was only one but I think a few more have been established over the years. I haven’t been keeping up with the changes to know the exact number now.

There are also some private music schools with string orchestras (with monthly participation fees) that players not from their schools can join.

Hi, just wondering if anyone knows how often sectionals are held in community orchestras (eg SNYO sinfornia/main orchestra, OMM, CC-based orchestras)? Is it more like once every 6 months or once every month? I read in the writeups that some orchestras may have accomplished players/professionals to guide them during sectionals. Thank you.

Will try to ask her to take down notes after the lesson. There's a high chance she will forget most of the things, based on past experience. 🤦‍️

Thanks, zac’s mum and phankao for sharing your experience! I hope my kid grows up soon.

I can’t figure this out as I’ve never walked this path so I thought I’ll seek some advice here.


For parents who have kids who have attained/on route to attaining G8 in primary school years, do those kids practice themselves at home and can absorb and execute most of the things the teacher has taught them in lessons? Or do you have to sit with them on most lessons to remind them what the teacher has taught and what/ how to practice?

I know what the model answer should be but would like to find out the experience of other parents. Thanks!

paelove\" post_id=\"1916775\" time=\"1561991699\" user_id=\"130216:

How pri sch kids with student care manage piano practice???

If the kid is really interested in piano, you can alternate piano and school work. Concentrate on only one activity per day when your kid is at home after student care. On weekends, the kid can work on both. But this will take a lot of effort, both on your side (with a full time job) as well as your kid.

All the best!

On the consideration of motor skills and mental development, may I find out what may be the most appropriate/minimum age for a child to start learning violin through non-suzuki based methods? I have a pre-schooler who may be interested in learning the instrument but I’ve been putting it off as I have an impression that playing string instruments generally require finer motor skills compared to say, a piano (at least at the beginner level).


Would much appreciate any advice on this matter. Thanks in advance!