Pulse: Journal for Music and Interdisciplinary Practices

BATTLES AND SURVIVALS: THE MANILA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DURING WWII AND COVID-19: CONTEXTUALIZING FILIPINO RESILIENCE AND BAYANIHAN

Rey Sunglao — 2025-12-31

Through the cultural lenses of Filipino resilience and bayanihan, this article explores the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) survival during two global crises, World War II and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Founded in 1926, the MSO has endured economic and social upheavals, rising each time with renewed purpose. This study employs a small-scale humanistic genre using an immersion approach. It draws from primary sources, including data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the MSO’s official records, and a documentary by the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). Additionally, it utilises a wide range of relevant secondary literature, including journal articles and historical reports. The findings reveal how the MSO adapted to adversity during wartime devastation and pandemic restrictions by embodying Filipino resilience and bayanihan. This article highlights the contributions of key figures and the orchestra’s innovative responses, reflecting how Filipino values have shaped the MSO’s legacy and ensured its continuity across generations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCES ON THE FORMATION AND PERCEPTION OF IDENTITY IN YOUNG ADULT MUSICIANS

Panicha Ponprasit — 2025-12-31

This study aimed to investigate the construction and perception of self-Identity through Musical experiences in early adulthood musicians. A qualitative phenomenological research methodology was employed. The informants were six early adulthood musicians who were selected via purposive sampling based on specific criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews. The analysis of the informantsí experiences yielded four main Themes: (1) Clarity in Musical Self: This involves perceiving oneís own Musical preferences, abilities, needs, and Musical self-Identity. (2) Support from Others in the Musical Path: These are factors that supported the informants in entering Musical education and Musical careers, including encouragement, and serving as an emotional anchor when encountering difficulties in the Musical path. (3) Perceiving Value in the Work Performed: This is the act of seeing self-value, and seeing the value in music and the work the informants perform as being beneficial to others and (4) Music Facilitates Overcoming Difficult Times: Music plays a role in helping them regulate their emotions, take a mental break from unresolved problems, and also brings comfort and a peaceful state of mind, enabling them to navigate difficult periods. The findings of this study provide insight into the impact of Musical experiences on the construction and perception of self-Identity in early adulthood musicians, which can benefit psychologists and relevant personnel in supporting the development of potential and the perception and understanding of self-Identity through future activities.

THE CULTURAL PRACTICES AND LEARNING TRANSMISSION OF THREE PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY RONDALLAS

Andrew Jaye Q. Ocampo — 2025-12-31

In the Philippines, community rondalla pedagogy has not previously been examined through a digital ethnographic approach. This study investigates the content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge of three community rondalla groups: the Sariaya Community Rondalla, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble, and Dipolog Community Rondalla. Data were collected through online interviews, online focus group discussions, and digital analysis of photographs and documents. The findings reveal that: (1) content knowledge is expressed through instrument selection and tuning, as well as the use of notational aids; (2) pedagogical knowledge is primarily manifested in strategies for group management and rehearsal motivation; and (3) pedagogical content knowledge aligns closely with established rondalla pedagogical practices articulated by Espejo, Calubayan, De Leon, Pasamba, Narzo, and Dadap. The study further highlights the importance of local government funding in sustaining community rondalla groups and supporting the continued promotion of Filipino Musical culture.

REVIVING RÓZSA: A STUDY ON RECEPTION HISTORY AND PERFORMATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE VIOLIN CONCERTO, OP. 24.

Kylie Tan — 2025-12-31

This research initiates a historical discussion regarding the reception history and the evolving interpretations of MiklÛs RÛzsaís Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 24 (1953), written for virtuoso violinist Jascha Heifetz. The concerto displays a fusion of artistic virtuosity and lyrical nuances ñ qualities that later captured the attention of Hollywood film director Billy Wilder, who adapted Themes from the concerto for his 1970 film The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

A key focus on how individual performers have shaped its artistic legacy and how perceptions of the work have shifted over time presents an opportunity to understand the evident potential of this work to stand alongside more frequently performed works. Data were collected from concert reviews, critical writing, and recorded interpretations spanning over half a decade, tracing the concertoís journey from its successful premiere to its current status within the violin repertoire.

This research examines the interplay of factors ñ ranging from stylistic interpretation to performance challenges and historical context ñ that may have influenced its more limited presence in mainstream programming. Despite its evident potential to stand alongside more frequently performed works, the concerto has not achieved the widespread recognition seen in some contemporary works. Rather than characterizing this as an underrated work, the research highlights the concertoís artistic value and its potential for renewed interest among performers and scholars alike.

APPLYING BEL CANTO SINGING TECHNIQUE TO SOPRANO ARIAS FOR MODERN TIMES

Jirut Khamlanghan — 2025-12-31

This research article aims to present core principles of bel canto singing techniques in a concise and accessible form suitable for contemporary pedagogical and performance contexts. The study draws upon two nineteenth-century vocal exercise manuals authored by Manuel GarcÌa and Mathilde Marchesióboth historically significant and widely used in their time, yet less familiar to present-day learners. Essential concepts from these manuals have been examined and synthesized to provide practical guidance for current practitioners of classical voice. Six soprano arias by Vincenzo Bellini and Gaetano Donizetti were selected as representative repertoire for analysis. These works exemplify the hallmark challenges of bel canto performance, including advanced vocal agility, refined control, nuanced ornamentation, and interpretive depth. Through structural and stylistic analysis, the research elucidates technical approaches and ornamentation strategies that support authentic bel canto interpretation. The study culminates in a live performance designed to demonstrate the application of these findings. Beyond functioning as a practical extension of the research, the performance seeks to revitalize interest in bel canto arias and broaden public appreciation for this vocal tradition. In doing so, the research highlights the enduring pedagogical and artistic value of bel canto within todayís classical singing landscape.

EXPLORING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF AN ARTS-BASED LEARNING APPROACH TO ENHANCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS: A CASE STUDY

P.B.S.L. Pushpakumara — 2025-12-31

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explored the university students’ perception of an arts-based learning approach to enhancing English language learning among first-year students in a Faculty of Arts at a state university in Sri Lanka. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire, six focused group interviews, and reflective essays. Findings revealed that arts-based learning approaches create a relaxed, low-pressure classroom atmosphere that enhances motivation, reduces anxiety, and encourages active participation. These methods also support the authentic use of language, promote imagination, and cater to diverse learning styles. Students perceive music and drama, the selected arts activities as enjoyable and memorable ways to engage with the language while building cultural empathy and a sense of community. By connecting theory with practice, this study highlights the potential of creative arts in ESL education and calls for learner-centered, innovative teaching strategies. The findings offer valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers in developing more engaging and effective language learning environments.