Adapting Christian text to Ati indigenous music: some proposed samples for use in religious education

• Main Author: Dabalus, Nicole de Marie P., SPC.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1995
• Subjects: Folk music; Ethnic groups; Religious education > Study and teaching; Negritos > Iloilo > Music; Folk songs; Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1771
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research finds out the adaptability of Christian text to Ati indigenous music. Moreover, it proposes some samples that can be used in religious education. The study used the descriptive-normative method of research. The subjects were the Atis found in the low mountains of Dingle-Anilao of Iloilo. The study used the incidental sampling procedure in selecting the respondents. It covered only those Atis who were present when the researcher went up to the low mountains of Dingle-Anilao, Iloilo. To obtain data, the following sources were employed: (1) interviews with natives available, (2) observations of their musical activities, (3) actual audio-cassette recordings of their ethnic music, and (4) the available audio-cassette recordings. The researcher was able to differentiate and compare the original Ati music with the influenced Ati music through the use of Western notations and technology .Findings revealed that: 1. Ati ethnic music features could develop Christian music for Ilonggo Atis, and that even a limited note-scale of Ati ethnic music could be used to compose a Christian music 2. Ati ethnic music had only one tonal scale: a pentatonic scale which was equivalent to the first five notes of the well-tempered scale the presence of microtones was also observed 3. The rhythmic pattern was free because of its recitative-like features 4. The songs were freely ornamented with melodic lines of trills, glides, gutteral sounds which were half-sung-half-spoken and, 5. Generally, the songs were sung in solo with some improvisations and embellishment. In the light of the findings, the following recommendations were offered:1. Strengthen the secondary and tertiary course offerings on ethnic music and religiosity through exposure to and interaction with nearby ethnic groups 2. Encourage music composers to create scripturally-based songs using ethnic models. This will ensure the continuity of the uniqueness of a certain religious tribal customs and traditions 3. Allow ethnic musical experiences in Christian