Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held a Voice Workshop for adults and children on Feb 23 and 24 respectively, at the Indian Community School Auditorium, Khaitan, Kuwait. The workshop was open for Mangalorean Konkans residing in Kuwait.
The main intention behind this workshop was to make the children and teenagers aware about the basics of singing, to bring out their hidden talent, to help them gain more confidence and to learn how to present themselves on stage for a professional outcome.
The sessions were held from 2 pm to 6 pm on both the days. The first day’s session began with MC Deepak Andrade welcoming all music lovers to the workshop. Harry Fernandes recited the opening prayer which was followed by the escorting of the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Blany Pinto, Parish Priest of St. Therese of Child Jesus Church, Salmiya and the presenter Alwyn Noronha, Bajpe – Professional Vocal Trainer by KCWA President Hilary Stevan Rego. A brief profile of Alwyn was then presented to the participants. President Rego welcomed the guests and participants and then presented the guests with flower bouquets and wished success for the event.
Alwyn, who with his vast experience in the field of music, shared the various aspects of singing including the basics of Carnatic Music. He explained the techniques of healthy singing, focused on posture and breath management, physical exercise to attain good posture, breathing exercises, vocal warm up exercises, communication in singing, and how to take care of one’s voice.
Participants got a chance to sing and Alwyn gave them all valuable feedback. Three of the GVOM title winners also sang on the occasion to encourage the participants. A total of 82 adults participated in the workshop. Walter Santhumayor proposed vote of thanks at the end of the day’s session.
On day 2, MC Sunitha D’Silva welcomed all the kids to the session and Harry Fernandes recited the opening prayer. A brief profile of Alwyn was presented to the participants. Thereafter, Alwyn 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 improvement. There were a total of 95 children who participated in the workshop.
Overall, it was a golden experience for all those who attended the workshop. The participants were thankful for the opportunity given by KCWA. A certificate of participation was distributed to all the participants.
At the closing ceremony, Alwyn was presented with a memento. In his address, Alwyn thanked the KCWA for inviting him and requested them to encourage more talents in the future. Walter Santhumayor proposed the vote of thanks. Alban D’Souza captured the event with photography and videography skills. Anand D’souza of Waves Events & Rentals provided the sound system. Hywel Pinto facilitated the power point presentation. The workshop was organized and coordinated by Orson D’Souza with the support of the GVOM Core Committee and KCWA Managing Committee Members. The KCWA thanks the Indian Community School management for providing the auditorium and all those who participated in the workshop in large numbers thus, making it a memorable one.
