Small Steps
Musikero is a group of music enthusiasts here in the Ateneo that aims to provide underprivileged kids, who are victims of circumstance, the opportunity to enhance their talent in music and help build a more holistic foundation for them in the process. The group believes that there is an alternate remedy to the bad experiences of these kids aside from the usual therapy sessions in the cold, dark offices that go on for hours. The group aims to bring music to these kids in order for them to find inspiration, discover passion, while exposing the organization’s members to the world beyond their comfort zones. The group is only three months old as it tries to expand its area of activity. This Christmas 2011, in partnership with the Health Science Society of the Ateneo, Musikero plans to do some caroling for the benefit of the kids.
A friend of mine told me that they were having rehearsals everyday during that week because they intend to do the caroling on the evening of the 10th and the 11th. That night, the rehearsal was in Zekaf. There were about twenty of them, majority were girls. It was a mixed choir that was not structured to have the usual soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They were also accompanied by a piano.
The choir was not very systematic. Yes, harmonious blending was done by those who can really sing, but most of the time, everyone was singing the same melody in unison. I talked to a friend of mine who was part of the caroling group and he said that anyone could join the choir. Anyone who is willing to contribute anything for the benefit of the kids was welcome to join the group. No audition was needed. The important thing was that the people who joined were more than willing to share something this Christmas to the kids.
Some of the songs they sang during that rehearsal were The First Noel, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Deck the Halls. They also had some Tagalog songs on hand like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit. I was guessing they didn’t have that many songs prepared for their caroling gig but I think the handful they had was enough.
Musikero is a very young group. However, it is clear that these guys are very passionate about what they are doing and that they truly believe that music can and will impact the lives of these kids. Ultimately, these small steps will help them achieve their goal. We may never know for sure, but with the drive these guys have, a big ticket concert is not a far-off dream that can be achieved in a year or two.
*This article was originally featured in the 2011 edition of the Blue Sound magazine. Edited by Gabe Querubin & Ramon Nario.
**Photo by Aih Mendoza of The Guidon, http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2011/09/musikero-striking-a-chord/