by: Dominique Mendez (DLSZ 2028)
Congratulations to the DLSZ Symphonic Band Batch 2028 on a successful Graduation Recital, held on March 25, 2026 at the Center for Performing Arts Lobby, Alabang Campus.
The recital was hosted by Rionnah Valerie Almazan (DLSZ 2026) and Aiesha Aila Alvarez (DLSZ 2026). This marks the moving up of the members in the Special Music Program. In this performance, the recitalists had the opportunity to showcase the results of their many years of practice and hard work.
This recital is a major event for the Grade 10 members performing, a performance focused solely on them. It serves as a finale and a heartfelt farewell to all the friends and people they have met along the way, and a celebration of the memories they have shared throughout their journey.
As early as the previous year, the Grade 10s were already given some of their pieces to prepare and polish for a smooth performance the following year. The students practiced and ran through these pieces numerous times alongside their mentors, Mr. Linwell Lalic and Ms. Mary Armine Rane Carpio, further polishing each piece. The teachers’ guidance proved invaluable, especially in understanding difficult passages and refining areas that need improvement. With each student’s individual effort and discipline, they were able to give life and soul to their pieces, performing them to the best of their abilities.
The program started with an opening prayer by Arvie Angelo Altea (DLSZ 2029) and was succeeded by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Then, Music Unit Head, Mr. Leopoldo Sumera Jr., delivered the opening remarks, marking the start of the recital.
The program began with the solo pieces first, ordered by era. The first performance was Horn Concerto No. 1 in D Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by Dominique Mendez (DLSZ 2028) and accompanied by Ms. Jaydee Lalic, assisting pianist. This bright and elegant classical piece captures the playful writing of Mozart, showcasing the horn’s majestic yet nimble character, blending bold, heroic calls. The next piece was Carnival of Venice, arranged for trumpet by Jeane-Baptise Arban and originally composed by Niccolò Paganini for violin. It was performed by Lorenzo Montesa (DLSZ 2028), once again accompanied by Ms Jaydee Lalic. A favorite in the brass world, this playful high-energy piece is truly a test of skill, demanding incredible speed, precision, and technical brilliance.
The next part of the program took us into the powerful world of brass, featuring two (2) pieces arranged for brass quintets. The ensemble consisted of Francisco Sarmiento III (DLSZ 2026) on Trumpet 2, Dominique Mendez (DLSZ 2028) on the French Horn, Mr. Linwell Lalic on the Tuba, Mr. Bryan Isaac Ramos on the Trombone, and Lorenzo Montesa (DLSZ 2028) on Trumpet 1. They first performed Irving Berlin’s Puttin’ on the Ritz Brass Quintet Arr. by Stephen Roberts, which took the audience into the glitz and glamour of the 1920s with the stylish, syncopated rhythms, popularized by the Berlin Brass Quintet. This was followed by Les Misérables Brass Quintet Arr. by Salvage, an epic and emotional world of the French Revolution with a medley from the legendary musical Les Misérables. After these powerful pieces, the quintet then played the Alma Mater hymn, marking the end of the program.
After nearly seven (7) years, the two (2) graduating members, who started their journey in Grade 4 back in 2019, have been truly shaped by their experience in the band. The band has taught many things over their years as members, far more than music. Be it the many life lessons they have learned from their mentors, Mr. Linwell Lalic, Ms. Mary Armine Rane Carpio, and Ms. Nena Chavez, or the discipline developed through attending rehearsals in the morning, after school, or on days without school, their time in the band has been transformative. It has made such a large impact on these students’ lives, creating friendships, memories, and unforgettable and unique moments that they will likely carry for the rest of their lives. This recital is a testament to their journey, hard work, and discipline. While it marks the end of a chapter in their lives, the influence of the band program will continue to resonate within them forever.
Animo La Salle!
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