The Fleur de Lis Theater, in the 1960s, was dubbed the ‘Broadway of Herran’ for its acclaimed musicals. (Photo courtesy of Sr. Anunciata Sta. Ana)

St. Paul University Manila’s College of Music and the Performing Arts (CMPA) may not be as known as the UP College of Music and UST’s Conservatory of Music, but many times over in the past 70 years, it has taken steps ahead of the rest with its pioneering courses, notable performing ensembles, and its excellent students.

For one, its St. Paul University Manila Chorale has rendered memorable performances in major events such as the wake of President Cory Aquino in 2009, the 31st UNESCO World Congress celebration at the Manila Cathedral, the World Leaders’ Forum at the Manila Hotel, and the 10th anniversary of the Zhaoqing Business and Technological College in Guangdong, China. The Chorale is also a regular performer at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Prior to those, in the 1960s, the music school also earned for St. Paul Manila’s Fleur de Lis Theater the title “Broadway of Herran” for its critically acclaimed Broadway musicals directed by Fr. James Reuter.

Beginnings

The 70-year history of CMPA is marked by a series of rebuilding and closures since it was established in 1940. Formerly the music department, CMPA had to close twice, in 1941 and 1943, because of the war. It reopened in 1945 and started to rebuild its facilities. Later on, the student population increased with the introduction of more courses, expansion of the school, and the entry of renowned musician-teachers like Fides Cuyugan-Asencio and National Artist Lucio San Pedro.

In the 1950s, the Conservatory became the proponent of choral music in the country, long before the Madrigal Singers was established. The SPCM Glee Club whose members include June Keithley and Celeste Legaspi, enjoyed the fame and recognition from its various performances all over the country. CMPA was also first to form an all-girls string orchestra which held concerts nationwide.

The Conservatory also introduced the first Bachelor of Music Degree in Marimba. In 1970s, Dean Sr. Lilia Tolentino, SPC opened the doors to deserving but deprived students through scholarship grants.

However, the Conservatory has over the years focused more on music education rather than performances so most students were lured to take up other courses instead.

“Before, every family has a musician. But when the new courses like Computer Science were introduced, the students lost their interest in music,” adds Sr. Maria Anunciata Sta. Ana, SPC, dean of the CMPA.

Reclaiming its stature

When Sr. Anunciata became dean in 2003, she refocused the program and put greater emphasis on performance, alongside with the changing of the status of the college into a university.

A member of the SPCM Glee Club when she was a student, Sr. Anunciata believed that the exposure of students through performances outside of the school is vital to their education.

Hence, enrolment tripled followed by the resurgence of talent and exposure as CMPA students performed in various occasions nationwide, and held regular shows at the Paco Park and in Luneta.

CMPA students Melissa Taqueban and Melvin Lazaro also earned top awards at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA).

Bigger and better

Sr. Anunciata embarked on the addition of new courses, including the introduction of a graduate course, Master of Music in Performance and Literature in 2005.

From 12 students in 2003, there are now over 80 music students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses at CMPA. To date, it offers four- and five-year baccalaureate courses: the Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Piano, B.M. in Voice, B.M. in Guitar, B.M. in Marimba, B.M. in in Violin, and B.M. in Music Education (with concentration in various instruments). The College is also the only one offering a Bachelor of Music in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music.

There are now six graduate courses with specialization in performance, music education, piano pedagogy, theory pedagogy, choral conducting, and in musicology.

CMPA has also formed various ensemble groups such as the SPU Manila Guitar Ensemble, SPU Manila Chamber Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble, and the SPU Manila Rondalla.

Sr. Anunciata reveals that these graduate courses are the reason why many students from the UP College of Music and the UST Conservatory of Music have transferred to CMPA.

“They like the teachers. Sa master course kailangan kasi viable 'yong subject mo. Pag malaki 'yong school, matagal pa silang maghihintay para makabuo ng required number of students for a class. Sa amin, maliit na school lang, so they can agree to take a subject together as major, minor, or elective,” she says.

CMPA reportedly, has the lowest tuition fee among the other 10 music institutions in the country. It has also become more affordable to underprivileged students with the "study now, pay later" scheme.

“Because we are a small school, students share a deeper bond with their teachers. The family spirit in St. Paul is very strong, and therefore, the students feel like they are members of one family. Our graduates also engage in outreach music programs in their community to give back and share their blessings,” ends Sr. Anunciata.

(St. Paul College of Music marks its 70th anniversary with concerts from August to December 2010. The concert series will kick off on Aug. 1 with Ryan Cayabyab leading the roster of renowned performers. Succeeding concerts will be on Aug. 4 with Raul Sunico and Rowena Arrieta; Nov. 19 with the faculty of CMPA; and Dec. 5 with SPU Manila music alumni.)