It has been ages since my last entry. I’ve been very preoccupied this summer, no excuses, but I was inspired to write again. :)

I’ve been a member of the church choir since I was elementary, but never thought I would listen to music like never before.
 It was all because of my  thrilling experience, when I was luckily sponsored by our Pastoral Center to attend a Music Module in Makati, for the benefit of our choir community.


Thank you Fr. Marcy!

Truthfully I was ecstatic, yay for learning something new!!! Though, some said that it may be difficult for me to join, because I’m not an instrumentalist…
 Indeed it was hard at first, but I was able to cope up, adapt, and enjoy the whole learning process.

It is the “Summer Music Module 2015” headed by Rev. Fr. Nilo Mangussad.

Held at San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati last May 18-29, 2015.

Together with my friends, Reg and Ziara, we arrived late, 2^nd day of the 10-day module.  We reached San Carlos already half of the allotted time on our 1^st day, and I was doomed because I didn’t understand what they were doing.

They were already singing do si la do…. What? hahaha

I was like hoping that vitamin structures and other Biochem related things were written in the board instead. But this was a music class not an NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) Review .

First and foremost, I do not recall music lessons before, like what was being taught; not even in high school, only in grade school where I only remember G cleft and do re mi fa so la ti do. But there I was inside a room, where everyone was singing WITHOUT lyrics… Poor Nicole.

Hahaha
Yes, I was in a state of shock.

Monologue
Where am I really? What is going on? I just want to cry, go back to Cavite, and do advance reading with my anatomy book. But I can't do that, I can't back out just because I don’t know a thing, besides, we’re already here, so far from home…
Okay, Nicole you're trapped.  xD

We didn’t even have the booklet they were reading, at first; but there was a gentleman who lent his, for us to take photos.
You saved us! Thank you! :)

Yes, this is what they were reading! And I was like, bring me back home, HAHAHA

Inside a chaotic situation. ( Bigla na lng ksi sumusulpot, yan tuloy. Hahaha)

 But, throughout my bizarre scenario, in a short period of time, I was able to comprehend and figure out how they do things.

(Sense of fulfillment and dashing smile emoticon insert here…) xD

Hoho, Even though my first day was a rollercoaster (I was sick not only the first day, but the whole time), I was able to adapt. Yay, for my neurons and the help of the Holy Spirit. :D

I was in the beginner's group. 
In class our topics we had were Musicam Sacram, Music Theory, Solfeggio (nosebleed again), and Chorus Singing. In Musicam Sacram (Sacred Music), parts of the mass were taught, their nature, and what corresponding or appropriate music should be used.  Introduction to Major and Minor Scales, Intervals etc. were our lectures in Music Theory. Solfeggio (Italian), also known as Solfege, from the root word Solfa (set of syllables do re mi and so forth), according to Wiki, strengthens understanding of Music Theory; and a teaching technique, used in training pitch and sight-singing. Incontestably, we were able to sing pieces of music we saw for the first time, learn basic conducting, proper intonation, apply rhythm and relate lessons from Theory.

Fr. Nilo Mangussad for Musicam Sacram

Sir Ferds for Music Theory

Sir Edward for Chorus Singing

And Sir Jeremy for Solfegge.

Chorus Singing was my favorite. Together with the intermediate and advance class, we were classified according to voice type (Soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and taught to sing pieces from the songs used during the papal visit. We had basic vocalizations, lectures of proper breathing while singing, appoggio, etc. 
Diction was my most loved lesson; we even used “Diction is done with the tip of the tongue and the teeth” in vocalizations. Furthermore, not knowing the real tune, instead reading and singing by the notes… was the fun and exciting part (application of earlier subjects).

I wanted to join the choir for the papal mass in Manila before, but I wasn't able. I was in my senior year in college battling for my thesis, and I live not in Metro Manila; but because of the Chorus Singing, I was given the chance, to able to know and sang the different beautiful songs, some composed none other than our professors themselves.

It is really a huge thing for me, I am very glad and honored.

(I even have the whole line up of songs from the Mass of Mercy and Compassion in my Soundcloud). Lucky Nicole. ♡

Every night, since the module ended, the recorded songs I have, serve as my lullaby.

Powerpuff girls from Cavite. ;) Haha

With Fr. Nilo and Ziara.

and new found friends...

I was not able to finish the module because of an academic engagement in Pampanga,  but I am very blessed to have crossed paths with them. I was really sad, for not being able to attend the culminating day, having my body physically at Clark, but my heart and mind in Guadalupe; though at the same time,  I was glad to see their smiling faces receiving our hard earned certificates.

Yes, the whole team without me :) . Huhuhu

Moreover, travelling 6 hrs. daily, and not knowing how to really commute in Metro Manila was nothing, compared to the life lessons I've gained from:

To cut this post short, I want to convey here my gratitude to our much-loved instructors.

 Thank you Fr.Nilo, Sir Ferds, Sir Edward, and Sir Jeremy for opening a new world of music to me, to us, your students. I cannot comprehend how grateful this naive singer you have transformed, for all the new understandings, experiences, and friends, sharing same zeal and passion, I have gained. Also, to Fr. Marcy Covento who sponsored and gave me this opportunity to acquire knowledge in music, for the benefit of San Lorenzo Ruiz community.

Overall, my experience was a bliss. It was a breath of fresh air. I thought I was going to develop a phobia, but it was reciprocated. I developed in so many ways. I gained bigger awareness, love, respect, and passion to music. Even I was in the basic and beginners class, it had taught me so much, more than enough I’ve never known before.


Thank you for dropping by my blog and reading this post. I do really appreciate it, till my next entry!  Sorry for being too fuzzy.  ;) God bless everyone!




EPILOGUE


Everything was new to me...

I never had music lessons like in the module. I'm from the beginners class; I'm no instrumentalist, and that feeling na pang advance class ata ang napasukan ko...
But what struck me the most is seeing the zeal of everyone; from the organizers, professors, and students. Everyone is enthusiastic to share, and learn something new, all for Music, all for God.

It was a sight to behold, and an honor to be part of...

Truly, it was my calmness before a new nerve-wracking storm (in a good way); entering a new chapter in my life, and that is pursuing my dream, pursuing Medicine.



Wishing that the fire in our hearts, keep burning, keep roaring.
Till we meet again.



In Saint Cecilia,
Nicole

Fine.