2011 National Music Competitions for Young Artists

Ma. Jeline Oliva, Jimmy Tagala, Ira Alexis Aclan and Gilopez Kabayao

The 2011 National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Nationals was recently held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For six days, young musicians, dancers, singers and performers competed and showcased their talents during this much eagerly awaited annual competition. Due to prior commitments and scheduling conflicts, I was able to watch only one day of the competition (Strings Competition) and the culminating concert of winners.

The Strings Competition for both Categories B and C was a test of endurance for me as a member of the audience. There were seven finalists in both categories and they all performed pieces that went as long as an actual concerto. Fourteen finalists meant almost listening to fourteen concertos which was no easy task for the audience since the competition took so long. If it was hard for the audience, I could only imagine how much harder it was for the members of the jury who had to keep an objective mind all throughout the competition since they were judging the performances.

I was also pushed to the limits since I’ve had my fill of Mendelssohn and Khachaturian concertos and also Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy with only the piano accompanying the violinists during the competition. And also, only two movements from the concertos were performed since the rules stated that finalists would perform the remaining two movements of their chosen concerto in the finals while the other movement was played during the semis. So this experience was totally different from the usual concert. But although it was exhausting, the final competition was also exciting since there was added pressure for the finalists which could result in them either choking or raising their level and there was this element of trying to figure out who would win.

Thankfully, the Concert of Winners happening on the last day no longer had the pressure of competition. It was the moment of the winners to bask in the glory and celebrate. It was also my chance to see the other winners as well since I only got the chance to watch one day of the competition. The concert also featured collaborations between the winners of the rondalla category and also choir category as well. NAMCYA 2011 is officially over and the 2012 edition will feature another set of categories and its very likely that someone is already preparing for the first stages of the competition.

2011 NAMCYA National Winners

Piano Category B

1^st Prize Gabriel Allan F. Paguirigan
2^nd Prize Lorenzo B. Medel
3^rd Prize Chance Elan C. Israel

Winds Category C

Flute

1^st Prize Angelo A. Mateo
2^nd Prize John Lester T. Armenta

Saxophone
1^st Prize Adriane M. Constantino

Dance Junior Ballet

1^st Prize Monica Gana
2^nd Prize Rudolph Capungcol
3^rd Prize Jasmine Pia Dames
Special (Luva Adameit) Denise Parungao
Special (2 Tony) Jessica Pearl Dames
Special (Manolo Rosado) Sean Kevin Pelegrin
Special (Trudl Dubsky) Georgette Sanchez
Special (Trudl Dubsky) Rolby Lacaba

Choir Category B

1^st Prize Kantika Baao (Bicol)
2^nd Prize Ilocos Norte National High School Youth Choir (Ilocos Norte)
3^rd Prize Muntinlupa Science High School (Muntinlupa)
Special (Best Interpretation of the Concert Piece) Ilocos Norte National High School Youth Choir

Strings Category B

1^st Prize Ma. Jeline Oliva
2^nd Prize Roi Aldric Trawon
3^rd Prize Ira Alexis Aclan

Strings Category C

Violin

1^st Prize Jimmy Tagala Jr.
Honorable Mention Jonathan David Livioco
Honorable Mention Christian Tan

Double Bass

1^st prize Paolo Jaime Alcantara

Rondalla Category A

1^st Prize Lucban District Children's Rondalla (Quezon)
2^nd Prize Sariaya East Children's Rondalla (Quezon)
3^rd Prize Maco Heights Central Elementary School Rondalla (Davao)

Traditional Music Ensemble Category A

P. Kindat Music Ensemble (General Santos City)

Conductor: Rosita M. Balunto

Bolton Elementary School, “Sa Tabok” Cultural Dance Ensembles (Davao City)

Conductor: Agnes F. Tatoy

Likayan Children Cultural Group (Mt. Province)

Conductor: Josephine D. Ngolab

Dinupdup Ethnic Group

Conductor: Olivia D. Eheng

DepEd Bulacan Performing Arts Group (Bulacan City)

Conductor: Marquez T. Cartel

Tiempo Elementary School Cultural Dance Troupe (Abra)

Conductor: Emma C. Segunso