Despite a robust culture of choral music, Filipino musical perspectives are nearly invisible in U.S. curricula. Much of this invisibility is rooted in our oppressive colonial history which has led to pervasive self-denigration and perceived inferiority (Brown, 2008; Halagoa, 2010). Despite being the third-largest Asian subcategory (Budiman & Ruiz, 2021), the Filipino identity and their music are rarely represented in the curriculum (Coloma, 2013). Rather, we have been systematically forgotten (Tupas, 2008) and our musical culture continues to be vulnerable to miseducation (Constantino, 1966). In the spirit of ACDA’s theme “Celebrating the Choral Art: Past, Present, and Future,” this session addresses the dark past by removing the barriers that stop music educators from programming Filipino music. Join me as we broaden our musical perspectives ensuring a brighter future for all! Attendees of this session will be able to raise the voices of this underrepresented community in a powerful and meaningful manner. Learning Outcomes: Session attendees will…
Be able to learn about the relationship between Filipinos and their colonizers
Be able to learn about and identify Filipino Folk & Indigenous choral music
Be able to implement rehearsal and pedagogical practices used by Filipino conductors
Be able to learn about foundational phonetic rules when singing/speaking Tagalog
Be able to sing Filipino Choral Music appropriately with the correct stylistic qualities
Be able to find resources to purchase authentic Filipino choral music beyond those offered from U.S.-based publishers This session provides choral conductors with authentic pedagogical approaches, an introduction to pronunciation (Tagalog), and an exploration of new & underperformed repertoire. Attendees will experience a comprehensive understanding of indigenous and folk music from the Philippine tradition. Participants will learn how to incorporate rehearsal strategies used by current Filipino conductors. Additionally, they will learn how to access repertoire beyond those available from US-based publishers. This is an interactive session so be prepared to dance, sing, laugh, cry, and learn.
Decolonizing Choral Music of the Philippines
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Reagan Paras
Berklee College of Music
Reagan G. Paras, serves as Associate Professor for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Reagan has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. He is the Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall's Youth Singers, Music Director for The Nashua Choral Society, and conductor of the Massachusetts Kodály Music Institute Choir. Reagan regularly presents at research symposiums across the United States. He is an advocate for choral music education, serving on various executive boards for music associations across the northeast. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals nationwide.
