Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Thank You For The Music

I was in the mall to buy some groceries when I chanced upon a backdrop on a stage, set up in the middle of the mall atrium, that says:

Avenida Musika - Brass Band Symphonic Competition
March 7, 1pm.

The competition is in connection with the annual musical festival of Tagum City which we celebrate every March, the Musikahan festival.

I finished my errands before 1pm and since I did not have other plans for the day, I decided to just stay a while and enjoy the free show.

I sat on a vacant monoblock chair provided for the audience and waited for the event to start. I waited, and waited. And waited. Until it was 245 when the event started.

How I hate tardiness.

After the introduction of the judges that lasted 30 mins (I am not exaggerating) the competition was on. And o boy how I enjoyed the show.

I can't explain the excitement I felt when the first band started playing. I was actually expecting a loud, marching band type of music. It was not like that at all. And then I remembered; oh right, this was the symphonic brass band. It was like listening to the soundtrack of a movie.

I was able to recognize the songs played by the first contestant. New York, New York transitioned to My Way. Then my heart skipped a beat when they played Obla di Obla (life goes on bra! La la la life goes on!) and I thought I hope they'll play more Beatles songs.

Billie Jean was next and then a very beautiful rendition of the Visayan song, Usahay. I was really having a good time but their next set of songs was what made my day: they played a medley of Beatles songs.

I thought; I knew it! I knew they were going to play The Beatles, it's inevitable! I'm so happy I wasn't wrong.

They started with Hey Jude. It was‎ followed by one of my favorite songs, Martha My Dear. I used to sing that to our puppy, Wolfie Rabbit. But that's another story.

Then the played The Fool On The Hill and Norwegian Wood. Norwegian Wood! By a brass band! I wouldn't have imagined it being played without the sitar but the band made it work. I liked it so very much.

The next set of songs from the next group just went by so fast. I wasn't able to recognize most of them except for the themes from Star Wars and Jaws but I remember being so thrilled!

I can't call myself a music lover as I can only appreciate a few styles and genres. I don't know what to call this type of music as I have little to no knowledge about music. But as far as I can remember, I've appreciated this kind of musical performances.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. I am deeply grateful for those who made this possible. It was such an awesome experience. I went home with a happy heart, my soul richer because of the gift of music.