Music as a Global Resource: - International Council for Caring ...

SECTION:
Music for Sustainable Community Development
COUNTRY:
Philippines
PROJECT:
A NATIONAL MOVEMENT TOWARDS BUILDING ORCHESTRAS OF PHILIPPINE
FOLKLORIC INSTRUMENTS: ORCHESTRA SIN ARCO
DESCRIPTION:
Orchestra Sin Arco is a nationwide grassroots movement to promote and advocate for Filipino
folk instruments and folk music. An ―Orchestra Sin Arco‖ (Orchestra Without Bows) is an
ensemble of plucked and fretted Philippine folkloric musical instruments; namely the 14 stringed
bandurria, alto octavina, contra octavina, guitar and standing bass. The orchestra performs
Philippine folk music, new works by Filipino composers as well as the great classical music
literature. OSA offers this opportunity to all children regardless of their economic circumstances
or their previous musical ability.
The objectives of OSA are to:
instill hope, confidence, cultural identity and pride in Filipino youth
help youth perform better in school
preserve the musical heritage and culture of the Philippines
create industry and livelihood development for Filipino luthiers (Bandurria, Octavina &
guitar makers)
OSA activities include:
Building Orchestra Sin Arco ensembles in small towns and community elementary
school systems
Training and teaching young elementary school age performers
Public concert performances (solo and ensemble) with exciting programming to attract
and build young and educated audiences throughout the country
Create solo and ensemble competitions
Provide teacher training programs and workshops in small towns and communities
around the country
Offer training workshops for local luthiers
Commission new works by Filipino composers
CURRENT STATUS:
Orchestra Sin Arco is still in its infancy stage, however the movement is gaining momentum in
the Philippines. Orchestra Sin Arco workshops started in 2001 at Silliman University in
Dumaguete City Philippines. The leaders of the Silliman University Alumni Association of New
Jersey/ New York, initiated and supported the initial project. Today Silliman University‘s College
of Performing Arts (COPA) has a 20-member performing ensemble of plucked instruments.
In August 2010:
Two separate teacher‘s training workshops were given at St. Scholastica College in Manila and in
Cebu City sponsored by the Cebu Guitar Council. The 10-day program at St. Scholastica‘s
resulted in a culminating concert of 60-member Orchestra sin Arco held at St. Cecila Hall on
August 17, 2010 at St. Scholastica College.
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