How Filipinos found musical excellence, and exploitation, in the 1904 World’s Fair
Update: 2025-10-30
Description
We revisit our May conversation with Mary Lacanlale, an ethnomusicologist at California State University, about the role of the Philippine Constabulary Band at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Lacanlale’s great-grandfather, Pedro B. Navarro was a key member of the band during the monthslong event. Lacanlale’s book, “Instruments of Empire,” detailed the experiences of the band members. They were among hundreds of Filipinos who took part in the World’s Fair, though many were put on display for attendees to demonstrate the “savage” culture of the Philippines. Lacanlale also shares a new story from Pedro Navarro’s time in St. Louis — involving an incident when the lights went out in the middle of a performance.
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