Photography Book Design / 2020
Orchestra musicians lack media representation compared to different genres, affecting their marketability and chances to perform in more accessible venues. The current and potential audiences do not feel as much as connected due to a lack of documentation and an intimidating stereotype of orchestras, that it is only for the elite. Despite being overlooked, they continue to heal their listeners internally and use music to connect people and open something immeasurable in you.
This documentary photobook showcases what it is like in the lives of Philippine orchestra musicians and staff, behind-the-scenes documentation, and stories that highlight the efforts to make classical music much more accessible to the masses, motivated by the belief that music transcends classes and is truly for everyone.
Heroes Behind the Orchestra
For my undergraduate thesis, I chose this topic because my childhood was heavily influenced by music. My mother is a music educator, musician and director; my father was a former professional singer, and my brother is an avid fan of classical music.
A thesis proposal presented to the faculty of College of Fine Arts and Design, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.
Heroes Behind the Orchestra
All Rights Reserved © Jazmin Domingo Tabuena
9.5"x10"
119 pages
Year: 2020
For academic purposes only
"I hope people will support our local orchestras more because music plays a vital role in our daily lives. It is said that every nation must have their own music, even if it orginated in the West, Philippine local orchestras still play and create Filipino compositions that sustain our culture. Orchestra players do their best for their love of playing. I hope musicians like us receive more support in what we do."
Kim Camiling,
USTWO Flutist
"As a musician with an unusual instrument, usually when the audiences think of musicians, [they] think we’re talented. I don’t believe in talent. I believe in hard work. Audiences are amazed when [they] see the musicians' excellence in performance. [They] think we’re only talented, but they do not see the grinding process. Four to five hours of rehearsals and giving every bit of yourself to the music every day is not an easy peat."
Joshua Endo,
USTSO Contrabass Player
"I think people rarely attend classical concerts because they tend to get intimidated by the audience itself. There’s a false idea that classical concerts only cater to the elite; on the contrary, music is for everyone. Classical music will not exclude anyone. Music is inherent in each of us. Our responsibility is to educate people on what classical music is. So as marketing director, I plan to make symphony music, classical music more relatable and more accessible to all audiences.
Do not be disheartened that it’s not as popular as the other kinds of music because it transcends many, many generations, so it is your moral obligation and moral responsibility and social obligation (as a musician) to make sure that classical music is never forgotten."
Rona De Leon,
MSO Marketing Director
"There are a lot of things that remain unseen. Of course the preparation, it takes time and effort. It is not an easy task to put up a concert just like that. We need to do intensive rehearsals and deep concentration weeks before–sometimes even for months. It is a very demanding profession, yet a fulfilling one. As an educator, I advise budding and professional musicians to polish your skill.
Be great at what you do. You have to practice very, very hard. This is the only way to achieve things in life."
Professor Herminigildo Ranera, PhD,
USTSO Music Director and Principal Conductor
PPO Resident Conductor
BTS Video
Videography and editing: Julius Villavieja
Animation: Jazmin Domingo Tabuena
Interview audio: Jazmin Tabuena
Voice over: Rona De Leon, MSO Marketing Director
Setup: Jazmin Domingo Tabuena
Book Launch and Exhibit
Walkthrough
Concept and flow: Jazmin Domingo Tabuena
3D Walkthrough: Amiel Salas
(Disclaimer: Some parts were not executed as planned due to time constraints)