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| Carmel Feast choir after Mass. |
It was a beautiful day today. All of us were excited about the Feast Day celebrations of Our Lady of Carmel. The day is marked by Mass in the morning of 15th July every year. It is a joyous occasion which is attended by the management, staff and students of Carmel College, Nuvem, Goa.
Ever since I joined the college I have enjoyed playing my guitar with the choir. For me this is another opportunity to improve my skills and accompany the singers.
This year we had Leandra on violin, Maryanne on keyboard and me on guitar. The mellifluous vocals were provided by students. The choir was ably led by Rishona. She sang the solo part of the responsorial psalm - Mhozo Otmo Sorvesporak Vakhantta - beautifully. This is the Magnificat rendered in Konkani. Special hymns were chosen in honour of Mother Mary.
I was surprised at the concern she showed to me in figuring out the chords. Since most of the Konkani hymns were new to me I needed to practise them. She prepared an A4 booklet of the hymns with the chords which I found very helpful. Maryanne also helped transcribe the chords.
It is a joy to play with students. The energy and enthusiasm they bring is unmatched. They are so talented. Some of them who are otherwise quiet, and feeling lost, blossom in the choir. They feel comfortable singing or playing instruments.
When we gathered for practice each person gave their best. There were unforgettable moments like when the violin slipped to the floor from the case. The string snapped and struck the violinist on the face. However, in no time, she had replaced the string and was ready for practice. That is resilience. It teaches you so much.
Being part of a choir requires you to be responsible, disciplined, and on time. There may be many things on your mind but you forget them in the ecstacy of singing.
Ms. Louis Anne from the faculty requested me to be in the choir. Ms. Cheryl from the faculty came to check on us. Merwyn, who handled the sound system ensured all the instruments were heard and the balance was right. Nicole later said they blended well.
We ended with 'Pure as Carmel' the hymn to Mary:
C Em Am Em
Pure as Carmel snows and lovely
F G Am G
As its first fair morning shine.
C Em Am Em
Crowned with stars of changeless splendour.
F G G7 C
Hail thou mother made divine.
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The church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Carmel on 16th July. Pic courtesy Rishona. (From left to right) Sibyl, Rishona, Kianna, Maryann, Shannon, Swincy, Leandra, Velina, Swizel and Brian.
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