The Power of Music

Today was another music filled day and also Carmen’s birthday. There 

were positive vibes throughout the day. We started the day off with a thirty minute rehearsal before heading to Rietenbosch Primary School, our fourth school visit! On our bus ride, our wonderful tour guide Leonard told us more facts about his beloved country and we even saw zebras while driving. Before visiting the school, we decided to go to a marketplace in Stellenbosch. Many of us like Renee and Flora learned that we were skilled at bargaining for prices. The marketplace was filled with beautiful and authentic paintings, jewelry, statues, keychains, etc. After shopping, we went to the primary school and had a wonderful performance. The school then served us burgers, fries, and sodas. Once we were done, we took part in the children’s after school music program where we danced to Beauty and the Beast’s “Be Our Guest,” and were taught a Xhosa song “Mbombela” which was a song about loving your brother and sister. When our time was up with the children some of us decided to enjoy the school’s field by playing frisbee. Others decided to go back in the school to observe the band rehearsal. On our way to our second performance of the day at St. John’s Bellville Church, we were fed our second burgers and fries! Yum! During the performance, people were amazed Carmen (our chorus manager) felt as though this was one of our strongest performances. A tenor delighted us with art songs and his performance was lovely. Experiencing the South African Youth Choir performance was moving for all of us. Their enthusiasm lifted our spirits, and even caused a few of us to shed some tears. One of our choir members, Hannah, felt this personally and wrote the following: "I felt the power of music today. As the South African Youth Choir sang, I was brought to tears. The music made me relive some experiences of my past that I could not control and I grew sad. I felt my heart being torn apart by the memory of the death of my friend. I forced my hands into a clasp, praying to God that there is a better life ahead of me. The echoes of ‘Hallelujah’ in the background begged the question ‘Will things ever be okay?’ and for the first time in a long time I heard a voice that told me ‘Maybe. Maybe they can be okay.’ I felt that maybe there is a God, and I gave my power and control over to him in hopes that he could give me some answers. I have never had a spiritual moment but this must be what it feels like. This is the power of music. As we sang Ukuthula I had visions of the future and what it might hold. I could not see if things would be good or bad but I could see endless possibilities. I could feel my heart and soul present in the melody of Ukuthula and flowing through the tears that poured down my face. At the end of the concert, an older man came up to me and held me in a tight embrace. He held my hand and he cried. I don’t cry easily, but this broke me down. I looked into his eyes and I could feel how this man was touched by our music. He repeated, ‘God bless you, God bless your family, God bless your choir…’ Through our expressive singing we acknowledged their [parishioners] history, the good and bad, and when we do this it reaches into their souls and pulls them in. We are one in that moment, joined together by raw emotion. I think that sometimes we forget why we sing, but I pray that I will never forget now. This is a kind of indescribable power that cannot be replaced. I am changing and growing. Together we are changing and growing.” It was true when we were told that this was going to be a life changing experience, and I hope we have many more to come! ~Isabelle -- Quote of the Day: “It is obvious how much they love music and how engaged they are in it…that makes all the difference” said an audience member at St. John’s Bellville Church. Singer of the Day: Luke, it was so lovely to see you on stage yesterday, you were truly engaged and we are thrilled to see you blossom. Shoutouts: Caleo, thank you for your positive attitude and for performing in spite of feeling under the weather.