Erlinda Fule, former dean of the Conservatory of Music, passed away last Dec. 13 due to multiple organ failure. She was 79.
Professor Fule, who served the University for 52 years, is considered one of the pillars of the Conservatory.
Her pioneering efforts led to the establishment of the UST Symphony Orchestra, Sampung mga Daliri Concert, and the annual Music summer camp. She introduced the post-college bridging program for elementary and high school teachers, with help from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
It was during her term as dean, which began in 1992, that CHEd declared the Conservatory a Center of Excellence in Music Education. Enrollment of Music students soared as she opened the Conservatory’s gates to beginners.
“During her time, we did not reject students even if they did not really play well. Her philosophy was that everybody must be given a chance to learn music because even if a student stopped studying after two years and returned to his hometown, he will still be the greatest musician in his province,” said music education professor Dolores Tecson-Andres.
Fule, who was known as a disciplinarian, produced musicians who have excelled in and out of the country.
Fidel Calalang, Jr., conductor of the world-renowned UST Singers, described Dean Fule as a “bukod-tanging terror professor” and an excellent educator who showed utmost concern and love for her students.
“She likes to share everything—her heart, knowledge, talent, riches, and time,” Calalang told the Varsitarian. “We feel that we have lost a very important person. I think the Conservatory will not be like this without her expertise as an administrator.”
Anthony Say, piano department coordinator, said Dean Fule made great impact, and served as the “link between the past and the present” since she had lived her life serving the Conservatory and the University.
She was also very dedicated to her job—always the first person to open the office at 7 a.m. and the last one to leave at night. She taught on Sundays whenever there was a need to, he said.
Among the subjects she handled were Piano, Theory, Keyboard, Counterpoint, Philippine History, Philippine Government and Constitution, and Rizal Course.
Dean Fule earned her master’s degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and finished Music, Liberal Arts, and History at the College of the Holy Spirit.
Her remains lie at the Green Meadows Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Daphne J. Magturo
Dean Erlinda Fule was my professor in Counterpoint. She was strict but with a gentle heart. She was also a woman of faith who found her way to reach out to others in her own way. She really gave proof of her loyalty and devotion to the Conservatory of Music.
My prayer goes out to her. Requiescat in pace Prof. Fule. Your memories will live forever.