Davao City School for the Blind Orchestra dazzles
Davao City: Under the shimmering full moon and balmy air, this 26 piece One Light Orchestra unleashed it’s opening sound with a jazzy version of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (First Movement) which is also known as the Fate Symphony. Whatever fate gave them, these blind musicians definitely put it on their hands…and their music brought down the house. Right there and then, the audience knew – they were in for a special night.
The first concert of the year for the orchestra was billed as “One Light, One Vision,” a post valentine concert. They did not disappoint. One after the other they played theme songs of popular TV shows starting with “Mister Lucky,” “Peter Seller’s “Pink Panther,” “Mission Impossible,” to the unforgettable James Bond: 007. Then to Disney musicals “Beauty and the Beast,” and with outstanding vocals by members of the orchestra; Joyce Rica Jimenez sung “Memory” from “Cats,” Bea Fe Angelica Malate sung “Hey, Big Spender,” followed by Anthony Abejay who sung “Fever.”
Other scores were “Funky Town,” Smoke on the Water,” “I got you,” “Last Dance,” “What a wonderful world,” “Hawaii Five-O”, “Proud Mary,” “I feel Good,” with the finale, “Thank you for the Music” by ABBA. They encored with the theme song of Voltes V!
For variety, the orchestra was joined with a solo by Joey Sol Santos, and a “Selena Medley” by Mrs. Monina Santos whose non-profit, United Filipino Elderly Association from Melbourne, Australia continuously support the school by providing musical instruments so graduates can take with them instruments they have learned to play.
In 2013, Music education was introduced in DSB curriculum by its former Executive Director, Atty. Edward Estores, which led to the hiring of band master, Donald Gundaya. He is not blind but suffered from polio. His musical journey brought him from a trumpeter at the Santa Ana High School Marching Band to assistant band master at another Marching Band. His disability did not diminish his desire to be a musician. Instead it egged him on to be better. Later he joined a band in Manila that toured Asia, the US, Canada and Dubai. They were good enough to be the backup band for popular singers like Jed Madela, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera. Gundaya’s journey as a disabled person delving in the soul fulfilling world of music inspired him to accept the role of Music Director. “I wanted to impart this life lesson to them,” he said.
“He recognized that blindness could heighten the sense of hearing, rousing innate musical talent and ability to appreciate and imitate sounds by rote. Repetition, group mentorship, collaboration and support by school administrators gave Gundaya’s students a new perspective on life.” (From my earlier article)
In 2015, this writer was fortunate to see and hear the budding orchestra in their music room. They were a motley group of students happy to learn a musical instrument. Just two years since the Music Program was added to their curriculum, the students surprised me with a jaunty rendition of “Sweet Caroline”, ”Amor, Amor, Amor” and “Can’t take my eyes off you.”
What’s most outstanding is they all learned to play their instruments oido, by ear. Musical Director Gundaya, said he started the lessons “manually,” that is, singing the notes to his students. His only challenge, he intimated, is making sure he has the right pitch.
Eight years later, the One Light Orchestra was formed with its members unbelievably composed of students from elementary, high school and college. Here are its members starting with its Musical Director, Donald Gundaya, who plays the trumpet: Tenor Sax: Bea Fe Angelica Malate (also a vocalist), Erica Shanne Salina; Alto Sax: Sunlyn Bachoco, Aldren Fuentes, Shyra Arong and Joyce Rica Jimenez/Vocalist; Bariton Sax: Edmund Montecillo, Jeoffrey Amad Alferny; Trumpet: Kendews Granaderos, Mona Rose Gloria Amabao, Rhianne Bucad; Keyboardist: Troy Torres; Trombone: JR Badisto, Jessa Quinones; Clarinet: Rachel Isobel Budayao, Shiene Maturan, Rovi Jane Arano; Flute: Lawrence Alcoseba, Rollie Reyes; Drums: John Davae Bughao, Angel Mae Natividad; Lead Guitarist: Anthony Abejay; Base Guitar: Rechonard Sumicao; Trumpet: Stephen John Cabillan; Trombone: Kristian Kyle Braza. Volunteer musicians (Not blind students) Hiroki Komatsu and Ronnieboy Soliva/Trumpet, Freedom Limboy ,and Jonathan Millalos Bengil/Trombone
Executive Director, Jun Buenaobra, acknowledged its Musical Director, Don Gundaya, who “laboriously and painstakingly taught our students the rudiments of music.” Buenaobra also thanked their sponsors and supporters and said, “What will happen to the school if donors disappear? Who will help the visually impaired? We are counting for your continues support and assistance. If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Dr. Margaret Misa Antonio, an ophthalmologist and CEO of the Board of Trustees, thanked everyone who helped put the Music program a successful endeavor. She said that the musicality brough out the best from the students making them -once derided for their blindness, more confident and now with a brighter future in the community. Dr. Antonio urged the public to “do its part, with the end in view of making our communities fully accepting of a person with disability’s potential to integrate into the social framework of the nation as a productive and active contributing member. “We should work to make educational and job opportunities accessible; make handicapped friendly workplaces; encourage employers to hire skilled and qualified persons with disability; educate and teach the community that PWD’s or PERSONS WITH DISABILITY have the same feelings, needs and aspirations as you and me.. that they should not be taken as objects of derision but, as human beings.. who bleed and cry when hurt, just like you and me; who dream of a better life for themselves and their families and are willing to work hard to achieve that goal, just like you and me.”
“This is the reason why we are all here now. Tonight’s event is a humble and sincere effort towards the realization of this dream, most especially for our brothers and sisters handicapped by failed eyesight.
The Davao School for the blind has been in operation for 30 years. It is the only school for the blind in the entire island group of Mindanao which has a population of 27,021,036 (2021 census). The school is nonsectarian, educates and rehabilitates the blind free of charge. It offers free education and free board and lodging with no subsidy from the government. It primarily relies on generous donations from non-profits and the community.
https://www.facebook.com/DavaoBlindSchool
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