Sa Yahweh Concert

Come 20September2009, my choir will be presenting a concert "Sa Yahweh" in our home church, the Emmanuel Baptist Church (of Taytay).

We'll be singing English and Pilipino Gospel Songs; and as added wake-upper, we rehearsed some Pilipino folk songs.

If you can find the time to attend, your presence will be dearly appreciated.

See you.

Praise the Lord!

(Click the image to view up close.)

Oh Dear Choir!

"Underdevelopments"

The previous year's 4th quarter developments (or whatever you may want to call it) in the choir put me in a reality-check of sorts. I realized that my Adults choir is terribly out of shape after many singers opted  out of the Christmas choral events.

 

Covenant Signing

Prior to this, I merged my Youth and Adults choirs for the Christmas season. I even printed  a poster covenant to let people sign in. Sad part is: a considerable number of trained singers have "resigned" halfway through. Then I realized that I am left with mostly newbies in the singing ministry.

 

Christmas Events

And to cut a sad story short, when a shopping mall invited us to grace their Christmas events, I had to shrug my shoulders and not accept the invite. My consolation is that my Kids Choir was also invited and for the second time around, they sang Carols at this mall.

 

Re-Auditions Coming Up

I have decided to re-audition everybody so that 1: I could examine every new singer and design a plan for them to be equipped with the best training I can give them; and 2: so that I can monitor my regular singers and see where each of them stand. But how do I-pray tell me-reject people who cannot really sing but want to really be a part of this group. I know you have quick witted remarks in your heads, but I say it's easier said than done.

 

Sense of Accountability

I also saw that I need to address the lack of dedication among them. And the growing lack of enthusiasm  in the  ministry they are in. What made me really think was when those who aren't well-trained exhibit the lack of sense of accountability. Well, there are those who behaved well; they kept a set of the Christmas pieces which they bring home to review. Sadly, about 75% were happy-go-lucky types. I failed to notice earlier that they have not heeded my instruction to get their own individual set of copies.

 

The Price Paid

Too late for me when I noticed that they search for copies as we rehearse week after week. It's my fault, I grew very relaxed when it comes to behavior. "Laging nasa huli ang pagsisisi." (Regrets always comes at the end), so goes a famous Filipino saying.

 

Resolution?

I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions. I'd rather not, for many resolutions do not succeed. But this is my resolve-refurbish this choir.  We'll see what we can do.

 

Cartoon on top courtesy of http://www.reverendfun.com/

 

EBC Christmas Banquet/Concert/Party

The early afternoon was marked by busyness; everyone was doing his/her own thing as all prepare for the evening. Men and women doing the kitchen, kids chorus rehearsing for the early part in the program, and a musical Korean (Koh) family rehearsing in the sanctuary.

We were given the cue to get ready, so I concluded SonBeams (kids)Choir's rehearsal with a prayer, and the Salmo (adults) Chorale grabbed the last few minutes to warm up. After Pee Wee prayed, we headed to the sanctuary.

A few moments later, the program started, with a very special cello and piano duet with Joanna Seungmin Oh and Juvy . A prayer was said by Philip, then, a strings group, composed of Carina, Corinne, and Michael Woojai did a medley of Christmas and some classical piece accompanied by Ms. Joanna Seungmin on the piano. Everyone was gladly surprised to know Corinne has learned to play the violin.

Then the SonBeams sang their repertoire. See the previous post, "EBC SonBeams Sang at SM City" for the song titles.

Pastor Roi delivered the meaningful Christmas message, "Christmas, A Time for Family to Be Together," Luke 2:16. Very timely, for there were several OFW fathers and a mother who flew home to be with their loved ones this yuletide season.

Afterwards, Peter Heeton Koh, Frank Woojin, and Michael Woojai (father and sons) sang "O Holy Night" together, accompanied by Joanna Seungmin Oh, Peter's wife on the grand piano. We were glad they shared that special evening with us; an endearing family. They had some Korean youngsters with them too.

The Salmo Chorale then took the stage and sang the following traditional English and Filipino carols:

Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Kumukutikutitap! ("Twinkly" is the most that I can to translate)

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)-usually centered on the Christmas Eve Feast

Pasko Na Naman (It's Christmas! [Once Again!])

The night's program segued to the Christmas Party. Janeil and Jael led the people through various parlor games, exchanging gifts, et. al. and then, the Christmas Banquet.

It was a long 'Christmas Day' at the church but was a very happy one indeed. Surely, everyone had a grand and blessed time.

A very Merry Christmas to you, Emmanuel Baptist Church!

Photos courtesy of Che Santillan

SonBeams to SM City

The EBC SonBeams Choir will be serenading SM City Foodcourt this December. Last year, they sang with the EBC Salmo Chorale in the same mall, but in The Event Center. Then after the Cantata, they serenaded the stores until about 10 PM. They were very happy as they went home with a lot of treats from all the stores they delighted.

They have been excitedly rehearsing for the upcoming engagement, bless them. Salmo could have sang again too, but due to some reasons (one, the original plan was for them to serenade homes instead; and two, many singers have other plans for the Yuletide season, so quite a number of them won't be able to join this year's Choral Christmas events). Sigh.

*The image was taken last year in the church, as they sang carols in the Vesper Service.

wow, my very first

Hello there! This is my first blog; and I can't wait to write about many things. But for now, let me bore you with the details about me. He he he.


I am a choir director for twenty-five years now. My very first singers already have grandkids. Right now, I handle two choirs in my home church (Emmanuel Baptist Church); the EBC SALMO Chorale, an adult choir; and EBC Heirs, a high-school choir.


I could say that I am satisfied with where I finally concentrated my talents. I used to be very scatter-brained. Totally confused in finding my true calling, I worked in the past as Architectural draftsman ( I had three years of BS Architecture), tested my artistry in animations (working as 'In-betweener'), I even submitted and had several romance book cover designs printed on a local publishing house (where i painted scenes of romantic theme); and my other passion, mural paintings where my clients were usually churches and schools. I did not finish my college, maybe that is why I kept on looking for something which I really did not find. Until I really focused on choir conducting.


There were many ups and downs in my choir life. There were many instances where I was tempted to give up altogether and find another (again) job. But with the Lord's blessings and guidance, here I remain. I met so many people in my stint. People come and go. Quite sad (me being here while people mill around life and pursue their dreams after their stint in the choir), but at the same time, exciting as I see new faces grow and mature in this ministry. Besides, I am constantly reminded by the Lord to keep on.


Somebody gave me a software for creating minus ones for my choir; and I absolutely enjoyed it and the choir has been using my created minus ones Sunday after Sunday. By this program, our church pianists are less burdened with studying accompaniments. But of course, they still play a lot during our worship services.
I also play the piano. I love the piano. I am still yet to buy myself one. I used to have a keyboard but it has a short life span. Got rid of it. But my church has a baby grand which I adore. Whenever I am in the church, it is my special corner. I can play all day without getting tired--I mean without losing enthusiasm. If only I can bring it home-lol.


Well, I will continue to bore you in my next post. Expect more of me. Ok, I will only mention what you would probably care to read. Mabuhay!

P.S. Asap I will post pictures of my Choirs as if you requested them. :-)