Some 250 students from Southeast Asia are expected to arrive in the Philippines to attend a musical extravaganza showcasing the talents of young musicians in the region.

The students, who will come from schools affiliated with the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia (FOBISSEA) will attend the music festival hosted by the British School Manila (BSM) in Taguig City from November 12-15.

The four-day event will be highlighted by a large full-scale rehearsals of both choirs and orchestra to perform major works by composers such as Haydn, Mendelssohn, John Williams, “Fats” Waller and Bobby McFerrin to smaller chamber ensembles and stimulating workshops.

There will also be workshops on Music Theatre helmed by Mark Williams, Music Therapy led by Celeste Sanchez, Hip-Hop Dancing, Junk Percussion, Philippine Instruments, Composition, Rock Band an introduction to the organ.

The festival will also feature live performances from local musicians, including a Rondalla band and a guitar ensemble, and a concert by the world choir games winner of 2008, the Las Piñas Boys’ Choir, on November 14.

A Gala concert at the school campus is scheduled to cap the last night of the festival on November 15, and will feature the main musical ensembles from the festival as well as some of the music from the other ensembles and workshops.

British School Manila is an international school in the Philippines providing British education in academic sporting and social education. The school prides itself on excellent results in National Curriculum tests, GCSE and IB results, exceeding United Kingdom averages.

At present, more than 790 students aged 1-18 are enrolled and 40 nationalities are represented. British children make up 30 percent, Filipino 20 percent, Americans 9 percent and Australians 9 percent of the student population.