SERVICE
Start: 02/08/2013
Finish: 17/08/2013
Hours collected: 20
During the summer of 2013, I went to sing and help at a Classical Music Festival in Seillans, France called Musique Cordiale. Whilst there I performed as a soloist, singing Pergolesi's Stabat Mater - a duet - and as a soprano in the choir. I also coordinated orchestra rehearsals, moved music stands from the top of Seillans to the bottom, and help prepare lunches for the Academy.
I hoped to improve my musicality, in preparation for university application to read music, but also to have a great time with like-minded, musical people. I also hoped to help to festival run smoothly.
How did I increase awareness of my strengths and areas for growth?
Musique Cordiale really gave me confidence in my singing, but made me realise I need to improve my performance of the pieces I sing. It also very quickly improved my organisational skills, for instance on one of the days I had 30 music stands to get to the bottom of a very steep hill and 8 people organise.
How did I undertake new challenges?
The whole experience was a new challenge! Organisation on such a big scale (200 people) was also a new challenge.
How did I plan and initiate activities?
I organised all the rehearsals with a pianist for me and the other girl doing the duet, and organised the concert programme for the day of the recital.
How did I work collaboratively with others?
I had to work with the musical directors and conductors to arrange rehearsals and logistics.
How did I show perseverance and commitment on my activity?
The choir piece we performed was 90 minutes long, with no break so this really needed perseverance! Rehearsals for this piece were also every day, for 5 hours a day, which was very tiring work. The organisation of the music stands had to be done every day, and I never missed one.
How did I engage with issues of global importance?
It was an exercise in international relations, communications and idea sharing, as there were many nationalities there. It was the first experience I had had of organising a festival in a situation where it had to be taught in so many languages all at the same time.
How did I consider the ethical implications of my actions?
Musique Cordiale brings economy to the town, doubling it's population during its festival time. It also allows the otherwise unused medieval churches to be seen. Although it makes the town very busy for the residents, the positive economic outcome for the town lasts all year.
How did I develop new skills?
My large-scale organisation skills really improved in the two weeks I was there.
