Man Choir Community group
by Naomi burla
My project work is volunteering to be the pianist for the Man Choir at my church, along with accompanying a variety of other music groups. My goal is to live an exemplary life by the way I conduct myself through my work, through my connections with people, and through the way I react and talk.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
- The man choir community became official and consistent since 2010. The group formulated when instrumental support was implicated: piano, synth, and drums
- Man choir meets for rehearsal every Tuesday, performs at Philadelphia church in Portland every Sunday and Thursday service, along with other seasonal tours and events.
- The choir is comprised of about 50 people – only men of ages 19 through approximately 65 years or age. Men are divided into four groups: countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass.
- Everyone shares the same interest of making music and spending time together in this process. The role of each member is to learn music, train, and rehearse for the task of performing for the Sunday services and also whatever other events may come up to perform (which is announced in advance.)
SYNOPSIS OF WORK
I am available to help out not only with the man choir, but be available as the main church pianist. My sister Eunice and I are the only ones who study music, specifically piano professionally in our church and Romanian community and are considered the main pianists. We contribute either by taking turns playing for different groups or sometimes even working together at the same time. As pianists, we are strongly relied on by each group and as the main instrument in almost every musical setting. We plan to use our skills and knowledge in music and playing piano to help others learn, be inspired, perform, and even be changed by the music themselves.
I am available to help out not only with the man choir, but be available as the main church pianist. My sister Eunice and I are the only ones who study music, specifically piano professionally in our church and Romanian community and are considered the main pianists. We contribute either by taking turns playing for different groups or sometimes even working together at the same time. As pianists, we are strongly relied on by each group and as the main instrument in almost every musical setting. We plan to use our skills and knowledge in music and playing piano to help others learn, be inspired, perform, and even be changed by the music themselves.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide musical accompaniment and play the voice parts as they learn the repertoire
- Attend all the rehearsals and be on time every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday for rehearsals and services as well for their performances
- Assist the congregation in lifting their voices in song
- Be DEPENDABLE – ORGANIZED and always BE PREPARED
- Play in such a way that the choir becomes aware and sensitive to the lyrics that they are singing - which also makes the congregation pay attention to the words of the songs and connect in that way
- Be aware of and very familiar with the most commonly sung songs of the church that are accompanied. Many times, people send song requests that are on the spot, you should be able to play the music at moment’s notice, whether you have the music in front of you or not.
- Play by ear and improvise
- Always be encouraging, patient, and positive and humble
Sample work
Rachmaninoff Suite No. 2, "Romance" two pianos -- Performance with my sister Eunice Burla in Lincoln Performance Hall
Rachmaninoff Etude Tableaux in D Minor, Op. 33 No. 5 -- Performance at "Noon Concert" Lincoln Performance Hall
Man Choir Performing "Go Tell It On the Mountain" in the Romanian language -- Volunteer group
REflection
Music exists because people create it, perform it and listen to it. In my opinion, music is like living in a whole other world because it gives me the feeling of taking away; it lifts you off the ground. It oftentimes expresses that which words cannot express. When I play piano individually or work collaboratively (with others), I am instantly captured at heart and have a constant deliberation to share the gift of music with others. This volunteering experience adds richness to my life because it allows me to have experience not only as an independent soloist but also as a collaborate pianist in working with others. The most valuable contribution to our group work is touching the lives of others through music, and I realized that playing music for the audience (any audience) is something they look forward to and need. They, just like everyone else, need attention, love and entertainment, and something to make their day. The 8 years of this volunteer work has been quite a journey but it's not over yet... I plan to play piano and share with others the gift of music for as long as my life will take me.