☝The Philippine Brass Band composed of woodwind, brass, and percussion
instruments, making a complete ensemble. Usually, this band is present during feasts,
religious, and civic occasions. It can play in various genres such as folk songs, popular
music, and dance music. This type of band is known to be very in-demand. Most of the
time, cities asked two or more bands to play for them. They are sometimes competing to
each other. The bands usually play in fiestas where each city’s major patrons were
honored and celebrated. One single brass band can make a celebration livelier. A
parading brass band is called a marching band. Places such as Rizal, Laguna, and
schools (like Philippine Military Academy) become home of the prominent brass bands
in the country.
☝Pangkat Kawayan or more popularly known as the “Singing Bamboos of the
Philippines” is a well-known orchestra for their unique music played by unconventional
bamboo instruments. It was founded in September 6, 1966. At present, the orchestra was
managed and led by Victor O. Toledo, a conductor and musical director. The group uses
more than a hundred of uniquely made bamboo instruments. Each instrument was made
with different size, shape, and design. The main forte of this band is playing original Filipino
folk songs. However, the orchestra’s repertoire includes folk melodies from other countries
as well. They also play modern and popular songs and some other light classics.
☝Musikong Bumbong is a marching band using woodwind instruments made of
bamboo. Their instruments have similar characteristics that brass band instruments usually
have. However, the sound of these two differs depending on the sizes of their instruments.
It was said that even before the Spanish Occupation, indigenous Filipino people had
already used bamboo instruments in playing their songs. Musikong Bumbong, however,
was officially formed in 18th century when they performed music for birthdays and wakes
in exchange for some centavos. D’ Original Malabon Musikong Bumbong was first known
as Banda de Boca(literally translated to Mouth Band) in Barrio Tonsuya, Malabon in 1896.
According to sources, it was Felix Ramos who founded the band. He invented most of
the bamboo instruments. Most of the members of this band were Katipuneros
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