The Arts, something which is so enjoyable, but seems so sophisticated that you may have thought, “Wow, if only I could be like them.” Look no further than our RC4 Arts Interest Groups (IGs), where everyone has the opportunity to explore various arts activities, including dance, singing, crafts, and puppeteering. This article will be a deep dive into what goes on in one of our Arts groups, Orc4pella, and how we learn and grow in our IGs!

Let me introduce Orc4pella. It is an interest group which lets residents explore the wonderful art of a cappella - creating music with just human voices. The group conducts weekly sessions where members learn different songs with varying genres. In each session, members split into smaller, intimate groups, separated by voice parts—Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass—where they go through the songs together. From vocal techniques to music theory, they get to experience what a cappella is. Regardless of experience, everyone gets to sing in beautiful, soothing harmony, almost like the original recording of the song! In so doing, people feel wonderstruck by how they can sing so easily in tune. Don’t believe it? Ask Ming Yang, a Year 3 Chemical Engineering resident and former Orc4pella vice-head.

“It is always fun to see people surprised when they come to a capella for the first time and think, ‘Wow, we sound so good!’” He had this to say for everyone out there who may be afraid to sing their heart out, “It is okay if you have little music background or little to no experience with singing. Orc4pella is open to anyone, even more so to people who are less exposed to singing or a capella, because it is a place for us to learn and grow together!”

Ming Yang (centre) with his RC4 peers during one of Orc4pella’s sessions!

Ming Yang’s remarks can apply to any of our IGs in RC4. No one needs to be afraid of being embarrassed, as everyone can develop their skills with the support of experienced peers. Sometimes, our groups give residents opportunities to showcase their newfound talents. For Orc4pella members and other Arts IGs, this comes through performances in various events like RC4’s annual Arts Night. Arts Night is RC4’s special night dedicated to the Arts, where we celebrate the progress and creativity of residents.

Orc4pella had two groups performing for Arts Night 2025, consisting of members like Glenda - a Year 2 Environmental Studies resident -  who managed to find confidence in her voice through the process. Initially, she was inspired to pursue a cappella because of her very first session, where she “enjoyed singing pop songs in a smaller group” and was impressed by her seniors, like Ming Yang,  sharing unique a cappella techniques with her. “I appreciate how enthusiastic and encouraging my groupmates have been during practices, and it's really a safe space for me to grow as a singer without the pressure of high expectations.”

Glenda (second from the left) with her group, Four Little Birds. Group members from left to right: Nicole, Kasthuri, and Kelly.

While preparing for Arts Night, her group worked on perfecting their harmonisation and techniques while discussing their costumes and stage choreography. Every session, they sang, chatted and grooved to their song late into the night in their pyjamas in the music room, before they landed on the stage in Gateway Theatre to show off the hard work to their friends and other residents.  When reflecting on her experience, she commented, “I enjoyed working together with the other passionate singers in my group and took it as a challenge to push my vocal skills further. There was definitely some stress along the way, but I'm really grateful that my group pulled it off well in the end!”

Glenda performing at Arts Night 2025 at the Gateway Theatre

Group photo of Orc4pella’s groups for Arts Night 2025 (left: Showstoppers, right: Four Little Birds), celebrating their successful performances!

At RC4, the Arts are not reserved for prodigies or the gifted.  In the Arts IGs, like Orc4pella, residents can realise their dreams of performing on the big stage with the support of their experienced peers, regular practices, and most importantly, the joy of expressing themselves in newfound ways through music, crafts or acting. We don’t celebrate perfection; we celebrate the joy of expression.