by Ranjie Nocete | November 2, 2021
The Silliman University Jazz band, directed by Mr. Joseph Albert P. Basa, will be performing “Jazz Christmas” for the Christmas season with special guest Mr. Jose Mari Chan. The event will premiere on December 10, 7 PM on the official website of the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council (https://sillimancac.com/).
Mr. Basa informed that the event was initiated by the Culture and Arts Council (CAC) Director Prof. Diomar Abrio. “He approached me mid-year this year and asked me if I could put up the jazz band during these difficult times. After asking some members, alumni, and students, who are just here in Dumaguete, we decided to give it a go,” he added.
Basa shared that the preparations for the event were “very, very difficult” because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He elaborated, “We were doing MWF [Monday, Wednesday, and Friday] rehearsals. We started [on] September 1 preparing for the first recording that was set for October 29 and continued with the rehearsal from November 1 to 22 for the second recording on November 23.” Basa added that he informed members to avoid crowded spaces.
On the collaboration with Chan, Basa said, “To be honest, I was surprised about this. Sir Diomar told me [in] late September that we have a guest. I was really excited when he told me about Mr. Jose Mari Chan.”
Basa encouraged all Sillimanian students and faculty to attend the event, “Please watch the event ‘Jazz Christmas’ on December 10, 7 PM through Silliman University CAC website.”
