The Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB), formerly known FEU Pangkat Kawayan, was established in 1966. The FBB is a cultural group under the FEU Center for the Arts headed by senior director Martin Lopez.At present, there are 50 young and talented FEU students from different institutions who are members of the FBB.The FBB performed in a very successful concert held "Ang Tangi Kong Ikaw" May 4 presented by the FEU Center for the Arts. The concert was in celebration of FEU's ninety six years.We interviewed two personalities from the FBB — artistic director Norberto Cads Jr. and 4th year BA Communication student and president of the student group, and a member of the FBB, Nicole Lauzon.When did you join the FBB and what were your main goals then?Norberto: I started teaching and handling the FBB in 2008. The group had a different set of bamboo instruments back then so we had to build up the number of instruments to what it is today. My main goal back then was to be able to teach the group bamboo music and extend their repertoire to not only be able to perform Philippine folk music but to also be able to perform and appreciate all types of genres. I think we have achieved that over the couple of years that I have been the Artistic Director. And this year we went back to our roots and learned OPM classics. The group studied Kundiman and timeless OPM love songs that are not just entertaining but helps to show our audience how rich and beautiful our Philippine Music is.As a bamboo band, how do you manage to balance your musical repertoire while ensuring the audience's satisfaction?Norberto: Bamboo music is unique, with a warm and relaxing sound that entertains and satisfies our audience. The FEU Bamboo Band's set of instruments—including the marimba, bumbong, kalagong, angklung, and drums—provides a well-balanced variety of music. Additionally, incorporating elements like vocal renditions, flute solos, and trumpet, trombone, and saxophone ensembles surprises and captivates the audience during our performances.Can you name three highlights of the band that have been truly memorable over the years?Norberto: One highlight was when they started incorporating choreography into their performances. Another memorable moment was when the FEU Bamboo Band learned and performed various music genres in a concert. Lastly, the group's growth from 20 to 30 students to about 60 student members each year is significant, especially since all members are non-music majors. Having them come together to perform beautiful music is a true highlight for anyone.What are you looking forward to with regards to the future of the FEU Bamboo Band?Norberto: I look forward to seeing the band go on concert tours at various universities across the Philippines and eventually perform overseas to share the culture and wonderful music of the Philippines. Sharing our unique music not just with the FEU community but with the world would be a dream come true for me.What life lessons have you learned as a member of the FEU Bamboo Band? How do you manage to keep a healthy working relationship with the other band members?Nicole: I learned a lot of lessons from my experience and also from our Artistic Director. One of them is that discipline, camaraderie and humility must come together in order to form a good relationship with my bandmates. At present, there are 50 young and talented FEU students who are members of the FBB. If you were given a chance to invite to watch the FEU Bamboo Band how will you do it? What is special about the FBB?Nicole: I think the most effective way to convince people to join the FEU Bamboo Band is to show who we really are. By showing people that they are welcome to be part of our growing family and letting them hear our music through performances, may it be in our campus or other places, I'm confident we can encourage others to join our growing family.The FEU Bamboo Band for me, isn't just a simple band. Through hard work and perseverance in trainings, we are able to showcase our musical talents through cultural instruments that isn't normally seen in bands people usually see and hear. We perform songs that people don't really expect us to play. As we are a cultural group, some only expect us to perform folk songs but our music is diverse. We perform different genres such as OPM and Pop songs. Our bamboo instruments are our pride as we represent the culture of our country in the field of music.What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself still involved with music, either as a solo performer or with a group?Nicole: For now, I'm still exploring possible careers in the field of communication. If given a chance to still be involved in music, why not? I would love to learn and experience more of my musical journey. Since I was young, I have passion for music, so I think I will consider venturing on the said field. I would love to be in a group such as the FEU Bamboo Band. Not specifically in bamboo music only, but I would love to experience more of our existing cultural instruments.For more information, visit Far Eastern University Bamboo Band on Facebook. For inquiries, email: feubambooband@feu.edu.ph or fca@feu.edu.ph.
The Far Eastern University Bamboo Band (FBB), formerly known FEU Pangkat Kawayan, was established in 1966. The FBB is a cultural group under the FEU Center for the Arts headed by senior director Martin Lopez. At present, there are 50 young and talented FEU students from different institutions who are members of the FBB.
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