Filipino-American Orchestra in Los Angeles

*FASO FIlipino-American Symphony Orhcestra

The heart of the Matter: in reflection of FASO

One year might seem a long time but if we look at the orchestra

like giving birth to a baby then it is BUT a year. We're just learning to walk...

Despite being a quasi community orchestra, attendance was started and proper etiquette for being late or absent were imposed to help in the accountability of each member. It is not an acceptable practice to simply make the excuse of "Filipino time."

Now, those who come towards the end, close to each performance, are made sure to be people who are professionals. They are those who aren't simply sight-readers but musicians who have the musicality to perform the pieces chosen for each performance. There will always be hired musicians even if the orchestra

later on starts to have regular paid positions.

Youth orchestras like GYO and VYO require audition/membership fees so the money given to those who are considered amateur or "saling pusa" should be thankful that they are even given something. Complimentary tickets should actually be enough compensation. It would make more sense to give more payment to those who are making a living out of music so they have more reason to stay with the group.

Evaluations are but a way of "house cleaning" to dust off specs that don't matter to the untamed ear. In other words, it is necessary to the success of the group to make sure each member tries to be the best they can be and not ride along those who've been making the group sound good.

Any musician would understand that getting the right note and rhythm is not enough to make music. There is a quality that one aims for that cannot be taught in a group setting like an orchestra. If one seeks for such guidance then there are orchestras (and most especially private teachers) whose primary goal -- of the conductor-- would be to educate the members on such things.

We need to get real and think of our kababayans in the Philippines and those who are here who are more of the "cream of the crop" in this music world and not kid ourselves to think, say and act like we are the real deal. Yes, we are trying the best we can but we need to be aware of where we stand in the grand scale of things.

Before we can educate our audience we, the members, need to know these things. We run the risk of losing possible members who are more high caliber musicians if the dedicated but in-adequately trained members think they are good enough to represent Filipino-American musicians.

Now, considering all aspects, growth and development of the youth is of course important. Because of this, I personally see the value in having a Junior orchestra that would be associated with FASO. Of course, this doesn't mean that the main orchestra will not have youth as members nor will the Junior orchestra be exclusively for the young. The difference would be in the selection of pieces. Why? Because given the name, FASO, stands for repertoire that require musicians who can adequately deliver the requirements of each piece. It was not intended to be an orchestra where music is to be spoon-fed.

With all the orchestras around Los Angeles and the greater part of Southern California, FASO needs to know what it truly wants to represent. There is no question as to why we exist but there is a big question as to how this group will survive. It is a question of relevance to its community and what its role is especially for Fil-Am youth because no matter what the problems are in developing an orchestra, there is no question that the youth is our future.