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
Tuesdays	2.30pm – 5.30pm	Music Room & Art Gallery
Thursdays	2.30pm – 5.30pm	Music Room & Art Gallery

Teachers In-Charge

Mdm Sahrul (Overall IC)

Miss Veronica Lee (2IC)

Ms Ng Yi Qing

Mdm Nordiana Daim

Instructor

Main Music Instructor

Mr Shaik Khalil Mohamed

Assistant Instructors

Mr Razin
Mr Nurhakim
Ms Nursyakila

Achievements

Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble

SYF Arts Presentation 2021 – Certificate of Distinction
SYF Arts Presentation 2023 – Certificate of Distinction

Gamelan Ensemble

SYF Arts Presentation 2023 – Certificate of Accomplishment
SYF Arts Presentation 2021 – Certificate of Accomplishment

SYF Arts Presentation 2021 (Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble)

SYF Arts Presentation 2021 (Gamelan Ensemble)

SYF Arts Presentation 2023 (Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble)

SYF Arts Presentation 2023 (Gamelan Ensemble)

MNO SYF Team 2023

Meridian’s pride and joy - the talented musicians who trained very hard with dedication to make Meridian proud.

Highlights

2024

VIA Mentoring Programme

Secondary 3 MNO girls mentor Nusantara Orchestra students from Haig Girls to coach them in their preparation for SYF performance. The collaboration was meaningful as it forged a sisterhood among the girls.

Invitation to Hari Raya Celebration with the residence at Pasir Ris Central Community Club

MNO was invited to perform for Nostalgia Raya 2024 and share the joy of the festivity with the residence at Pasir Ris Central Community Club. The Secondary 3 MNOs serenaded them with two songs – a classic Raya melody, ‘Suasana Hari Raya’ and the current trending song ‘Alamak Raya Lagi’. Residence loved the performance that they requested for an encore! Kudos to these Meridians who have touched the hearts of our Pasir Ris Community.

National Day Celebration

MNO came together to celebrate National Day and the country’s incredible journey as a nation from a small island to a thriving global hub. The MNO dedicated the iconic song ‘One People, One Nation, One Singapore’ to honor our rich culture, diversity, and resilience that make us truly unique. Majulah Singapura!

2023

Viva La 2023 is a celebration of the achievement of students who participated in SYF 2023.

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)

Meridian’s pride and joy - the talented musicians who trained very hard with dedication to make Meridian proud.

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.

Our CCA Experience

SAKURA DINAH BINTE MOHAMED FAIZAL (3E1)

"I feel that MNO is like a family. It gives me a strong sense of belonging and makes me feel safe. I joined because I had experience with anklung and kulintang in primary school, but you don’t need to be musically talented to join this CCA. I’ve learned to multitask and adapt quickly here. Although I usually keep music notes in my head, I've found that writing them down can also be helpful. These skills are useful for the future, as being able to multitask will help me complete projects and tasks more efficiently. Additionally, learning how to absorb information quickly has sharpened my ability to learn at a faster pace.

Overall, MNO is an amazing place to be."

MUHAMMAD RIZQ AQASYA BIN MUHAMMAD NOOR (3E1)

"Having had the opportunity to serve as a level leader for two consecutive years, MNO has given me the chance to develop and refine my leadership skills. MNO aims to ignite young musicians' passion, inspiring them to pursue their musical dreams, and it has also taught me valuable life lessons. Through this experience, I’ve become a more resilient and self-motivated person, constantly striving to improve my character. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but the results are incredibly rewarding and fulfilling."

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