The Filharmonic is a five-person Filipino male vocal group whose journey has been shaped by hard work, friendship, and culture. The group is composed of Jules Cruz, Joe Caigoy, VJ Rosales, Niko Del Rey, and Trace Gaynor. Before forming the group, many of the members knew each other through social media or as passing faces. Joe, Niko, and Jules even sang in the same college choirs.

Formed in 2013 by Jules Cruz, the group originally came together to audition for Season 4 of NBC’s The Sing-Off, making it to the competition’s seventh round. They later appeared in Pitch Perfect 2 and on The Late Late Show, evolving into the group they are today. Over the years, they learned to grow individually while still working and performing together. Jules now directs videos for major creators and YouTube channels, VJ works as a vocal coach on The Masked Singer, and Trace works on Spotify’s podcast content partnership team. Their individual careers continue to shape what they bring back to the group. They will perform at The Ford on Sunday, September 20.

As Filipino artists, The Filharmonic use their music to create the representation they felt was missing when they were growing up. Their journey is not only about pursuing music, but also about showing Filipino audiences, especially younger Filipino men, that they can see themselves in the arts and have the freedom to pursue their own dreams. By bringing their Filipino identity, experiences, and culture into their work, the group challenges the lack of Asian and Filipino representation in the music industry. Their success serves as an example for the next generation, proving that artists who look like them can take up space, build successful careers, and remain connected to their culture while doing so. Through their music and visibility, The Filharmonic hope to inspire others to believe that their dreams are possible, too.

It was an honor to attend their practice and ask questions about the talent, hard work, and communication behind their creative process. I admitted that most of my knowledge about vocal groups came from Glee and Pitch Perfect. Without judgment, they explained their vocal routine: plenty of water and rest. I also asked about the differences between basses, tenors, and altos. Once they explained the different vocal ranges, I began listening differently, noticing how each voice filled a specific role. 

When I first connected with the group, they hosted a practice session. Jules was my introduction to the family. As one of the group’s founders and its bass, he immediately made me feel welcomed. When I arrived, he made sure I was acknowledged and comfortable, asking if I wanted anything to eat or drink. He also made an effort to start conversations and ask me questions, making the space feel warm and inviting.

Jules began singing in sixth grade, eventually turning what started as an uncomfortable experience into a passion. During practice, I was amazed hearing him sing Choosin’ Texas by Ella Langley. I especially enjoyed hearing how low and controlled his voice was. There seemed to be a lot of concentration and intention behind the sound of his voice, as if he was carefully thinking about each note and how he wanted it to come across. While we waited for the other members, we connected over watching cooking videos, which he found relaxing.

As practice began, each member brought a different energy to the room. Niko’s is kinetic; he moves his hands along with the music while he sings, as if using them to find his rhythm. At one point, he walked back and forth across the room, completely absorbed in the music.

VJ brought a lighter energy to the room, keeping practice bubbly and joyful. His presence made it easy for the group to laugh through mistakes while still staying focused. At the piano, he guided the group through different keys and counted them in, helping everyone find their place within the arrangement.

Joe is a tenor and one of the members who arranges their music. He grew up surrounded by music and joined his first choir in sixth grade. That connection to music and family carried into the group, especially when he spoke about their first Homecoming Concert in the Philippines. For many members, it was their first time visiting the country their parents came from. Singing in Tagalog, the country’s second-most popular language, made the performance especially meaningful, allowing them to represent not only Filipino Americans but Filipinos around the world.

That connection to culture is an important part of The Filharmonic. As someone who grew up wanting to see more representation, I appreciated seeing a group use their music to celebrate where they came from. Joe explained, “I hope people understand that we've always tried our best to make everyone proud. We want to bring everyone up with us, and be proof that loving your culture and your art doesn't mean sacrificing your potential for success.”

Trace, one of the group’s tenors, showed another side of their creativity. During practice, he was working on ideas for social media videos and discussing what they could film together. His work with the group’s social media has helped them connect with their audience and create new opportunities. That day, they were preparing to sing “Fireflies” by Owl City and film a singing game.

A small Filipino flag rested above the piano, a fitting detail for a group so deeply connected to their culture. I watched them laugh through mistakes, discuss what needed to change, and decide who should sing each part. While photographing their practice, I heard comments like, “Hold that hit there,” “Pick up to letter E with Jules,” “22 should be his,” and “Should we take that out?” Each member seemed to understand how the others’ parts fit together and how they could strengthen the performance as a group. What already sounded good to me became even stronger as they worked through each adjustment.

Their creativity continued as they filmed social media content. They laughed, sang, and talked while preparing videos on their couch and a singing challenge where everyone had to sing the same note. What might seem like a simple video was another opportunity for them to create together. Their friendship was just as noticeable as their music.

Of course, my inner Pitch Perfect fan could not leave without asking about their role in Pitch Perfect 2. When I learned that The Filharmonic appeared as contestants in the World Championship in Pitch Perfect 2, I immediately had a fan moment. Trace described the experience as an “unreal pinch me moment.” They had just come off NBC’s The Sing-Off and were only a few months into touring when they received the call. It was “every a cappella nerd’s dream,” said [add name here]. Although their appearance was brief, they were able to sing in Tagalog in a major motion picture. The film introduced them to new audiences and helped open doors for performances in the Philippines. More importantly, it provided them with a larger platform to represent their culture and share who they were.

Before leaving, I wanted to understand how a group that has been together for nearly 13 years continues to change. When I asked how they had grown as performers and individuals, they described themselves as “choir nerds” in their early 20s who had no idea what their future would look like. Less than three months after first singing together in an audition room, they were already making their television debut. Everything else had to be learned along the way.

Over the years, they learned how to work together both on and off stage, how to entertain an audience authentically, and how to discover the parts of the industry they each loved. Their individual paths have grown alongside the group, allowing each member to pursue their own interests while still returning to the group to perform together. Jules now directs videos for major creators and YouTube channels. VJ has used his experience directing and working on music for the Riff Offs as a vocal coach on The Masked Singer. Trace now works at Spotify on the podcast content partnership team, building on what he learned through the group’s social media work and strategy. While they have each developed careers outside of the Riff Offs, those experiences continue to shape what they bring back to the group. They have found a balance between growing independently and maintaining the connection that keeps them performing together.

After spending time with The Filharmonic, I understood that their music is only one part of what makes the group special. Their voices may be what brings them together on stage, but their friendship, shared culture, and willingness to grow alongside one another are what keep the group moving forward. Joe said it best: “Each member of The Filharmonic is an amazingly talented singer, but together we are a force. Together we make things happen.”