History

History

COPVA Music Program – A Historical Overview

The Silliman University Music Program has a rich history deeply intertwined with the university’s growth. It began in 1906 with the founding of the Silliman Band and was formally established as the Music Department in 1912 under the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1934, the Silliman Conservatory of Music was founded, marking a key milestone in formalizing music education. The program evolved into the School of Music in 1952 and later became the School of Music and Fine Arts in 1969.

Notable figures like Dr. Albert Faurot and Zoe R. Lopez significantly shaped the program, promoting both Western classical and Philippine music traditions. The creation of ensembles like the Campus Choristers and Men’s Glee Club enriched the university’s musical culture. An Extension Program was also introduced post-World War II, offering music lessons to non-music majors, which produced successful musicians like Priscilla Magdamo Abraham.

Under leaders like Professor Elizabeth Susan Vista Suarez and others, the program gained international acclaim, especially through the success of the Campus Choristers and the Silliman Band. The 21st century saw continued excellence, with milestones like the launch of the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and major competition victories by various university ensembles. Faculty members actively engaged in national and international workshops, research, and advocacy, with Dr. Suarez and Asst. Prof. Danielle Z. Alcantara earning prestigious recognitions.

The department adapted during the pandemic by embracing virtual platforms, organizing cultural webinars, and integrating social themes like environmental awareness and public health into its programs. Performances and collaborations, such as the Orchestra Sin Arco’s peace advocacy concert and international virtual choirs, highlighted the program’s resilience.

From 2019 to 2023, the department achieved significant successes, including multiple competition wins, faculty awards, and the hosting of the first Silliman University International Choral Festival. These achievements reinforced the program’s reputation as a center of academic and artistic excellence, dedicated to nurturing creativity, cultural heritage, and societal engagement.

Vision, Mission, Goals

Mission, Vision and Goals

Mission and Vision

  • The College of Performing and Visual Arts endeavours to educate, train and develop a holistic person towards achieving the ideals of excellence in the visual and fine arts, dance and performing arts, within the context of a Christian environment.
  • It aims to cultivate respect for the best that people have thought, known, preserved and crafted in the Philippines and the world by fostering its appreciation, preservation, and development through the promotion of culture and the arts.
  • It endeavours to encourage its faculty and students to creatively and technically polish their talents so that they become responsible and sensitive to the realities and changes of the worlds and the demands of society being the leading center for culture and the arts in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

 

Goals

  • Identify and recall the fundamental principles of musical composition and arrangement.
  • Describe and explain various orchestration techniques and their effects on the overall sound of an ensemble.
  • Apply basic composition techniques to create original melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic patterns.
  • Utilize arranging principles to adapt existing musical works for different instrumental combinations.
  • Analyze the structure and form of selected musical compositions to understand their components and stylistic elements.
  • Evaluate different orchestration approaches and their impact on the interpretation of a piece.
  • Design original compositions that incorporate a range of styles and techniques learned throughout the course.
  • Develop complex arrangements for various ensembles, demonstrating an understanding of instrumentation andvoice leading.
  • Critique and assess peer compositions and arrangements, providing constructive feedback based on established criteria.
  • Compare and contrast different orchestration methods and their effectiveness in achieving desired musical outcomes.
  • Create innovative orchestral scores that effectively utilize a wide range of instrumental timbres and textures.
  • Create an environment where the music and the arts are stimulated, encouraged, enhanced and promoted.
  • Compose original works that integrate advanced techniques in harmony, counterpoint, and rhythm.
  • Collaborate with other musicians and composers to produce and refine ensemble works, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork.
  • Present and defend your compositional and arranging choices to an audience, articulating the rationale behind your decisions.

Programs

Music Program Offerings

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

 

Advanced and Associate Certificate Degrees

  • Advanced Certificate in Piano
  • Advanced Certificate in Voice
  • Advanced Certificate in Music Technology
  • Advanced Certificate in Cornet
  • Advanced Certificate in Trumpet
  • Advanced Certificate in French Horn
  • Advanced Certificate in Trombone
  • Advanced Certificate in Tuba/ Sousaphone
  • Advanced Certificate in Baritone
  • Advanced Certificate in Saxophone
  • Advanced Certificate in Clarinet
  • Advanced Certificate in Flute
  • Advanced Certificate in Guitar
  • Advanced Certificate in Dance
  • Associate in Music major in Choral Conducting
  • Associate in Music major in Musical Theatre
  • Associate in Music major in Opera
  • Associate in Music major in Bandurria
  • Associate in Music major in Octavina
  • Associate in Music major in Laud

 

Non-degree Program

A non-degree program is also available to students from other academic units within the university, as well as to the broader community.  This extension program offers special lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, drums, rondalla instruments (bandurria, laud, octavina, bajo de uñas), band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, etc.), dance (classical & modern/ contemporary ballet and dance exercise), acting, speech improvement,  public speaking, theatre for kids, stage craft and art (painting and drawing).

To support the thrusts in performance, the College of Performing and Visual Arts trains students in different performing groups. These include the SU Band, SU Jazz Band, SU Campus Choristers, SU Men’s Glee Club, SU Women’s Ensemble, SU Gratitude and Goodwill Ambassadors, SU Orchestra Sin Arco, Kwerdas, SU String Ensemble, SU Dance Troupe, and  Artista Sillimaniana.

The College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) is focused on strengthening its research and extension programs, promoting original compositions arranged  by students and faculty, with the aim of commercializing these works  in the near future.

The College now occupies two buildings: COPVA Hall 1, which houses the Dean’s Office and the Speech and Theatre Arts Department), and COPVA  Hall 2, which contains the music library and the Cultural Affairs Committee office.  The Fine Arts facility is now situated at Dongon Hall, adjacent to Ariniego Art Gallery, while the dance studio is in the Luce Auditorium,  where dance and ballet classes are held.

The College of Performing and Visual Arts is an integral part of Silliman University.  It is one of the pillars on which the university stands and which make it unique.  Music and the arts continue to enhance the Silliman spirit.

Students seeking admission to the College of Performing and Visual Arts’ Music Program must have outstanding musical aptitude and talent and must be ready for the study of music at college level.  Applicants for the Fine Arts and Speech and Theatre programs must also take a Talent Aptitude Test.

Organizational Structure

Organizational Structure

SU COPVA Organizational Structure

PAASCU

Observation Summary

Laboratories
Curriculum and Instruction
Faculty

Area 3: Human Resource Management

Standard 8

Area 4: Teaching-Learning

Standard 11

Area 5: Student Services

Standard 14

Area 6: External Relations

Standard 16

Area 7: Research

Standard 18

Area 9: Results (Educational, Community Engagement, Research)

Standard 20

Tab

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