By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
Saturnino Tiamson Jr. demonstrates a percussive performance in front of the drum clinic attendees. Photo courtesy of Allen Matthew Velasquez.
The Letran Band orchestrated a rhythmic gathering for fellow school bands, hosting a drum clinic featuring award-winning clinician Mr. Saturnino Tiamson Jr. on Feb. 8 at the SC Auditorium.
A wide array of drumming talent was on full display at the event, with participants representing the Mapua Drum Corps, LPU Drum Squad, Altas Perpscussionist, JRU Drummers, San Sebastian Jammerstags, Arellano Drum Chiefs, San Beda Alabang Band, Adamson University Drummers Yellers On-line, and the PATTS Royal Cavalry.
Juggling the demands of performance and academics, student-musicians received valuable advice from Asst. Prof. Emil Carreon, an experienced leader and educator, who stressed the importance of virtue as excellence.
“The only person worthy of comparison is yourself”, he exclaimed.
The highlight of the event was a hands-on workshop led by Saturnino Tiamson Jr., a professional musician and president of both the Percussive Arts Society and the Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas.
Tiamson demonstrated hand techniques, rudiments, and the intricacies of groove, feel, timing, and dynamics. He called up snare and bass drummers from each band to join him in demonstrations. An impromptu ensemble exercise further illustrated the importance of listening and musical collaboration. The musician also shared his expert advice on drum equipment.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a high-energy performance by the show band composed of alumni and members of the Letran Band. The community was entertained with the games and raffles prepared by the hosts.
With participants primarily from NCAA schools, the drum clinic fostered camaraderie and strengthened community within the association. This was echoed by a member of the Mapua Drum Corps, who shared his experience.
"It’s a great privilege po to be here with fellow drummers and a great honor po to be taught by a master musician… I'm glad to meet everyone here and that we are united as one coming together to celebrate this," the cardinal drummer said.
Rylee Lacsamana, president of Letran Band and the project head, also shared his inspiration in organizing this event.
“Honestly, I was really curious kung what are the traditions ng mga other drummers, percussion sa ibang school. For sure we have our differences because we serve different colleges and universities. But nainspire ako to meet other NCAA and other cheering bands to learn from each other — iisa ang goal namin, to boost, support and bring the energy sa mga games and events,” he said.
Lacsamana underscored the event's role in fostering a sense of community among bands from different schools, providing them with opportunities for professional development and peer learning, as well as offering a forum to discuss the challenges of balancing academics and extracurricular activities.
All bands united on the Colegio grounds for a final, electrifying drum performance to close out this momentous event. Being the first-ever drum clinic organized by the Letran Band, putting the event together was no easy feat, but the connection and fulfillment it brought was larger than the challenges.
In its conclusion, the leader of the band expressed his gratitude to all the participating bands and hopes to collaborate and connect with more groups in future events.