Written by: Ms Wilma Duco-Renolayan, Student Publication Moderator
De La Salle Zobel’s Music Unit, under the headship of Ms Gladena Real, put together all its music groups in a concert dubbed “Samu’t Saring Tunog 2016.” Seven shows were held at DLSZ’s very own Sylvia P. Lina Theater on November 17, 21, and 22 while the eighth and final performance was held at St. James the Great Church inside Ayala Alabang Village on November 23.
The Rondalla group, under the tutelage of Mr Philip Dagang, serenaded the audiences with a melange of timeless OPM hits from the Eraserheads, Side-A, Noel Cabangon, and Alamid. Both the young and old, captivated by this performance of Rondalla, caught themselves singing as the group played beautiful love songs like Side-A’s “Forevermore.” DLSZ Rondalla performed two more pieces—Prelude Etnika, composed by Philippine National Artist for Music, Dr. Lucrecia R. Kasilag and Palladio composed by Karl Jenkins.
The serenade continued with Ms Ruby Cosico’s Musikawayan as they performed a modern Kundiman jingle, Ikaw Lang ang Aking Mahal, popularized by VST and Co. which was believed to be “the pioneer and icon of what is known as the Manila Sound in the 70’s.” Ogie Alcasid’s Kailangan Kita was another piece performed by this group whose peculiar instruments—angklung, bumbong, marimba, and tipangklung—amazed the spectators. The arrangements of the two contemporary Kundiman songs were scored by Ret. Col. Gilbert Ramos who graced the finale concert at St. James the Great Church.
Crowd’s favourite, the DLSZ High School Chorale with their conductor and moderator Ms Marites Panaligan surprised the audience with their special rendition of Lea Salonga’s Kanta Pilipinas. It was a pleasant surprise to watch them dance and hear them rap, leaving the audience awed. Seeing Ms P. passionately groove to the beat was an added attraction. The group rendered another “live and lilting” performance—William Tell Overture arranged by Julie Eschliman. In one of the shows, they reminded their audience that Christmas is just around the corner through their interpretation of Mozart’s Fa-la-la. At St. James, they sang Claudio Macchi’s Laudate Dominum and Francisco Feliciano’s Silence My Soul which are a perfect fit for the ambiance of the magnificent church.
In every show, Ms Ardel Aldea’s Jammers brought the house down with their intense performance of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Dark Necessities. Surely, they left their young crowd wired with their adrenalized interpretation of the song. At St. James, they did Adele’s Right as Rain and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine’s Lost Stars.
Ms Marce Flores’s all-male group “Key of Z” won the hearts of many with their interesting “a cappella” version of The Beatles’ Yesterday written and composed by Paul McCartney and arranged by Mac Huff. With a potential bass, rich melodies and harmonies, the members achieve a complete live voice band sound—with just their eight voices.
The Grade 4 Beginning Violin composed of Grades 4 and 5 students showcased their mastery of Shinichi Suzuki’s famous Allegro and Perpetual Motion. The audience was treated to a fast groove, rhythmic, and strong beat of the Grade School Strings rendition of Blue Ridge Boogie arranged for the string orchestra by Bruce Chase. This group was conducted by Mrs. Ruby Natividad.
The tandem of Ms Racquel Belostrino and Mr Daryl Galicia did well with Bars and Bells, the young group of selected Grades 3, 5 and 6 students creating music using bells and xylophones. Indeed, the audiences appreciated their cute version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. Jylaina Vera D. Roque sang the pop hit.
The DLSZ Symphonic Band, under the baton of Ms Nena Chavez, relived the heat in Saigon and displayed their lung power with their impressive rendition of Miss Saigon medley arranged by Warren Barker. Giving vocals for The Last Night of the World were Ms Marce Flores and Mr Daryl Galicia while Ms Ardel Aldea performed a duet of I Still Believe with Ms Marce Flores. The band did an equally impressive performance of creations by John Williams; spotlighted in this medley were themes from famous movies like Star Wars, Olympic Spirit, E.T., Cantina Band, Imperial March, and Jaws.
Mr John Heubert Vitor and Mr Leopoldo “Pol” Sumera Jr.’s DLSZ High School Strings Ensemble displayed splendid skills with their interpretation of themes from Game of Thrones, conducted by Mr Sumera. Also, their rendition of Pokemon Theme magnetized the Grades 3 and 4, compelling them to sing at the top of their voice while the ensemble was playing the said number. Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was also performed by this group, with soloists Joaquin De Guzman, Chelsea Lianne Gomez, Leila Neyens, Ramona Rajagopalan, Mariana Urera and CJae Galang. Also, with Mr Linwell Lalic as conductor, the group did OPM Impressions featuring OPM hits like Pare Ko, Kisapmata, and Kapayapaan uniquely played in jazz, swing, and reggae.
The DLSZ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ms Nena Chavez, led the crowd to a trip down south through their rendition of Mindanao Sketches by Antonino Buenaventura. Their performance left the audiences visualizing the “colourful vintas in Mindanao shores” and feeling the bravery and valor of the Moros in that land. The orchestra displayed their honed talents through L’Italiana in Algeri Overture, conducted by Mr Pol Sumera Jr.
The concert paved way for BraFeNHS Strings and Chorale’s debut performance. They did If We Hold on Together composed by James Horner, Barry Mann, and Will Jennings. Mr John Heubert Vitor conducted the group.
But what truly moved the crowd in all shows was the finale performance that united all the music groups to render their version of Richard Reynoso’s Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika composed by Dodjie Simon and arranged by Jan Neland Cabaguas. It was a perfect song to end the shows as it capped the heart of Samu’t Saring Tunog—that harmony can still be achieved albeit our differences.
Everyone in the Music Unit including Mr Paul William Cipriano, Gr. 1 MAPEH teacher, who supervised the Grade School performers and ushered the guests during the gala shows shared something for the success of the concert.
Directed by Mr Pol Sumera Jr., Samu’t Saring Tunog 2016 was undoubtedly acclaimed as a success by the Lasallian community.
Ms Angenith Roche, Grade School Christian Living coordinator, watched the performance at St. James. “Ang ganda! Ang galing ng performances. I cried after the finale number,” commented Ms Roche.
“I liked Jammers a lot kasi they’re like rock stars”, remarked seven-year-old Kyrus Axel Renolayan who watched all the shows.
“I have watched countless DLSZ concerts for many years, and I can say that this one is the best“, shared Mrs. Luisa Delfin, Batch 2017 parent.
