Another year over...
As another year has ended and Scholars Pro Musica (now Scholars Baroque Aotearoa) are preparing for the year ahead, Young Scholars Iya, Alfred and Taylor share what they have enjoyed and learnt during their scholarship year with the choir.
Iya Jarbadan
All these efforts have not been in vain. I always tried to hide my glee after each performance as I looked out on a crowd
Performing with Scholars Pro Musica (now Scholars Baroque Aotearoa) has been a wonderful experience. I was filled with great joy and pride whenever we performed.
The time and effort in practice that this group had sustained was evidenced by the concerts. For the choir to perform the chosen repertoire at such a high standard shows the knowledge and amazing proficiency of our Choral Director, Chalium Poppy.
The rehearsals were intense, I cannot deny that, especially when I was managing study and other extra-curricular areas of my student life. It takes a lot of time to improve our singing, even if I think we sounded rather amazing already! The intensity definitely showed with each Sunday night rehearsal.
We could go through a single passage, edit after edit to deliver a rhythm with just the right degree of bounciness or pitch smack in the centre. All these efforts have not been in vain. I always tried to hide my glee after each performance as I looked out on a crowd that was fully enjoying the programme. Everyone in the group has been very kind and always happy for a quick chat during the break so that even on the very first time I attended rehearsal, I felt quite comfortable in their company.
I will take my experience with my 2016 Scholarship with me on my musical journey. This choir has expanded my horizons and appreciation for baroque and classical repertoire. I am so grateful and glad to have had this experience.
Alfred Shum
For me, the most exceptional experiences were the concerts. They were phenomenal. left me buzzing until the next day.
Being a scholar with Scholars Pro Musica (now Scholars Baroque Aotearoa) in 2016 was absolutely incredible.
The opportunity to sing with such an amazing group of people at such a high standard gave me the environment to improve myself and with the satisfaction of creating beautiful music. We have learnt challenging music from Mozart to Handel.
I have put in many hours mastering the music and have been intensely satisfied by my continuous progress evident in each Sunday night rehearsal. The Scholars are fantastic people who create a warm and friendly choir. These people have been the greatest support, especially when it came to the concerts.
For me, the most exceptional experiences were the concerts. They were phenomenal and left me buzzing until the next day. Singing with the Scholars has not only made me into a profound singer but has also cultivated qualities such as diligence and resilience.
Being a scholar has been a wonderful privilege that has created a solid foundation for future.
Taylor Moffatt
When asked if I wanted to take on a scholarship, the immediate answer was "HELL YES!!!"
My time with the Scholars was one of intense delight and immense satisfaction.
Two years ago, when I was approached by Chalium after some helpful networking from Katrina Daniela (Choir Member and Music Teacher at Papamoa College), I didn't have the foggiest idea what Scholars Pro Musica (now Scholars Baroque Aotearoa) was all about and what it was capable of.
Sure, I'd been given a rundown of the types of music the choir performs, and how it was organised.
Heading into the first few rehearsals I felt like a babe in the woods, in awe of the sense of community and the quality of the music. So when asked if I wanted to take on a scholarship, the immediate answer was "HELL YES!!!" The experience of working in a group for a common goal was deeply satisfying and the routine of practice and performance provided a welcome sense of order to a hectic few years both at school and at home. Even those long nights of continuous standing worked to improve my confidence. The musical and social lessons I have taken on will prove a great asset in the years ahead.
The moments when we were performing and hit the resolving just right or when the orchestra swelled after a resounding crescendo made it absolutely worth it. I'm honestly very sad to see my time as a member of the choir end, but I'm confident there will only be bigger and better things on the way for the group.
Expect to see me in the front row at one or two of the concerts this year, clapping up a storm. Thanks for the memories and the financial support!!
