Past, forthcoming events/SPU Music therapy courses/Presence, Passion, Person

Through the initiative of Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Olivier Ochanine and the CCP, a new series of free family/youth concerts at Rizal Park which started Nov. 23  at 6 p.m. will provide audiences a chance to listen to classic music. The series entitled “Out of the Box” also involves partnerships with university groups and organizations for an innovative take in presenting a philharmonic concert.

The first concert, on the theme “Undress Bonifacio” had Patricia Bonifacio, a descendant of Andres, sharing her musical production about the life of the young hero. Hiphop, rock, graffiti, theater and music created an upbeat multimedia presentation.

Succeeding concerts will be in December on a Christmas theme, in January 2014 with the FEU on the theme “Save the Tamarao”, in February with the Ateneo U. and UP Manila on the theme “Love” and in March with De La Salle U. and St. Benilde College on the theme “New Beginnings”.

Also last Nov. 23, 4 p.m. at the CCP, the first CD album of Rachelle Gerodias with Raul Sunico was formally launched for the benefit of the Rachelle Gerodias Music Foundation.

Last Nov. 26, 7 p.m. at St. Paul U’s Fleur de Lis auditorium, the College of Music under Dean St. Anunciata Sta. Ana presented “Night at the Opera.”

On Dec. 3, 7 p.m. at the Ayala Museum, 27 classical artists will present the sacred music “Petite Messe Solemnelle” by Rossini, described by a Rossini authority, “at par with Verdi’s Requiem in its dramatic intensity and memorable melodies”.

The concert will feature the country’s leading tenor Arthur Espiritu, top sopranos Margarita Gomez Giannella, Camille Lopez Molina and baritone Noel Azcona with the Viva Voce and pianists Najib Ismail, Farley Asuncion and Melissa Taqueban under the direction of Gideon Bendicion and Camille.

Music therapy courses

What follows is the formal announcement.

St. Paul University Manila offers a four-year Bachelor of Music in Music Education with concentration on Music Therapy and a three-year graduate program, Master of Arts in Music, major in Music Therapy to provide an exceptional educational experience for those interested in a professional career in music therapy. Students will not have to go abroad for a degree.

The Music Therapy Programs are intended to prepare the students to practice music therapy with special emphasis on providing music intervention for children and youth with developmental disabilities.

It is intended  to develop social awareness in the students so that they may effectively contribute to the development of special children by using their music skills in therapeutic work.

Pioneering in the field of Music Therapy, SPU Manila will institute awareness programs so that educators from other parts of the country will know about its benefits.

To date, except in one or two private places, there is no such service being offered in special education schools in the country, owing to a lack of practitioners in the country who are qualified to plan, design, and implement a music therapy program.

In many parts of the world, music therapy centers promote healing and enrich the development of persons with special needs. In Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the United States, there are music therapy facilities that employ music as a complementary treatment for a broad range of deficiencies, disorders, and disabilities.

St. Paul University Manila intends to put up a Music Therapy Center within its campus. Reflecting the philosophy of Paulinian education, the proposed center aims to bring to fulfillment the gospel value of compassionate caring for the sick.

In response to the challenges of contemporary times, the proposed Music Therapy Center proclaims its commitment to serve with competence, zeal, and true social concern. It will strive to effect relevant transformation in the lives of those who have special needs so that they too may enjoy their right to reach their full potential.

The first batch of students for Master of Arts in Music, Major in Music Therapy are on their second semester.

Other Course Offerings on the Graduate Level:

Master of Music: major in Choral Conducting; major in Piano Pedagogy/Voice Pedagogy/Theory Pedagogy; major in Performance; major in Collaborative Piano; major in Music Education; major in Western Literature.

For inquiries: contact Bing Morado or Joel Daquioag Jr. — Tel No. (632)524-5687 local 216.

Presence, Passion, Person

Although late, I would like to acknowledge receipt of the booklet “Presence, Passion, Person” by Jose Crescente Amparo, Jerome and Joel Estabra. The highly inspiring booklet is dedicated to Toto Mart, Mark Palabrica and the People of Bingawan, Iloilo.