Young musicians from the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band captivated hearts and drew rounds of applause in a melodic display of candid youthfulness and mastery of craft.
By FRANCHESCA L. TUAZON
The recent Sounds Like Christmas concert, featuring young musicians from the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), evoked an evening of peace and magic as it treated guests to a string of well-loved Christmas carols.
Brimming with youthful energy, the musicians wielded their magic, which reverberated within the halls of the Globe Auditorium at the Bonifacio Global City Arts Center, with such Yuletide classics as like “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful”—and that’s not even half of the Christmas-themed repertoire.
With Romeo F. San Jose conducting, PYSB performed such popular carols as “Pasko Na Naman” and “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” with a soulful aerophonic rendition that brought Filipino Christmas tradition from the neighborhood barangay to the center stage.
The flowing sound of wind instruments delivered a new feel to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” the pop hit that marks the start of the months-long anticipation and celebration of Christmas in the country.
Young musicians expertly handling instruments half their size kept the audience glued to their seats. Their impeccable act demonstrated that no wind, string or percussion instrument is too big for their passion for music.
The rigorous rehearsals paid off, giving the audience an evening they will never forget. The musicians were equally ecstatic and overwhelmed after the successful showcase.
Alongside the band, distinguished guest performers Javier Buenaventura on electric guitar, Vanessa Celestial on trombone, Noel Crisostomo on percussion, Ria Villena-Osorio on keyboard, Benito F. San Jose on electric bass and Jorge F. San Jose on drums also gave a phenomenal display of talent. Celestial also executed a powerful solo voice performance while Ram Randgelyn M. Zabala captivated the audience with a solo euphonium.
Formed in 1978, PYSB remains committed to the promotion of Filipino culture and values through music. In 2004, it expanded its programs to include holistic education and livelihood opportunities. Its annual summer music camps train budding musicians to master sight reading, musicianship, harmony, solo instrument and ensemble play. These are also supervised by distinguished professional musicians whose immense talents and skillful mentorship were evidently imbibed by their students. Members of the core group are chosen yearly through a competitive audition, guaranteeing exceptional musical performance and remarkable showmanship.
But PYSB is not all about music. Its music camps instill camaraderie and teamwork among the trainees—characteristics that prove essential within and outside concert halls.
The evening’s music did not only sound like Christmas—it felt like it. The noble and mighty notes of the trumpets seemed to have truly welcomed the birth of the King right at that very moment.
