Once again, the Tarlac State University Chorale made waves on the international stage, bagging two gold awards at the 2024 Taipei International Choir Competition (TICC) from July 30 to August 2 in Taipei, Taiwan.
This marks the Chorale's return to the competition, following their successful participation in the first TICC in 2018, where they also won two gold medals.
In an interview, Choirmaster Joshua Ysmael Fontanilla noted that the TSU Chorale was one of the smallest groups in the competition, which required a minimum of 20 members but had no maximum number.
With only 25 members, the TSU Chorale bested 55 groups from various Asian countries, securing a gold prize as fourth place in the Musica Sacra category and winning the gold award as champions in the Contemporary Music category.
Moreover, the group also earned a spot in the Grand Prix qualifying round.
Fontanilla shared that the Chorale had only seven months to prepare for the competition. Their biggest challenge was the members' attendance at the rehearsals due to conflicting class schedules.
“Sabay ang klase and training. Thrice a week ang rehearsal namin at ginagabi talaga kami ng practice para hindi madamay ang academics ng mga bata,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the group prepared and performed their Filipino pieces well, including "Daluyong," a piece dedicated to the victims of typhoon Yolanda.
The group thanked the TSU community for their support, especially TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco and the Office of Culture, Arts, and Languages, led by Prof. Marcelino P. Balanquit.
“Masaya naman kasi supported siya ng TSU pero nabitin kami dahil kulang sa gala since halos araw-araw may event. Pero overall, sobrang nag-enjoy kaming lahat," Fontanilla said when asked about their competition experience.
“Sana marami pang mahikayat na students na sumali sa mga ganitong klaseng organization o groups para mas ma-explore nila 'yung talent nila,” he added.
The TSU Chorale is currently preparing for the CAASUC III regional competition. The group actively seeks opportunities to participate in more national and international competitions. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo from the Tarlac State University Chorale Facebook page
