The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Committee on Music, in collaboration with the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) Philippine Chapter and the City Government of Bacoor, hosted the Bacoor Marching Arts Workshop at the Multipurpose Hall, Bacoor Elementary School, Sinbanali on June 8.
This two-day workshop aimed to enhance participants’ skills in percussion instruments, wind instruments, and color guard techniques. Bacoor, recognized as the “Marching Band Capital of the Philippines” by Proclamation No. 939, has consistently nurtured marching bands. The NCCA Competitive Grants, under the Community-based Symphonic Bands Grants, supported activities designed to enrich skills and strengthen local bands.
The morning session featured a performance of Matthias Schmitt’s “Ghanaia” by Mr. Jason De Los Santos and Mr. Christian Borres, accomplished graduates from the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the Philippines, respectively. Participants received an in-depth exploration of the marimba, including its history, types, materials, and mallet anatomy. Emphasis was placed on proper technique, including correct mallet handling, ideal posture, and precise striking spots on the tone block. Demonstrations covered advanced techniques like the piston stroke, German grip, and four-mallet warm-ups with scales, arpeggios, and chords. Participants practiced in small groups under the guidance of the clinicians.
Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore, leader of Drum Circle PH and Anima Tierra, led the Djembre Workshop. With extensive experience as a percussionist with notable artists like Joey Ayala and Bullet Dumas, Gildore provided insights into djembe playing. Participants engaged in call-and-response exercises to learn rhythm and soloing techniques. Gildore also introduced the African Dunun drums and demonstrated how to integrate world percussion instruments into djembe playing.
Mr. Anusorn Pornneramith presented the Snare Drum Workshop, focusing on achieving clarity in both solo and ensemble performances. The session emphasized sound production, timing, and rhythmic control, including proper stick grip, rebound balance, and the four basic strokes (full, down, tap, and up). Pornneramith discussed muscle utilization, avoiding tension, and rhythmic accuracy. The workshop was translated by the Vice President of the PAS Philippine Chapter, who also addressed common challenges in drumline clarity, such as timing issues and technique inconsistencies.
Ken Jezer C. Umahon, drummer for Flow G, Skusta Clee, and SB19, led the final workshop on applying rudiments to the drumset. His session covered fill-ins, metronome use, rimshot and ghost note techniques, as well as queues, chops, and offbeat fill-ins.
The workshop concluded with a concert featuring performances by 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 initial workshop day focused on fundamental techniques suited for participants ranging from beginners to novices, providing an excellent opportunity to refine skills and address any bad habits.
Plans are underway for another Bacoor Marching Arts Workshop, focusing on wind instruments and color guard training. In collaboration with the Bacoor Marching Band Association and the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines, this upcoming session will bring creative professionals to Bacoor and equip local artists with skills in 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.
