Author

Jessa Grace Ignacio Duga*
Capiz State University – Main Campus, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines

Abstract

This descriptive-developmental study aimed to develop a formal musical notation and Rondalla ensemble arrangement of the Sara Municipal Hymn, commonly known as “Sara, Sara,” which had previously been transmitted mainly through oral tradition and informal performances. Specifically, the study sought to describe the notation of the Sara Municipal Hymn, evaluate its musical elements in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics, and determine the acceptability of its notation and arrangement for Rondalla ensemble rendition. The study involved Music Specialist Teachers and MAPEH/Music teachers from selected secondary schools in the Fifth Congressional District of Iloilo. A researcher-made questionnaire, validated by experts and tested for reliability, was used to gather quantitative data, while open-ended questions were used to collect comments and suggestions for improving the arrangement. The findings revealed that the notation successfully documented the hymn’s melody, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, articulation, and instrumental parts for Rondalla instruments, including the bandurria, octavina, laúd, guitar, bajo de uñas, and drums. The musical elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics were rated as Acceptable, indicating that the arrangement was generally effective, culturally appropriate, and suitable for Rondalla performance. The overall acceptability of the notation and arrangement was rated Highly Acceptable, with an overall mean of 5.88. Teachers’ feedbacks further emphasized the hymn’s cultural relevance, ease of memorization, positive reception, and suitability for educational, civic, and community performances. The study concluded that the formal notation and Rondalla arrangement of the Sara Municipal Hymn contributed to the preservation and revitalization of local musical heritage while providing a practical resource for music instruction and cultural presentation.

Keywords: Sara Municipal Hymn, Rondalla Ensemble, Musical Arrangement, Cultural
Heritage Preservation, Music Education.

*Corresponding author / Email Address: jessagignacioed@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021134

Recommended citation:
Duga, J. G. I. (2026). Notation, arrangement, and evaluation of the Sara municipal hymn: Basis for rondalla ensemble rendition. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 3919-3937. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021134

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