PYSB: Playing music for life

MANILA, Philippines - Playing is a fundamental part of any child’s life. At play, children form their first friendships and learn their first lessons. For the young members of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), playing – playing music – has transformed their lives. These young talents will be showcased in Laro: Child’s Play at the CCP on November 27.

 The PYSB was founded in 1978 by Dr. Rufino Achacoso, a prominent dentist who appreciated music. “The PYSB aims to cater to young aspiring musicians, help get academic scholarships through music,” says manager Bombie Custodio who is also a bassoonist and conductor.

As part of the PYSB, young musicians are taught to play instruments and learn to perform together in a group. “Eventually they will audition in school bands and receive scholarships,” says Custodio.

In 1981, musician Francisco Feliciano arrived from the United States and saw the need for a national music camp. “He wanted to convene band musicians and to unify decorum in band playing,” says Custodio. “Because of this, there was an improvement in the quality of band music in the country.” It was at this point when Custodio, together with PYSB conductor and music director Romy San Jose, Donna Punzalan, and Reggie Victorino, joined the team and have been actively leading the band since.

Custodio continues, “After the camp, there was a need to continue the training on a year-round basis.” In support of their cause, Achacoso lent the PYSB name to the group.

Though the government-supported music program had to go into “hibernation” with the changes in government in 1986, the necessity remained for a venue where young musicians could convene and play music together.

In 2004, summer camp resumed, catering to participants from all over the country – from Baguio and Palawan, to Sorsogon, Davao, Bulacan, Rizal, and Cavite.

Today, the PYSB has around 64 members, ranging from age 10 to 24. “A symphonic band is larger than a normal band,” Custodio explains. The PYSB is comprised of promising young members of local bands who are handpicked among the participants of the music camp. “There are plenty of town bands,” says Custodio. “Nueva Ecija alone has 80 bands. They perform usually at fiestas and funerals.” The members of PYSB experience performing in concert halls alongside many world class musicians.

 “We want them to move on,” says Custodio on their dreams for the members of PYSB. Many of the band’s alumni have, indeed, moved on to assume key positions in the music industry as teachers and musicians in some of the prestigious orchestras and bands both here and abroad.

“PYSB has also become a sieve for music schools scouting for scholars,” adds Custodio.

Playing together with enthusiastic bandmates and being mentored by some of the best musicians is what hones PYSB members into talented performers.

The current roster’s youngest member, John Philip Sta. Ana, started playing the trumpet at 7 years old. Part of a musical family, playing in their local Cardona band is a family affair. The shy boy says that he really enjoys being part of PYSB because of all the friends that he meets.

Among Sta. Ana’s many kuyas and ates is Marvin Mallari, 19, who plays the French horn. “Malaking tulong ang PYSB (PYSB is a great help),” he says, adding that playing with the band has challenged him to excel. Because of his training with the band, Mallari was confident when he auditioned at the University of the Philippines, where he is now taking up Music.

Joining Mallari at the UP College of Music are fellow PYSB members, Jovina Francisco, 17, who also plays the French horn; and flutists Gretta Campo, 16 and Lester Armenta, 17.

“I learned ensemble playing and being disciplined,” says Francisco. “Musicianship, and both technical playing and musicality,” Armenta adds.

“I want to be a teacher,” says Campo, who wants to share what she has learned with other young musicians.

The PYSB members are excited for their upcoming concert, Laro, on Nov. 27, especially since it will be their first time at the CCP.

“This is the annual gala concert of PYSB,” says Custodio. The children will be joined by celebrities and virtuosos including Sarah Geronimo, Sylvia La Torre, and Cherie Gil.

“Music is part of everyday life,” says Custodio on what they would like to share with their audience. “This can be heard in our folk songs, love songs, children’s songs, and praise songs.” The concert, Custodio adds, is also a way for the band to show gratitude to their supporters.

Custodio recalls a time in 2005 when they considered stopping the program because of lack of funding. “We told the kids not to come to rehearsal the next week,” he says. “But the next week, they were all there,” he says on the dedication of the young musicians.

Today, the PYSB has support from the private sector. Every Saturday, they meet for rehearsals at the National Museum, made possible by a venue grant.

Sponsorships and support are handled by the Young Musicians Development Organization (YMDO), chaired by Irene Araneta. “We are nurtured by the YMDO,” says Custodio.

Support, of course, is always an important aspect of keeping the band’s legacy alive. “Children come to us with old instruments borrowed from local bands,” says Custodio on the need for better instruments. 

“Imagine 64 kids from different provinces, different ages, different training, all playing together,” says Custodio. “If they can do it, why can’t we do it in our government? We aim to help the kids develop communities through music.”

Laro: Child’s Play at the CCP is on November 27, 6 pm, at the CCP Main Theater. Call 0927-3910762 for tickets.