Pedro B. Navarro Jr.

Capt. Pedro Navarro y Bravo (29 June 1879 – unknown), more commonly known as Pedro B. Navarro Jr., was a Filipino bandleader. He was known as the first Filipino who became the leader of the Philippine Constabulary Band.

Biography Early life and education Pedro B. Navarro, Jr. was born in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur on June 29, 1879 to Pedro Navarro, Sr. and Bartola Bravo. At an early age, he became a choirboy at a local convent. There, he was informally taught "canto llano", play the violin, and flute. Eager to learn music, he was accompanied by Fr. Mariano Ortiz to Manila where he entered the Saint Augustine convent. He received musical education from Marcelo Adonay who was then "Maestro di cappella". He was choirboy from 1894 to 1898. From 1908 to 1911, he was taught by José Masllovet in musical composition.

Career After the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, he left the Augustinian convent for Manila. In 1899, he joined the Philippine Band personally directed by Charles Mindt. He later entered the 12th Volunteer Band and the 6th Artillery Band. During his time there, Walter H. Loving became interested in Navarro and succeeded at recruiting him.