Last November 2014, I interviewed Ariel Sta. Ana, the principal of the clarinet section of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, for my classical radio program Culture Carousel. Below is an excerpt.
Do you come from a musical family?
My father is a trombone player, and his family owns Banda Cardona Singko in Rizal. My lola on my mother’s side also owns a band, Banda Sar Real, in Quezon City. Both sides of my family are all musicians. My uncle plays the clarinet, and he is a good clarinet player. He inspired me to study and play the clarinet. We are only two siblings, my brother is not a musician, and he is into sports.
Who among your Japanese teachers or your Filipino teachers made a strong impact on you?
My first teacher in UST, Dolmacio Cruz, former principal of the clarinet section of the PPO. I learned a lot from him, and he also convinced me to go and study in Elizabeth University in Hiroshima, Japan. In Japan, my teacher was Takeda Tadeyoshi. When I heard him play the clarinet that is when I really fell in love with the instrument.
Elizabeth University is owned by the Belgian government and operated by the Belgian community. The teachers in the school are the principals from different famous orchestras in Japan and Europe.
You are married to Yuka, a Japanese cellist. Does it help to have a spouse who is also a musician? Do you think your child will also be a musician?
Yes, it is a big help. We usually practice together at home. Sometimes, when she hears that I play differently, she checks me accordingly to what she thinks is the right way, and vice-versa. I also check Yuka’s playing. Our 11-year-old child does not seem to be interested in music, but more interested in painting and drawing.
How do you divide your time between playing for the PPO and teaching in UST and being a member of the Clarion Chamber Ensemble?
In a week, Mondays, since we have no work in CCP, I am in UST teaching the whole day. On Tuesdays to Fridays after I play for the PPO, half a day, then in the afternoon I rehearse at home and at night, family time.
David Johnson, flutist, and myself founded the Clarion Chamber Ensemble with some other musicians, to bring attention to chamber music in Metro Manila and in the regions. Since David is a flutist, it balances with the clarinet. So, after our first concert, we decided that we wanted to expand chamber music to a bigger scale. We started in the year 2000. The core group is six musicians, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and harpsichord. Our concerts are scheduled in advance so there is no problem with my other activities.
Do you have any advice to your 11-year-old child or to our listeners about being a musician?
My teacher in Japan jokingly told me to practice 25 hours a day. But seriously, if you are serious with your music, you have to practice every day and devote yourself to your music.
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Ariel Sta. Ana, serious clarinetist, loving husband to Yuka and their 11-year-old child. You should hear him play the clarinet. It’s like a soothing waterfall.
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