Kim , Rockell
(2013)
The Philippine Rondalla: A Gift Of Musical
Heritage In A Migrant Context.
International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 9 (1).
pp. 98-120.
ISSN ISSN: 1823-6243
Abstract
This paper reports on two recently developed contemporary rondallas
outside the Philippines: one in Dansui, Taiwan and another in Queensland,
Australia. The rondalla is a plucked-string ensemble which was brought to
the Philippines from Spain in the late nineteenth century, not long before
American intervention and the end of the Spanish era. This type of
instrumental group was enthusiastically adopted in the Philippines and
became an inexpensive and accessible medium for music education in
schools. It has also become strongly connected to notions of Philippine
national identity. Enjoying periodic resurgences within the Philippines, the
characteristic, sparkling tremolo sound of rondalla instruments has an
enduring place in the Philippine musical soundscape. This examination of
rondallas in two diasporic locations confirms that the key concern for
group founders is the transmission of culture of origin to secondgeneration Filipino migrants. In spite of a lack of funds and the scarcity of
rondalla teachers, Filipinos have been able to reconstruct a treasured,
musical heritage in their new homes. The paper also highlights the
interesting contrast between the specific forms of multiculturalism which
have arisen in Taiwan and Australia over the last few decades and have
influenced the development of rondallas in each location.
Recommendations for the rondalla's further development are offered,
including the establishment of a freely downloadable database of scores
and the creation of accessible educational multi-media materials for
rondalla.
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