Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Noel Buan started playing tuba at the age of 14 in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He became the soloist tuba player and the conductor of Band 31, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. To continue to excel in his chosen field, he studied Music at the University of the Philippines and at the University of SantoTomas, Major in Tuba Performance, Minor in Conducting. For three consecutive years,he was chosen as Outstanding Tuba Player at the Summer Intensive Music Camp, Mt. Makiling, sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Noel’s unselfish dedication to his craft did not go unnoticed. He was assigned as Tuba Instructor during his fourth year at the Music Camp. He also became the principal tuba player of the Philippine PhilHarmonic Orchestra, and was the youngest member at the age of 18.

From UST, Noel was able to get a scholarship grant study at California State, Dominguez Hills. He got his major in tuba playing under the music instruction of Mr. Don Waldorf. He also took private tuba lessons under Mr. Tommy Johnson, an expert in this field.

Noel has performed with many great conductors like George Tintner, Henry Lewis, Ozawa of Japan, and Ryan Cayabyab. He also worked with great Filipino artists like Cecille Licad, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Zsazsa Padilla, and Basil Valdez. His beautiful and talented wife, Josie Avena, is also a musician, playing a French Horn. They are blessed with four talented children who are all multi-awarded musicians in their own right- Nino Joseph, John Joseph, Kristina Noel and Ralph Joseph.

At present,Noel is an active member of the Cypress Pop Orchestra and Global Symphonic Band. He has also gone back to his musical roots, being the conductor of the California-based Sta. Maria Wind Ensemble. His affinity with his humble beginnings has always provided him with the right direction as he continues to charter his musical course.

As a community member, Noel is now the Vice President of the La Palma Chamber of Commerce, and served as the past President of the Sta. Maria, Bulacan-California Association.

Nino Joseph Buan - playing the trumpet

Nino Joseph (NJ) Buan, the eldest son of conductor Noel Buan, started playing the trumpet at the age of 12. He first studied under his father, learning the basics and fundamentals while playing for the school band in junior high. NJ, as his family calls him, was accepted into his first major orchestra as part of the All-Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association, an achievement that made him part of the finest high school trumpet players in all of southern California. He also joined numerous other bands and orchestras during his high school years such as the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he played as the principal trumpet player.