Pics: Alban D’Souza
Kuwait, Mar 1: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held ‘Voice Workshop’ for adults and children on February 23 and 24 respectively at Indian Community School Auditorium, Khaitan.
The workshop was open for Mangalorean Konkans residing in Kuwait. The main intention behind the workshop was to bring awareness in children and teenagers about the basic knowledge of singing, to bring out their real hidden talent, to help them gain more confidence, and to learn techniques about presenting themselves on stage for a professional outcome.
The sessions were held from 2pm to 6pm on both the days. The session on the first day began with compere Deepak Andrade welcoming all music lovers to the workshop. Harry Fernandes recited the opening prayer. The chief guest, Fr Blany Pinto, parish priest of St Therese of Child Jesus Church, Salmiya and presenter Alwyn Noronha, Bajpe, a professional vocal trainer were escorted by KCWA president Hilary Stevan Rego. A brief profile of Alwyn Noronha was presented to the participants. Hilary Stevan Rego welcomed the guests with flower bouquets and participants and wished success to the event.
Alwyn Noronha, who has a vast experience in the field of music, shared various aspects of singing including the basics of Carnatic music. He explained the techniques of healthy singing, focus on posture, breath management, physical exercise to attain good posture, breathing exercises, voice warm-up exercises, and communication in singing and how to take care of voice. Participants got a change to sing and Alwyn gave valuable feedback to all those who sang. Three of the GVOM title winners also sang on the occasion to encourage the participants. As many as 82 adults participated in the workshop. Walter Santhumayor rendered the vote of thanks. On day two, compere Sunitha D’Silva welcomed all kids to the session and Harry Fernandes recited the opening prayer. A brief profile of Alwyn Noronha was presented to the participants. Thereafter, Alwyn Noronha took over and various vocal forms of Carnatic music like Sarala Varase, Janti Varase, Thara Sthayi Varase, Mandra Sthayi Varase and Daatu Varase were practiced. Voice warm-up exercises, posture and communication techniques were taught to the kids. Many kids sang their favorite songs and Alwyn suggested areas of improvements. As many as 95 children participated in the workshop.
Overall, it was a golden experience for the lucky ones who attended. The participants were thankful for this opportunity given by KCWA. Certificate of participation was distributed to all participants.
In the closing ceremony, Alwyn Noronha was presented with a memento. In his message, Alwyn Noronha thanked KCWA for inviting him and requested to encourage more talents in future. Walter Santhumayor delivered the vote of thanks.
Alban D’Souza captured the event with his skills in photography and videography. Anand D’souza of Waves Events & Rentals provided the sound system. Hywel Pinto facilitated the power point presentation. The workshop was well organized and coordinated by Orson D’Souza with the support of GVOM core committee and KCWA managing committee members. KCWA thanked Indian Community School management for providing the auditorium and all those who participated in large numbers to make the workshop a memorable one.