By Rionnah Valerie Almazan (DLSZ 2026)
The DLSZ Symphonic Band’s Music in the Air concert on February 7, 2025, was a night of celebration, one that showcases everything we had learned and worked hard for. This annual event has always been an opportunity for us to share our passion for music. After countless hours of practice, hard work, and dedication, we finally took the stage to perform, bringing our musicality to life, under the baton of Mr. Linwell Lalic and Ms. Armine Carpio.
My journey with the clarinet began in 2017, when I was the youngest member of the Symphonic Band. Fast forward to today, and I find myself in the company of the senior members, the ones who have been through it all. Playing in these concerts has been a constant throughout these years, and without a doubt, it has been by far, one of the happiest and most memorable parts of my entire grade school and high school experience. Looking back, I realize how much I have grown, not just as a musician, but as a person. The band has taught me perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of making music with others.
Preparing for Music in the Air required months of commitment and hard work. Each rehearsal challenged us to improve our sound and coordination as a group. As a member of the Symphonic Band, I have tasted the discipline that comes with every practice and every performance. It has been a journey of sleepless nights and even countless errors during our rehearsals. But here is the thing, the sheer joy and fulfillment that we get from the entire process totally outweighs every ounce of hardship we have endured. The result, the performance that entertains the audience, is just the tip of the iceberg. The real magic happens in those practice sessions and the bond that forms between fellow band members.
One of the most exciting parts of Music in the Air was the opportunity to collaborate with incredible guest performers: the DLSZ Chorale and the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA). Working with such talented singers and musicians was both inspiring and rewarding, as it allowed us to experience different musical styles and learn from each other.
This concert featured a diverse lineup of songs, each bringing something unique to the performance. The symphonic band opened with The Barber of Seville, an overture composed by Gioachino Rossini, followed by beautifully arranged medleys capturing the magic of La La Land and Wicked, arranged by Michael Brown and Michael Sweeney. The grade school band also had their time to shine with Galactic Episode and Sousa Spectacular, arranged by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams, showcasing the incredible potential of young musicians.
Our guest performers from PHSA delivered moving renditions of Ay Ay Kalisud and Con Te Partirò, arranged by Mahler Villanueva, showcasing their musical artistry. Watching them perform and learning from them was a truly enriching experience, as their school specializes in art and music, giving them a unique approach to their craft. Beyond the performance itself, we had the opportunity to communicate and connect with them, making the collaboration even more meaningful. We had the honor of accompanying them in The Prayer, arranged by Naldy Rodriguez, a piece that beautifully highlighted the blend of instrumental and vocal harmonies.
The DLSZ Chorale also showcased their talent with performances of Ta Ba Solbici and When You Believe, arranged by Samo Vovk and Aubrey Snyder, respectively. We then performed our collaboration piece, Andrew Lloyd Weber: A Concert Celebration, featuring a medley of his most iconic musical compositions.
To close the concert on a high note, the Symphonic Band delivered a vibrant performance of a BINI Medley, arranged by Raymund Conge, filling the theater with energy and excitement. For the encore, we played APT., a lively and engaging piece that had the audience singing and rapping along, making for a fun and unforgettable finale.
In the end, Music in the Air was a profound musical journey for all of us. It ignited a realization within me, one that made me fully grasp my profound love and appreciation for music. As always, it was an amazing and inspiring experience, where the entire band, our guest performers, and our exceptional teachers, Mr. Linwell and Ms. Armine, came together through dedication and hard work. We made this performance possible, and that realization is powerful. Through this journey, we embodied what it truly means to be one band, one sound; a motto that defines our group. One day, whether in music or any other field, we too can achieve great things. All it takes is hard work, unwavering perseverance, and the belief that we can and will make it happen.
