Alicia Musika Kawayan: Unveiling Its Historical and Cultural Tapestry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v4i4.4749Keywords:
Bamboo, Culture, History, Instruments, MusicAbstract
Despite existing research on bamboo music in the Philippines, studies focusing on Bohol’s bamboo music culture remain limited. This narrative inquiry design explored the historical and cultural significance of Alicia Musika Kawayan through interviews with 16 key informants, including the founder, former members, and local stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed that the ensemble, founded by Brad Ado, evolved from a school initiative into a prominent cultural group, overcoming challenges such as financial struggles and Typhoon Odette. Performing with bamboo musical instruments such as the marimba kawayan, sugong, kuratong, tambol kawayan, bagater, palakpak, bamboo flute, and ukulele, the ensemble blends traditional folk and contemporary music with dynamic performances. Further, it contributed in preserving local culture, fostering pride, promoting tourism, and mentoring younger generations However, its decline underscored the need for sustained support and strategic planning to preserve such cultural initiatives, emphasizing music’s role in uniting communities and safeguarding heritage.
Downloads
References
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Burland, K. (2021). Ensemble participation and personal development. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 218–226). https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198860761.003.0027
Butete, V. B. (2013). Diffusionism and its effects on traditional music: A case of contemporary traditional music by Victor Kunonga. The Dyke, 7, 201–217.
Cottrell, S. (2017). The creative work of large ensembles. In Oxford University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199346677.003.0013
Dioquino, C. (2009, October 22). Philippine bamboo instruments. Humanities Diliman. https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/humanitiesdiliman/article/view/1484
Ekpo, O. E., & Loko, O. O. (2022). Safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage of the Jukun people through music composition and performance. Cultural Arts Research and Development, 2(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.55121/card.v2i1.17
Forbes, G. W. (2001). The repertoire selection practices of high school choral directors. Journal of Research in Music Education, 49(2), 102–121. https://doi.org/10.2307/3345863
Hayward, S., & Kartawi, D. (2023). Calung Banyumasan: Borderland Identity through the lens of Musical Technique. Malaysian Journal of Music, 12(2), 61–75. https://doi.org/10.37134/mjm.vol12.2.4.2023
Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT Press.
Komarudin, K., Ramlan, L., Laras, M. F., Wiresta, A. G., & Saepudin, A. (2022). Musik Bambu Wiragawi: Representasi komodifikasi bambu dari hasil strukturasi di tiga locus. Resital: Jurnal Seni Pertunjukan, 22(3), 158–179. https://doi.org/10.24821/resital.v22i3.6188
Kuang, J., & He, L. (2022). From oblivion to reappearance: A multi-faceted evaluation of the sustainability of folk music in Yunnan Province of China. SAGE Open, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221117806
Matlosa, J. (2014). Leadership skills, competence and organisational processes needed to lead a company from a decline to a sustainably successful turnaround. MBA, USB.
Menkshi, E., Braholli, E., Çobani, S., & Shehu, D. (2021). Assessing youth engagement in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage: A case study in Korça City, Albania. Quaestiones Geographicae, 40(1), 109–125. https://doi.org/10.2478/quageo-2021-0009
Mulya, S., Suparli, L., & Budi, D. S. U. (2023). Fungsi, Instrumentasi dan Pertunjukan Kesenian Bangkong Réang di Desa Lebak Muncang. AWILARAS, 8(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.26742/jal.v8i1.2611
Muyco, M. C. M. (2009). (Re)Opening a cultural memory: The bamboo Instruments of the Panay Bukidnon. Humanities Diliman, 5. https://aboutphilippines.ph/documents-etc/Bamboo-Instruments-Panay-Bukidnon1485-1844-1-PB.pdf
Pascua, D. P., Jr. (2025). Symbols and interpersonal meanings of popular love songs. Deleted Journal, 3(1), 16–21. https://doi.org/10.54536/jir.v3i1.3879
Proksch, S., Reeves, M., Spivey, M., & Balasubramaniam, R. (2022). Coordination dynamics of multi-agent interaction in a musical ensemble. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04463-6
Samoto, H. (2021). Assembling bamboo panpipes in the Blended Life: musical mediation in a village of ’Are’are, Solomon Islands. People and Culture in Oceania, 36, 1–26. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/130008098235
Tapson, K., Daykin, N., & Walters, D. M. (2018). The role of genre-based community music: A study of two UK ensembles. International Journal of Community Music, 11(3), 289–309. https://doi.org/10.1386/ijcm.11.3.289_1
Tradition & innovation: People, places and practices of bamboo music in the Philippines. (2022).
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Bryan Bryle G. Lloren, Henry Jr. O. Molina, Maria Eunice B. Balansag, Rosel A. Madera, Trisha G. Lumawag, Mark Mauris E. Cabahug

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.