Our featured artist today is Koowie Ison Relevo, the assistant artistic director of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Drum and Bugle Corps. Koozie earned his bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development Management from FEU in 2017. He is not only an artist but is a Fire Officer 3, an arranger of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Marching Band and also its assistant conductor. He competed with the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps in international competition such as the drumline and brass line held in Indonesia. Aside from his duties as assistant artistic director, Koozie also performs with the local community band as guest trombone, baritone or tuba/sousaphone in events and competitions in the Philippines. We recently had a chat with Koowie and here is that conversation. Who influenced you to become a musician? I grew up with my cousins and uncle as my teacher in music. They taught me of how to read notes and play brass instrument. My grandfather founded a local marching band in our town, which I handle today, and continue his legacy. Its' my family that influence me to love music and I ended up using these skills to study in college, earn extra money and do for a living. How did you end up as a Fire Officer in the Bureau of Fire Protection National Headquarters? I used my skills in music to join the BFP. They needed to form a marching band on the bureau that will cater the needs of band drills and ceremonies. I applied and auditioned. Luckily, I was picked. I am assigned in the National Office under directorate for comptrollership. I don't ride the actual trucks or put out fires because it's not my job designated to me. During training days, we study firefighting and rescue, but once graduated, your duties will depend on where you are assigned. In my case, after training, I was assigned in the national office to do administrative task. Do you think there is a future for drum and bugle corps in the Philippines?I think the future depends on how the Drum and Bugle Corps will adapt to changes and innovations of the marching band community locally and internationally, learning new ways and teaching the fundamentals to every student. Tell us about the forthcoming big event on September 28 and how do our readers find out more about it and ticket prices?On September 28, we aim to demonstrate how a traditional drum and bugle corps, typically seen performing on the field, can transform and showcase their talent in a concert hall, performing like a symphonic band or orchestra. Stepping to this journey is quite hard and challenging, as we are all growing and learning new ways to produce music, different from the methods we are used to. It's free admission and everyone can watch if they register. Visit our Facebook page, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, for more details.
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