The Philippine Montessori Center Instrumental Ensemble (PMCIE), a unique percussion ensemble made up of 16 members of musically inclined pre-school and kindergarten children, has impressed international audiences in prominent New York and Philippine venues such as Carnegie Hall, United Nations, Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, Queen’s Theater in the Park, Philippine International Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Meralco Theatre and Malacañang Palace.  They have performed with well-known artists like The Madrigal Singers, The Nightingales, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, Ms. Jamie Rivera and Mr. Gary Valenciano.

 

 

Ranging from only 4-6 years old in age, the PMCIE is one of the youngest, if not the youngest, percussion ensembles in the world. Their impressive repertoire includes classical, cultural, and Broadway pieces played on unconventional instruments like the marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani and angklung.

 

 

In 1988, the PMCIE was started when the school’s music teachers explored the possibility of training a small group of children to play intermission numbers at the school’s year-end culminating programs. With focused training and daily practice, the children are able to demonstrate a high level of concentration, discipline, teamwork and artistic fluency that is remarkable for their very young age.

 

 

The PMCIE continues to believe that music plays a critical, supportive role in the overall development of children, and seeks to promote the Philippines as young musical ambassadors to celebrate Filipino Musical Artistry around the world.