Last June 3, 2012, the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS) STRING ORCHESTRA under the baton of condutors, Gina Medina and Jeffrey Solares performed at Rizal Park’s Concert at the Park.

Special Education Philippines dedicates this post to give information about the group, their programs and scholarships.

PREDIS

The present members and leaders of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) are products of a training program initiated in 1985 by Professor Basilio “Billy” Manalo, concertmaster of the original Manila Symphony Orchestra. Together with Sister Mary Placid Abejo, OSB, Dean of the St. Scholastica’s School of Music, they formed the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS), designed to provide training and inspiration for young musicians (aged 4-25) who has the capability and desire to embark on a professional career as instrumentalists. Since then over 300 young Filipinos have benefited from the program and have become leaders in the field of symphonic and orchestral music in our country.

PREDIS was envisioned to develop young musicians for a professional music career. It was projected that with PREDIS, major orchestras would then have a rich resource of well trained musicians. Likewise, it was the dream of PREDIS to provide scholarship programs to talented youths who did not have the financial access to professional musical training. The scholarship include tuition for lessons, orchestral training, access to quality instruments, and financial support for formal college music schooling.

PREDIS Concert at the Park Rizal Park Special Education Philippines

The PROGRAM

At present, around a hundred young musicians are enrolled in the PREDIS training program. Training consists of individual lessons, group lessons, music theory classes, frequent recitals, chamber music, and orchestra apprenticeship program. Masterclasses are organized with guest professors also provide additional insight on playing technique and interpretation.

The PREDIS-Suzuki Program

Since 2005, several PREDIS teachers have also undergone special pedagogy training as teacher trainees the Philippine Suzuki Association (PSA). This has enabled PREDIS to adopt the Suzuki Method in its training program for youngsters. The PREDIS-Suzuki Summer Program has been a popular avenue for exploration and learning for children from as young as four years old. Aside from individual lessons, there are group classes divided into PRE-Twinklers, Suzuki Book 1, Suzuki Book 2-3, and Suzuki Book 4 and Up. These classes are handled by PREDIS teachers with a special training in Suzuki Pedagogy.

The Suzuki Method™ is a special approach to teaching instrumental music developed by the Japanese violin teacher Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. The method is also known as the Mother Tongue Approach, since it uses the way by which every human being learns his or her native language as a basis for teaching instrumental music. The Suzuki Method™ has a specific educational philosophy, a particular pedagogical approach, and a program of education. The complete program of education will consist of the following essential elements:

1. Listening to selected recordings and observation of other children
2. Parental involvement in lessons and home practice
3. Private lessons with a qualified teacher
4. Weekly Group Lessons
5. The Suzuki Core Repertoire
6. Frequent Recitals and Concert Attendance
7. Suzuki Membership

THE PREDIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Students who have reached a certain level of proficiency in their training are also invited to take part as members of the PREDIS Chamber Orchestra. The PREDIS Chamber Orchestra is a string orchestra of youngsters aged 11-20. They rehearse and perform regularly under the supervision of members of the MSO. Their repertoire is designed to introduce them to orchestral music and to the culture of orchestral discipline, technique and performance experience.

Present members of the PREDIS Chamber Orchestra

Violin 1: Eunice Livioco; Julia Garcia; Lorenzo Ampil; Joanna Camille Mendez; Margie Canonero; Lourdes Miguel; Ingrid Guce; Ian Sumague; Micah Pecson

Violin 2: Paul Layug; Michaela Fajardo; TJ Talusan; Victoria Dimacali; Ram Veneracion; Issabela De Jesus; Regina Borja

Viola: Richelle Bisda; Vanessa Clemente

Cello: Sarah Libo-on; Angelita Moris

Conductors: Jonathan Livioco; Gina Medina; Jeffrey Solares

PREDIS SCHOLARS

Scholarships are available for talented youngsters intent on pursuing a career in orchestral music. The scholarship provides financial support for lessons and orchestra apprenticeships. Those who show commitment for a career in music performance and pedagogy are also given financial support for their pursuit of a college degree in music at the St. Scholastica’s College School of Music. In exchange, these scholars are asked to serve as apprentices or regular members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra(MSO) during the duration of their training and for a determined period of time upon graduation. Recently, five scholars of the PREDIS Program have been presented in solo recitals with the Manila Symphony Orchestra as part of the PREDIS 25th Anniversary Celebration.

© 2011 Manila Symphony Orchestra Inc. 

Note: The information above did not come from Special Education Philippines. This information was provided by the National Park and Development Committee and re-posted by the author of this blog to support the projects of the NPDC.