Cordillera’s most featured musicians initiated a summer free music tutorials for guitar and vocals on 1st April, previously scheduled in March but was moved due to a prolonged brown-out. With the support of their affiliate music learning institution, I-Grab, and the hosting facility, they came up with the idea of partnering with TCC to conduct such free music tutorial.
According to Margaret Locano, one of the volunteer musician, “Its our 2nd time to conduct free lessons.. but we have thought of partnering with TCC since most tutors or coaches are involved with TCC… So I asked sir Taag and he said yes.. He suggested it as an arm of Project Takkay (a special project initiated by Dr Ruth Taguiling, specialising in community education programs). This is to shape and target future performers which we can invite in our TCC concert series.. at the same time, TCC is helping the school promote their music lesson offers”..
Acknowledging the approval of Mr Gregorio Taag, TCC-Philippines President, they are hinting the idea that I-Grab and TCC could also be partners for projects involving music since the facility is located at Betag, La Trinidad, also within TCC’s locality, and is open for activities anytime.
“Also, this is one way to influence them to focus on music rather than gadgets or bad vices,” adds Margaret.
“I-Grab wants to emphasize that our socio-civic role is to help build families and communities through music,” says Mrs Riza Orpilla, manager of I-Grab and also one of the tutors.
A member of the Hagpatan Band of Tip Top and Maria Basa, Baguio City, who attended the tutorial testifies: “Manang mayat dyay lesson I learn a lot like the anatomy chuchu. Dyay Breathing which is talaga nga nakatulong .. Marigatan ak gamin di una ngem tadta medyo maalalak. Pati dagidyay techniques tapnu maala dyay high notes and low notes. Tapos helpful met lng nga talaga dyay humming pay bago ikanta tapnu maala dyay song . idyay placement met medyo maalala met ketdi .. Looking forward idyay sumaruno manen nga ada kastoy ta guyuden mi kakadwa mi. Umay kami amin.”
Another learner said, “It was a great experience Manang and very helpful for us beginners na hindi naman kagandahan ang boses but we have the heart and eagerness to learn. We are very thankful nga nag-organise kayo ti kastoy nga activity kase you are giving hope to those children who are interested in music.”
The tutors and coaches who initiated and officiated the music lessons are Gayle Torrado, Riza Orpilla ,Keneth Inocencio, and Margaret Locano. Juan Jaymoh Javier from Music for Change, was not able to join due to prior commitments. They are also volunteer performers of TCC’s Concert for Life Series which has already supported more than 280 medically-ill beneficiaries.
Margaret, Kenneth and Jaymoh are also members of the TCC Band, the only band that toured the whole Cordillera for their bid to campaign for Cordillera’s Autonomy in partnership with NEDA (National Economic Development Authority).
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 