FEU Bamboo Band holds "Ascend" concert on April 26

As temperature's rise this summer, the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB) invites everyone to soar higher with their upcoming concert ASCEND: Reaching New Heights in Music happening on April 26, 2025, 6:00 PM at the FEU Auditorium.

The FEU Bamboo Band, headed by Norberto Cads, Jr., is one of the performing groups under the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts (FCA). Using a variety of instruments made out of bamboo, the group performs various genres of music which will be on full display at the upcoming concert that will also feature special performances by other FCA groups namely the FEU Chorale and the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC), and guest artists like saxophonist Mr. Marlexis Del Mundo, flutist John Erin Gonzaga and bugle player Mr. Jhon Mark Isla.

FEU Bamboo Band

ASCEND is open to the public and admission is for free.

Reprinted below is the press release for ASCEND.

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts (FCA) presents the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB) in “ASCEND: Reaching New Heights in Music”, a special concert on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium.

This year’s performance helps celebrate FEU’s 97th founding anniversary and the 76th year of

the FEU Auditorium — a dual celebration of legacy and artistic excellence.

In honor of these milestones, the FEU Bamboo Band returns to the historic stage with ASCEND, a concert that highlights the limitless potential of bamboo music through a captivating blend of sound, culture, and creativity.

Following the emotional depth of last year’s kundiman-themed concert Ang Tangi Kong Ikaw, the FBB now invites audiences on an expansive musical journey.

ASCEND features a richly curated repertoire combining cherished Filipino classics with powerful international pieces — demonstrating how bamboo instruments and Filipino musicality can transcend genres and cultures.

Leading this project is Mr. Norberto Cads, Jr., an accomplished bamboo musician, key member of Banda Kawayan Pilipinas and artistic director of the FBB. Under his guidance, the FBB continues to blend tradition and modernity.

The FEU Bamboo Band is composed of dedicated student artists from across a wide range of

disciplines including Nursing, Medical Technology, Psychology, HRM, Tourism, Architecture, Marketing, Business, and Accountancy.

Despite not being music majors, these students devote over 12 hours each week to practice, fueled by passion and a shared love for music.

The evening will also feature special performances by the FEU Chorale, the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC), and guest artists: Mr. Marlexis Del Mundo on the Saxophone and Mr. John Erin Gonzaga on the flute, both former FBB members; and Mr. Jhon Mark Isla on trumpet – a proud FEU alumnus from the Institute of Arts & Sciences Class of 2018, former member of the FEU DBC, and the current Section Head at the FEU Center for the Arts.

Each artist brings a distinctive voice to the stage, promising a night of rich musical tapestry.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the Far Eastern University Bamboo Band or Far Eastern University Center for the Arts on Facebook.

You may also drop by the FCA office from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, or call (02)8849-4145 ext. 310.

Come and ASCEND —a celebration of music without borders.