1. I’ve heard that GENUS is a Niibori guitar ensemble. But what does that mean?

This means that GENUS uses Niibori guitars – the Soprano Guitar, Alto Guitar, Bass Guitar, Contrabass Guitar, and Guitarron. The traditional nylon string guitars used for guitar playing is known as the Prime Guitar, and together with Niibori guitars, they are able to produce guitar music with tonal and pitch variations which can rival traditional String Orchestras.

For more information on the Niibori Guitar Ensemble formation, please visit the official website for Niibori Guitars at http://www.niibori.com/

2. Must I have a music background to join GENUS?

GENUS welcomes any interested and committed NUS student to join us. Prior music background (from any other instruments) is preferred, but we do have members who joined us without any music background. As long as you are passionate and practise regularly, either on your own or with our friendly tutors, seniors and section leaders, you will be able to catch up with the standards of the ensemble and have a great experience here at GENUS.

3. What are the major events in GENUS?

GENUS has 2 major concerts every year – ExxonMobil Campus Concert (EMCC), and our annual concert. EMCCs are held around September and our annual concert is usually held in March. GENUS also has a music camp in the December holidays.

Do refer to the GENUS Calendar for more details.

4. When are the practice timings?

GENUS practices are scheduled on Saturdays 2pm – 6pm.
However we also have practices on Tuesdays 7pm – 9pm in the weeks leading to our concerts. In addition to these Tuesday and Saturday practices, there would usually be extra practices conducted during concert period. For these, members would be informed by their section leaders and practice timings would also be posted in the GENUS Calendar.

Please note that members are required to have a regular attendance before they perform for important concerts.

5. What is the structure of the practice?

Tuesday practices are normally sectionals while Saturday practices are ensemble practices.
Section leaders are in charge of sectionals and our conductor or assistant conductor will take us for ensemble practices.

The section on duty for the practice has to report 30 minutes before practice to set up the practice venues.

6. Do we have to bring our own guitars for practices?

GENUS provides guitars for member's use during practices, and members may approach the Property Managers for guitar loan forms to loan GENUS guitars for home practice.

In any case GENUS uses Niibori guitars and only Primes would be able to bring their own guitars for practice.

7. What kind of music do we play in GENUS?

GENUS plays a wide range of music, including classical music, Spanish music, Niibori Rhythm Method pieces, and anime/movie themes. Although GENUS does not focus on strum and sing, GENUS members would be able to develop good guitar playing techniques which could help greatly in their strum and sing.

8. Can I choose which section I can join?

You can indicate your preference in the application form during auditions. After each major concert, our concert master would also ask members if they would like to change sections.

However do note the final decision would be made by the concert master, and you might not end up in your preferred section.

9. Does GENUS charge for the guitar lessons?

No, GENUS conducts the guitar lessons for free. But members are required to pay GENUS club fund for the daily running of our practices.

10. How many CCA points do I get from joining GENUS?

GENUS follows the NUS and CFA CCA point guidelines strictly. A maximum of 13 points are given to members each year, but please note that CCA point allocation is also dependent on attendance, and bonus/demerit points can be given based on member’s performance.

For more details on CCA points, please refer to the RHAPS policy at http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/housing/ downloads/RHAPS.pdf.