In 2001, the B.C. Chinese Music Association (BCCMA) successfully introduced a new category, “Chinese Ethnic Instruments Class”, into the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival. As a result, Chinese music is now recognized as a part of the mainstream music culture. This year, there are more than 150 candidates who will be competing in the “Chinese Ethnic Instruments Class” at the competition. As an increasing number of young people are learning Chinese instruments, many also wish to rehearse in a standard, large-scale orchestra using their Chinese instruments.

The BCCMA satisfied this desire in the youth music community by establishing the B.C. Youth Chinese Orchestra (“BCYCO”), led by Mr. Wo-Liu Pan. We teach each member of the BCYCO according to his or her level of musical competence. We further provide them with technical studies such as accuracy, rhythm, sight-reading, and music theory. We emphasize the importance of teamwork and encourage interest in Chinese music traditions so that our members can carry on promoting Chinese culture in this multi-cultural city.

The BCYCO is currently under the leadership of Dr. Gloria Wong and welcomes students with prior instrumental experience in erhu, zhonghu, gaohu, pipa, yangqin, dizi, guzheng, liuqin, zhongyuan, percussion, cello, double bass, and other instruments applicable to Chinese orchestral music. We recruit members who are younger than 25 years old and are currently learning the instrument or are able to perform at an intermediate level. After an individual audition and a preliminary practice session, we select a number of musicians for the BCYCO. Those who perform exceptionally well in the BCYCO and are recommended by the conductor will be invited to join the B.C. Chinese Orchestra.

The BCYCO frequently participates in different charitable and community events such as performing in nursing homes, schools, shopping centres, and community events to promote Chinese music. The orchestra also regularly hosts internal activities to broaden and deepen the members’ musical knowledge. Members who participate in these training sessions, performances, and exchanges receive commemorative certificates.

We welcome applications from those who are interested in joining us. For more information, please call us (604) 327-8807, fax us (604) 327-8606, or e-mail us at mail@bccma.net
We also encourage teachers to recommend our organization to students who are interested in participating in an orchestra. Rehearsals are held every Saturday afternoon from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the BCCMA rehearsal hall located at #303 – 8495 Ontario Street, Vancouver (V5X 3E8).