NCCA capacitated conductors and music directors of community-based symphonic bands - National Commission for Culture and the Arts

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through the Committee of Music, in partnership with the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) Philippine Chapter and initiated by the City Government of Bacoor, led the Bacoor Marching Arts Workshop at the Multipurpose Hall, Bacoor Elementary School, Sinbanali on June 8.

Bacoor Marching Arts Workshop is a two-day workshop that enhanced the trainees’ skills in percussion instrument playing, wind instruments, and color guard training. Declared the “Marching Band Capital of the Philippines” through Proclamation No. 939, Bacoor has been consistent in nurturing marching bands. The NCCA Competitive Grants under the Community-based Symphonic Bands Grants of the Committee on Music provided activities to enrich skills and capacitate bands.

The morning workshop began with a performance of Matthias Schmitt’s “Ghanaia” by Mr. Jason De Los Santos and Mr. Christian Borres, both accomplished graduates from the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the Philippines, respectively. Participants were taken on a comprehensive journey through the complexities of marimba. The clinicians covered its history, the different types and materials of marimbas, and the anatomy of the mallets used to play them. The emphasis was placed on proper technique, including the correct way of holding mallets by using a fulcrum while maintaining a relaxed grip, the ideal posture for playing, and the precise spot on the tone block to strike. Demonstrations included advanced techniques such as the piston stroke, German grip, and four-mallet warm-ups with scales, arpeggios, and chords. Participants were allowed to practice in small groups, guided by the clinicians, during the hands-on segment.

Djembre Workshop was led by Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore, leader of Drum Circle PH, and Anima Tierra. His wealth of experience as a percussionist with notable artists like Joey Ayala and Bullet Dumas provided a learning curve for participants in playing djembe. Through engaging call-and-response exercises, participants learned about rhythm and soloing on djembe. Gildore also introduced the African Dunun drums and demonstrated how to integrate world percussion instruments, fabricated by Jose Dufourt (Mang Jose), into djembe playing.

Mr. Anusorn Pornneramith took the stage to share insights into snare drumming. The Snare Drum Workshop focused on achieving clarity in solo and ensemble performances, emphasizing sound production, timing, and rhythmic control. He demonstrated proper stick grip, balance points for better rebound, and the four basic strokes (full, down, tap, and up) while explaining their different purposes. Participants learned about muscle utilization, avoiding tension, and the importance of listening for rhythmic accuracy. His valuable session was translated by the Vice President of the PAS Philippine Chapter. He also identified four difficulties in achieving drumline clarity: bad timing, bad blend and balance, off rhythmic timing, and differences in individual players’ techniques.

The final workshop was led by Ken Jezer C. Umahon, drummer for Flow G, Skusta Clee, and SB19. His session focused on the application of rudiments to the drumset, using fill-ins, utilizing metronome during practice, executing rimshot and ghost note techniques, and how to do queues, chops, and offbeat fill-ins.

Following the workshop, a concert commenced with the performances of Aldreen Alcantara, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas, Ghied Paul Madera and John Andrei Sarmiento, Philip Samuel Nadera, Elite Stars Percussion, Anima Tierra, MAW Percussion, and Wilson Marching Percussion (WMP).

The first part of the two-day workshop concentrated on the basics and fundamental techniques of playing percussion instruments. This was well-suited for the participants, who ranged from beginners to novices. Even though the participants had some experience with percussion instruments, the one-day workshop provided an excellent chance to improve their technical skills and correct any bad playing habits.

Additionally, the implementers will be organizing another session of the Bacoor Marching Arts Workshop, which will focus on wind instruments and color guard training. In partnership with the Bacoor Marching Band Association and the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines, they are bringing creative professionals to Bacoor and equipping our local artists and attendees with skills regarding using wind instruments and marching flags.

For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through pais@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.