MBC Praise Strings and Rondalla Group
Indeed, our faithful Lord has done wonderful works in Manila Baptist Church! He has provided a pool of talented people with hearts that are ready and willing to serve through the Music and Drama ministry.
Almost ten years ago, the church leadership’s vision of having other instruments played during the worship services became clear. During that time, around 3-4 young people who have just started learning how to play the violin, courageously took the challenge to surrender their humble talents to the Lord and began to play during the 2nd worship services. Not long thereafter, a few more were added to the group. Soon, weekly violin classes were held for beginners and intermediate level. And after about three years, a violin group was called Praise Strings. The group, composed of about 15 violinists, began performing a variety of pieces arranged by Mrs. My-Leen Fidel-Formento (who also trained the group) during special events, such as anniversary and Christmas concerts. As “Praise Strings” was continually being trained and challenged to play in every Sunday worship service, a new group was started by Mr. Christian Sampol, a.k.a. “Kuya Sam”. He had begun gathering guitar enthusiasts, and eventually, after doing Christmas caroling in 2011, formed a rondalla group- with people playing instruments such as guitar, banduria, octavina, laud, as well as ukulele, mandolin, etc. They first performed during the instrumentalists’ night of the anniversary celebration 2012. Soon the group started to play during worship services, as well as accompany singers rendering special numbers. Though members of these groups have come and gone, it is the Lord who gives them the grace to keep on and it is He who continues to bring men and women, boys and girls – even children, to develop their God-given talents and surrender these for the glory of His name. Under the leadership of an able minister, Pastor Christian Sampol, Jr., violinists, guitarists, and other stringed-instrument players of MBC will remain as God’s messengers through music. |
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