The influence of trombone mentor Ricson Poonin to his students
TODAY we are featuring trombone mentor Ricson Poonin and two of his students from the UST Conservatory of Music.
The teacher is a highly acclaimed bass trombonist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Ricson Poonin.
Ricson finished his Bachelor of Music Major in Trombone Performance degree in 2009 at the UST Conservatory of Music. He was a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra and Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. In 2011, he studied at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore Maryland USA. He earned his Masters in Music in Trombone Performance in 2016. In 2017, he returned to the Philippines and resumed his post as bass trombone player of the PPO.
For this feature, Culture Carousel also interviewed two of his students. But first, here is our conversation with Ricson.
What are the important aspects of your music education that you share with your students?
As a teacher and orchestra member, I make sure to teach my students what I learned from studying music at the UST Conservatory of Music and from the scholarship at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute Conservatory of Music. I focus on the basics, honing their skills, ensemble skills, musicality, discipline, admiring the trombone’s uniqueness, and understanding that playing the trombone is like singing. If you can’t sing it right, you won’t play it right. I always remind them that learning in music is a never-ending journey.
How do you overcome challenges as a performing artist and as a music teacher?
As a performing artist and music teacher, I overcome challenges through dedication, practice, adaptability, and seeking support from peers and mentors. Additionally, I continually refine my skills, maintain a positive attitude, and embrace new learning opportunities to grow both as a performer and educator.
What are the qualities that you look for in a student that will make him/her stand out in class and in a performance?
I look for dedication, passion, discipline, creativity, willingness to learn, and the ability to communicate expressively through music. Those who stand out in class and performance often demonstrate strong work ethic, openness to feedback, adaptability, and a genuine connection to the music they are playing.
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Culture Carousel also interviewed Ricson’s students, Renzi Ciriaco and Emilio Alumino Jr.
Renzi won the bronze medal in Namcya November 2022 in the trombone category. In 2021, he joined the Malaysia International Virtual Band Competition and bagged the Gold Proficiency prize.
Renzi is a member of the USR Wind Orchestra, he is the Principal Trombone player and he is also a member of the UST Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Trombone.
Meanwhile, Emilio is the Principal trombone of the UST Symphony Orchestra and Trombonist at the Pasay City Symphony Band.
What is special about the trombone, why did you pick it as your instrument in your studies?
Renzi: Other than it being one of the most unique instruments, trombone has a sentimental value in our family. It started with our late grandfather who is a trombonist in a big band. Through this instrument, he was able to raise his family. As the third generation of trombone players in the family, I chose this instrument as my major in music studies. I want to achieve the dream of my late grandfather and my father to have a degree in this field. I also believe having this degree opens up a lot of opportunities.
Emilio: For me the trombone is unique. It sounds like a human voice. I never imagined before that I will enter the conservatory, until I met sir Ricson in the Music Camp in National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling. I became inspired to learn more about what I can do in playing the trombone.
Ricson is an amazing trombone player. If you decide to follow his footsteps, what will you do to become an outstanding trombonist like him?
Renzi: Sir Ricson taught us that it is important to always have hunger for knowledge and for self growth. He kept reminding us to look back from where we started as from there we will know how far we have become and how capable we are of doing greater things. I am inspired everyday to practice and be ready for any performances I will be a part of.
Emilio: Sir Ricson is like no other, he is very kind and passionate in teaching. One thing I learned from my teacher is never limit yourself. There is no shortcuts in becoming a great frombone player. I will never stop learning and practicing so that one day, I can also be the best like him. Ultimately, like sir Ricson, my goal is also inspire and touch the hearts of the next generation.