Unveiling the Blue Symphony
by Kevin Calderon on September 7, 2010
In the Ateneo, there exists a flood of musicians flowing out and about the campus. Every now and then, you might see them sporting a modern, rock n’ roll image with other individuals just like themselves.
But what about those who’ve spent ages nourishing their talents on more classical mediums of music? Where do these guys fit in? In a less perfect world, they might be found wandering around aimlessly, their instruments by their sides as mere ornaments.
Fortunately, that’s not the case—at least, not while the Blue Symphony is around.
Playing a different tune
The Blue Symphony serves as the home of classical musicians of the Ateneo, consisting of 16 violinists, five guitarists, four pianists, three percussionists, three flutists, three cellists, two saxists, one violist, one clarinet player, one harmonica player and one on the trumpet or the French horn—adding up to 40 performers, including the Blue Symphony president.
“When we were starting the organization, it was always my dream to have a home for the classical musicians in Ateneo,” says Arnold Garcia, current president of the Blue Symphony. “The last instance of an orchestra [existed] during the Padre Faura days; since [that time], the Blue Symphony [has been] the first orchestra,” he says
Fairly young as it is, the Blue Symphony has already performed in a number of noteworthy events since its birth in 2008—events such as the Ateneo’s 149th year and the university sesquicentennial, as well as the launch of the new Rizal Library. Not limited to third party appearances, the Blue Symphony also held a concert of its own at the Crowne Plaza over the summer.
Keeping up with Gaga
The Blue Symphony strives to break out of the mold as orchestral musicians. The selection of music played by the orchestra is not restricted to classical music as it incorporates modern music as part of its repertoire. If you’ve kept up with their performances, you would’ve heard them dishing out their renditions of songs from Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, and the like. “We want to make our music accessible to anybody,” explains Arnold
Nothing stops the Blue Symphony from crossing over to different genres, taking pieces as their own, and then concocting a new yet familiar formula of music for people to appreciate.
Still a caliber in the arts
With the number of members to boot, it would prove quite a challenge to prepare the orchestra for upcoming performances. This isn’t some sort of zombie army hypnotized into operating under your whim. It’s practically a given that aside from being academically bombarded work mules, the performers also have their own agendas.
During practices, the orchestra works steadily in ironing out any imperfections with the help of their trusty conductors and guests brought from outside of the Ateneo. “We usually upload pieces online just so [the performers] can practice at home,” adds Arnold. When they aren’t rehearsing within the campus, they’re most likely down at their studio in Marikina.
At some point during the Recruitment Week, some might’ve stood dumbfounded when the City Guides showed no hint of anything related to an orchestra. And that’s because the Blue Symphony is “not yet accredited”, according to Arnold. However, in no way does it take away from the caliber it presents in the creative arts.
Though not yet an official organization, the Blue Symphony looks forward into taking its place among the organizations of Ateneo sometime in the near future. No doubt, it brings completely solid assets to the table and stands firm in its presence. The Blue Symphony is here to stay.
