kulintang: An Immersive Music Workshop
Kulintang: An Immersive Music Workshop Led by Dr. Bernard Ellorin
This five-hour immersive workshop offers a rare and in-depth journey into the world of kulintang — a rich tradition of gong and drum ensemble music the Southern Philippines. Participants will move through a carefully structured day of learning that balances cultural context, musical instruction, and hands-on ensemble play.
The workshop opens with an expanded exploration of the histories, traditions, and living cultures collectively known as "kulintang," tracing its roots across the Southern Philippine regions of Maranao, Maguindanao, and the Sulu Archipelago. From there, participants dive into immersive, hands-on instruction in the distinct musical styles of each region — learning to play, listen, and respond as an ensemble.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to play a variety of rare and significant instruments, including:
- Narrowed-rimmed hanging gongs
- Melodic knobbed gongs
- Low interlocking hanging gongs
- A goat-skinned goblet drum
With dedicated time for guided practice, ensemble playing, Q&A, and reflection, this immersive format creates space for deeper engagement than a standard workshop allows. Given the profound scarcity of Philippine music ensembles in academic and community institutions, this is an exceptionally rare opportunity for both heritage and non-heritage individuals to connect meaningfully with this musical tradition.
About the Facilitator
Dr. Bernard Ellorin, PhD., is an adjunct faculty of music at Miramar College in San Diego County, California, whose academic and community work spans over 33 years of educating Filipino American and non-Filipino American communities on Filipino diasporic performing arts. He conducts extensive research on indigenous musics from the Muslim societies of the Southern Philippines and serves as music director for the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center, where he leads the rondalla ensemble.
As the artistic director of the Pakaraguian (pronounced: PAW-KAH-RAW-GYAN) kulintang ensemble, Dr. Ellorin guides his performers in providing educational workshops rooted in honoring the cultural practitioners who came before them. His lifelong dedication to Philippine cultural music is grounded in artistry, integrity, and deep respect for the communities and traditions he represents.
Date: June 24th, 2026
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: KIN 18756 Amar Rd, Walnut, CA 91789
Early Bird ends on June 7th, 2026.