20: Saturnino Tiamson
Saturnino Halili Tiamson got the call from Hong Kong Disneyland while he was waiting in line to graduate with a diploma in music from the University of the Philippines. Mickey Mouse wanted Tiamson to join his marching band. The exceptionally talented young percussionist accepted, and has been a member of the band ever since the theme park’s opening in 2005. Tiamson has made Hong Kong his home and is now in his second year as the band leader, responsible for leading rehearsals, training sessions, and conducting the shows – of which there are seven daily, five days a week. “I’m enjoying it,” says Tiamson. “Especially that I’m interacting with the guests every day.”
The 27-year-old percussionist has been playing music since he was 11 and is proficient on the piano, French horn, trumpet, and the drums. He was a star in the Asian Youth Orchestra in 2001 and 2004 and was subsequently hired for The Philippine Philharmonic. Proving his versatility, he can also hold his own in jazz, rock, pop, and classical – but his current passion is gospel music. Keep an eye on this man.
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First of all, i agree to the things that is written are true... he is a nice person and very true friend... he is a fun person to be with...a friend that you would be proud of... Keep it Up Bro!!!!
It's true he's really talented but I don't think he's the one arranging music and doing the choreography for the marching band,it was BOB FRANKLIN who arranges the pieces for them and comes to Hong Kong Annually(I think!). But Good job Saturnino!
I truly enjoy Disney music. But sad to say, I feel that this article is somewhat misleading. It is NOT Saturnino Tiamson who does the musical arrangement for the band. It is Mr. Bob Franklin, the Future Corps' band leader from Florida, who is responsible for these wonderful arrangements and choreography. He visits Hong Kong every year to "upgrade" Hong Kong Disneyland Band's music and performance.
Proficient on the piano, French horn, and trumpet?! Can hold his own in jazz, rock, and pop?! Well, there's only one thing I can say... PROVE IT MAN!!!
Are you sure,he's the arranger of the Marching band? that's a lie, You should give credit to the true Arranger and choreographer of the Band. What would Bob Franklin say if he reads this? [This comment has been edited]
Thanks for your comments, everyone. It seems we may have over-stated the point about Tiamson's role in the arranging the music, but that doesn't alter our admiration for his abilities, or his placing the Top 20. Also, 'mercury' there's no need for the language you used at the end of your comment (which I have since edited). You made your point.
Mr. McKenzie, I truly believe that Saturnino Tiamson is does not deserve being on your top 20 list. I have seen him perform in Disneyland for so many times and I do not see how he came up to be one of finest musicians in Hong Kong (as stated in your article). He does not even stand out in his group. Maybe you should do a thorough research first before coming up with such a list. There are hundreds or even thousands of musicians here in Hong Kong and he ends up to be #20? That is indeed a very big question mark. Have you seen him play the drumset? The piano? The French horn? The trumpet? Have you ever seen him play jazz, rock and pop? Probably not. Because if you did, then you would have all the reasons NOT to put him on your list. There are a lot of musicians in Hong Kong Disneyland who is far more better than he is. And that is a fact! So I suggest that you do further research next time as to protect your credibility as well. Cheers!
we're proud of you!!
I can't understand how he can be the top 20 musicians in Hong Kong. The one who arrange for the band is Bob Franklin not him! That's not fair for Bob. He can play piano? trumpet? french horn? Just prove it!!
Tequiker, I edited your last comment. You can make your point without flinging mud.
proficient is not the word that should be used to describe his talent.maybe ask him to play those instruments and you will see what I am saying. :-)
who are the experts who chose these list?I think they're not credible enough to judge. Who is Tiamson anyway?I never heard that name,you think he's one of the best(just curious)?But I heard about Bob Franklin and watched that guy play. may be you should organize a FREE show and let's watch Tiamson play all those instruments so that he can prove to himself and to others that he should be on this list.
I agree with you 101% Time out is out! I also think that since their article is about the top 20 musicians in Hong Kong then it would be great if they put up a show that would showcase these top 20 musicians for us to see what they've got. Well, of course, this we REALLY have to see. As we always say, if you have the talent, then SHOW IT! If they (Time Out) believes that these top 20 musicians are really the best and the finest in Hong Kong, I don't think they would oppose to this idea. Or would they?! Anyway, it is a way for them to JUSTIFY this article and to show us all that they are worthy of belief. This show will indeed establish their competence, effectivity and worthiness as writers on the field of music. So what are you waiting for, Mr. McKenzie? Let's rock and roll!!!
Hi everyone. Pleased to let you know that we had already organised a showcase to show off some of the top 20 musicians. Of course, we couldn't organise everyone to be there on the night, so we've just got four of the acts, and we're going to introduce a great new band called A Roller Control. I encourage you all to come along. It's free, after all. See here for more details: http://www.timeout.com.hk/music/features/15206/time-out-top-20-showcase.html And here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42425111997#/event.php?eid=34232132395&ref=nf
this man shouldn't be on this list.what about the other artist here in HK who are far much better than this guy,there are a lot to choose from.I think this article is just a joke. next the editor should research more or maybe you just know this guy that's why he was on the list. If I were this guy I should be ashamed of myself.
hey mr. mckenzie, why edit saturnino tiamson's write-up all of a sudden? have you now realized that he is NOT hong kong disney's musical arranger and choreographer after all? what's next? edit his proficiency in the other instruments that he is insufficient of? by the way, how come he is not part of your upcoming showcase of talents? is he not talented enough to perform? are you scared that people may think that you made a big mistake in making him a part of your list? too bad, a LOT of people may be eager to watch him play the piano, trumpet, french horn, etc. or tell you what, here's a better idae, maybe you can consider making him perform together with ted lo and eugene pao. and then ask them (ted and eugene) if he (saturnino) really deserves to be at #20. i dare you, mr. mckenzie! come on, let's do it!
dear mr. mckenzie, you asked all of us to the show but why there's no mr. tiamson? as we wanted to watch him to play the piano, french horn and trumpet. come on! add this man in the show and prove it!!
Wow, are you all so petty that you can't just accept someone being #20 in a list of 20 performers in hk noted for recognition? The intro plainly states they "put the results into a barrel and stirred". Is it really necessary to flame this man for noticing his talents? When have you ever read a list of top talents that hasn't overstate someone's abilities? I'm going to assume most of you are jealous of the praise he has received — and that you bunch clearly will never deserve. Some/most of you must work with this man to know his talents so well. In that case, for having to put up with you pathetic lot, he deserves much more than a top #20 rating. You should all be ashamed.
FYI Jak, a person who lives in a lie is not someone to be jealous or envied about. It is not an issue whether or not we have worked with him. The main concern is why all the erroneous info? Why does he need to mislead people just to make them think he is one of the finest musicians in Hong Kong? If only the things written about Saturnino were factual then nobody would have not reacted negatively. But the truth is, a lot of the information were embellished. It is HE and not us who should be embarrassed. Yes, he is the band leader of the Hong Kong Disneyland marching band. But he is not the band's musical arranger and choreographer. This part of the write-up was even edited out by Mr. Hamish McKenzie himself on this site only a couple of days ago when it has already been circulated on print. His proficiency in playing the piano, french horn and the trumpet is a tall tale. Why don't you ask him yourself if he is PROFICIENT in these instruments? It is funny that this write-up has been published with such fabrication. Of course, this would not have been circulated in print without his (Saturnino's) approval. He even said that his passion is now in gospel music. So I understand that he is a Christian. Then why is it that he is being so untrue not only to us but all the more to himself? Do you think it would be gratifying on his part to be so pretentious? If you happen to be his friend, may I suggest that instead of acting as a shield to him, why don't you tell him to humble himself? Or if you think he deserves the #20 slot, then why don't you convince him to join the upcoming showdown?
I truly agree on what you said Rajesh. If not for the arranger and choreography articles there will be no bad reactions. Saturnino, If you happen to read this(I know you are reading) defend yourself,come out and show your proficiency on the instruments you've said you can play. Prove us wrong.
Saturnino,keep in mind that the naked truth is always better than the best dressed lie.
Hi everyone. While we appreciate the comments and the feedback, some people have been crossing the line. This is a story about Tiamson's abilities as a musician. It's not about his private life, and those who have tried to introduce such elements into the discussion have had their comments deleted. Comments on this story are now closed.
I am still a backbone to all of your brothers, secretly. hey elder buddy, goodluck to yeah. I'm lookin after yow brothers they are in good path... thankz fo trusting.
this man is from angono, rizal hometown of two national artist! there's no question with his talent... a good person he is...you must know him personally. never the less the angono parish youth ministry (St. Clement Parish)is proud to be a part of this man's life.
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