Choir workshop with Jonathan Valasco

We had the workshop with Jonathan Valasco but he decided to come earlier in order to hear us at mass. Then we proceeded for dinner and thereafter started our workshop with him. I was privileged to stand next to my SL. It's inspiring and motivating singing with Tiff. Actually, I attempted to stand next to her because I wasn't sure of one piece. *blush*

We sang Benedictus first and he corrected us on our accents and pronounciation of the words. We learnt a little of the Italian accent and it was rather fun actually. Then we sang Exultate Justi and Exultate Deo. Again, we Altos were focused on more than on others, in my view. He said our part for Alleluia is low for our voice range but we don't find it so, probably because we're used to it and we just take whatever part is given to us, since we know that Altos get atonal parts. He encouraged us to sing louder and not let ourselves be "under the skirts of the Sops". What a funny guy!

Due to lack of time, he couldn't go through the pieces in detail but he taught us to be more relaxed. He also taught us some singing techniques and to use the talents God has given to us. A man after my own heart! Our last piece was Hear My Prayer. I was a little apprehensive about it because I didn't have another senior to support me in my part. He told us that we tend to go out of timing when singing quavers. I thought we are supposed to sing it faster than other notes but he taught us to sing them slower.

We ended off with Irish Blessing, like we did for our last workshop. This song is very special to me because it reminds me of a Filipino choir we hosted and how we learnt this song together. I'm also reminded of our former priest Father John whom we sang this for as well as a dear friend of mine. The chorus is especially poignant to me. I think God made used of our voices to touch Jonathan Valasco. I thought I saw him wipe a tear from his eye.

[And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.]