Kardon

A Prelude to the “Every Voice Chorale Festival” April 29th*

*The festival, hosted by the Kardon Institute takes place Friday, April 29 at Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, NJ; the afternoon of seminars with several choirs (at least 100 choir members plus volunteers and leaders) is followed by a concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. The festival is sponsored by a generous grant from the CIGNA Foundation.

 

The Heart and Soul of One Person

 by: Christine Lulewicz

Whether coming to a concert, listening to recorded music, or playing an instrument, music is a part of most people’s lives. But for me, music is my life and a part of who I am.

 

Going as far back as first grade when I joined a school choir I have had a very strong love of music. I have belonged to many choirs since that young age. After high school, my parents enrolled me at Kardon Institute when they saw how serious I was about music and its role in my life.

 

Over the past four years I have enjoyed piano and voice lessons and recently started learning the guitar. I have had the opportunity to expand my musical background, to improve on my personal growth, and work towards a career in music.

 

When Dena Condron, my music therapist, recommended that I become a member of the Kardon Chorale I became even more excited about music. I felt so lucky because at a recital where the chorale was performing, I got to sing a solo so the chorale could hear my voice before officially joining.

 

To this day, the chorale has been an important part of my life, from going to rehearsals to performing with the group. But in addition to singing and playing instruments, Kardon Institute has helped me to learn about myself and my role in the world of music. For example, I recently spoke up for myself and told chorale director Christine Wineberg I wanted to switch sections from soprano to alto.  I learned that when I work hard, I can overcome shyness due to my disability and become strong.

 

Another example is that being voice-trained, I get the opportunity to help singers in any voice section on their parts in various songs. The chorale allows me to become a beacon when others need help in the music.

 

When watching a performance, I engage more of my senses than just my eyes and ears. Whether I am playing an instrument, singing or sitting in the audience, I open my heart, mind, and soul, letting the music speak to me; allowing the music and lyrics to transform me inside, based on the nature of the song.

 These experiences have taught me that I am a very musical person who can understand music as my spiritual nourishment.

 

As the ”Every Voice Choral Festival” approaches Friday, April 29th, I know that many people will benefit from attending the event. Many different choirs will perform different types of music that will speak to all people in the audience and hopefully, transform them spiritually.  I highly recommend coming to this festival.

 

Music has been helping me grow in so many ways all my life and will continue for years to come. When my life ends, my spirit will live on forever with music.

One Response to “A Prelude to the “Every Voice Chorale Festival” April 29th*”

1. Ellen Uzialko says:

   May 5, 2011 at 8:33 am

   I enjoyed reading about your love of music. It is so beautiful. Glad you decided to switch to the alto section. Will look forward to singing with you.

   Reply