by the SLU Symphonic Band
Trust, Equality, Passion, Honesty, and Teamwork. These values were highlighted and reinforced during the SLU Marching Band’s Team Building and Recollection activity last April 3 – 4, 2023, at Bauang, La Union.
With the theme, “Rest, Recreate, Recollect,” the facilitators and speakers were introduced to the band members. After which, Mrs. Marivic B. Macadaeg, Bandmaster of the SLU Band, kicked off the activity with words of encouragement. All throughout the retreat, members of the SLU Marching Band got to reflect on the key lessons and activities.
Day 1: APRIL 3
As the band was divided into groups, the retreat’s activities started with a short icebreaker activity to show how much the band members know each other. This allowed each of the members to look back at themselves and further learn more about their fellow band members. The facilitators then gave a talk about friendship, emphasizing the value of working as one. Various learning points were introduced, and further discussion was done among the different groups. A leader was assigned to each group to conduct the sharing. Activities in the afternoon resumed after check-in, which included a variety of fun team-building games. There was a plenary session at night that centered on forgiveness and healing. Before going to their assigned rooms to rest, the facilitators ended Day 1 by praying together.
DAY 2: APRIL 4, 2023
Day 2 of the Team Building and Recollection Activity of the Symphonic Marching Band was more focused on reflecting on the events and activities from Day 1. The facilitators continued the topic of forgiveness from the day before. As a reflection, band members built a small tower with the rocks collected from the day before, then “let go” of the letters they wrote that symbolize forgiveness. After that, a mass was conducted.
The recollection ended with an awarding ceremony for the winners, band members, and facilitators. Acknowledgment was also given to the bandmaster and to the officers who made the team-building activity possible. The recollection ended with the closing remarks from the bandmaster, Mrs. Marivic Macadaeg, and the SLU Symphonic Marching Band officers.
The retreat was an opportunity to strengthen the bond not just as a Marching Band but as a group of unique people sharing the same passion for music and friendships. The Team Building wouldn’t be possible without the collective effort of the officers as well as the entire band.
