program areas of pace-mi

Rondalla & traditional Folk music

Ever listen to the music for dances like "Tinikling" and wondered what sort of instruments are playing? Well that is the sound of the Philippine Rondalla, an orchestra ensemble of plucked string instruments with origins from Spain. The Rondalla​ is a past-time tradition brought to the Philippines by the Spanish. It is an ensemble comprised of guitar, bass, bandurrias, octavinas, lauds and even small percussion. The ensemble's main function is to serenade it's listeners; accompanying vocalists, dances and even performing song covers and orchestral works.

Beginning participants in this ensemble will learn how to play an instrument (guitar, bandurria, etc.) as well as the basics of musicianship. Advanced participants will learn how to play in the ensemble setting and work on pieces to accompany vocalists or dancers in preparation for regular cultural performances in the community.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
  1. ​Koro ng Bagets: This class meets every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 and designed for participants 6-10 years old.
  2. Rondalla Estudyantina: This class meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of Every Month from 2:30PM - 3:15PM and is for Beginner Students 11+ Years Old
  3. Rondalla Cumparsa: This class meets on 1st & 3rd Sundays of Every Month from 3:30PM - 5PM and is For Intermediate & Advanced Students/Participants 15+ Years Old

kULINTANG & indigenous music

The Philippines has a wide plethora of indigenous music ensembles from across the vast number of the country's ethnolinguistic communities. PACE-MI focuses educational efforts on learning percussion and gong-chime traditions like repertoire from the Kulintang ensembles of Mindanao and Gangsa ensembles of the Northern Cordillera Mountains.

Participants in the ensemble will not just learn how to perform these ancient styles of music as soloists and ensemble players, but will also learn cultural background information of the music as well as the ethnic group it originates from.
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CLASS SCHEDULE:
  1. ​Kulintangan a Bagets: This class meets every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 and designed for participants 6-10 years old.
  2. Kulintangan a Kabataan: This class meets on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of Every Month from 2:30PM - 3:15PM and is for Beginner Students 11+ Years Old
  3. Kulintangan a Bayani: This class meets on 2nd & 4th Sundays of Every Month from 3:30PM - 5PM and is For Intermediate & Advanced Students/Participants 15+ Years Old

folk & Indigenous dance

One of the 3 facets of performing arts ensembles in PACE-MI is our dance program. There is no doubt in saying "Filipinos love to dance!". There are many traditions of dance in the Philippines, plenty of which have long pre-dated the arrival of outside influences such as the religions of Christianity and Islam, and the occupations of Spain and America. Our dance program focuses on learning and sharing the ancient traditions of various indigenous ethnic communities, as well as the relatively newer folk dances brought by Spanish influences and the native folk dances created in rural barrio communities.

Our dance participants will learn specific dances dependent on their skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), age group, and self-identified gender; with no set exclusions on any personal identities. Both beginning and advanced dancers may be asked to perform for larger community events and presentations! Come learn folk dance with PACE-MI!
CLASS SCHEDULE:
  1. ​Adult Dance Class: This class meets every Sunday from 1:30PM to 3:15PM and designed for participants 15+ years old.
  2. Children's Dance Class: This class meets every Sunday from 3:30PM to 5PM and designed for participants 6-14 years old.

Martial arts: Pekiti Tirsia Kali

Kali is a Filipino Martial Art and weapon-based combat system, inclusive of all weapon categories and ranges: edge and impact weapons, striking, kicking, joint locks, and grappling. We emphasize skill development in both armed and unarmed fighting. We work toward developing the attributes needed to be functional fighters, good friends, and responsible citizens. We welcome everyone to train with us, regardless of ability or experience.

Classes are conducted by Guro Justin Shaffner, who is ranked Tuhon in Pekiti Tirsia Kali under Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje, Jr..

Theoretically, any age could train. There are different kinds of drills and exercises for different ages. 
CLASS SCHEDULE:
  1. This class meets every Tuesday from 6PM to 8PM and designed for participants of any age

MEET THE DIRECTORS

BENITA  B. MURREL

Artistic Director of Folk Dance

GEAN-Vincent ALMENDRAS

Music Director of Rondalla & Indigenous Music

elizabeth O. weil 

Education Coordinator of Indigenous Music