FINAL ROUND Helsinki Music Centre September 22, 2012 The Conversion of Saul by Z. Randall Stroope Conducted by Emmanuel P. de Leon, Jr.

The Brocal Chords perform at the Drake University Relay for Life fundraiser.

Music has always been a highly appreciated tradition at St. Benedict’s College. One could trace back choral singing at St. Benedict’s to the early years of the 20th.Century when La Sallian Christian brother expatriates from Europe inculcated in the local ...  moreMusic has always been a highly appreciated tradition at St. Benedict’s College. One could trace back choral singing at St. Benedict’s to the early years of the 20th.Century when La Sallian Christian brother expatriates from Europe inculcated in the local staff and student bodies , an appreciation of choral singing. They brought to our school the rich traditions of classical music that prevailed in Europe, at the time. By and by , they were ably assisted by highly interested and committed lay trainers cum teachers who went on to train prize winning choirs that stood out among schools and also were in great demand for national events. The history of the Benedictine choirs would not be complete without reference to the great English musician Rev.Bro. Hugh Farrington , ably assisted by Bonnie Fonseka. They established the reputation of Benedictine choirs. Bonnie, who was the Master in charge of Music in addition to being in charge of the Commercial Studies section , was able to form and maintain a choir of over s...    less

Two men's choirs joined together to make 240 strong.

From 2012 up to now our choir group is still alive. We started in small number of members until it grew bigger and bigger. During those times we were known to be a very good Chorale group in our Diocese. It was the time where or group shined the most. Lik...  moreFrom 2012 up to now our choir group is still alive. We started in small number of members until it grew bigger and bigger. During those times we were known to be a very good Chorale group in our Diocese. It was the time where or group shined the most. Like other groups, our group also had its flop. Some of us are already busy studying in college after we graduated high school. That's why we need to find new members. We suffered from having lack of commitment of other members, and it gave us a difficult time to find new members. But our Maestro never gave up. He continued to build the group. We have a lot of plans to build again and let this group shine again with its brightest light. We are still sharing our music because welove this group and the passion to serve Christ through music is burning within our hearts.  less

Harold Arlen wrote the music to Wizard of Oz, including 'Somewhere over the rainbow'. Ethel Waters first sang 'Stormy Weather' at The Cotton Club night club in Harlem in 1933 and recorded it that year. This version is based on that by the Golden Gate Q...  moreHarold Arlen wrote the music to Wizard of Oz, including 'Somewhere over the rainbow'. Ethel Waters first sang 'Stormy Weather' at The Cotton Club night club in Harlem in 1933 and recorded it that year. This version is based on that by the Golden Gate Quartet, the most successful of all of the African-American gospel music groups who sang in the jubilee quartet style. Formed in 1934 the group remains active today, although with no original members. This is from The OK Chorale's second public concert in March 2013 at St. Mary's Church, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK.  less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I read an article in the latest Sounding Board (the journal of community music from Sound Sense) about the University of Sunderland’s new BA in...

Cantate begun as a community Chorale in 2001 with a mission to provide high quality music education, experience and opportunity to the island of Guam. Highlights of recent seasons include highlights from the 80′s rock musical ‘Chess,’ ’Messiah’, by G....  moreCantate begun as a community Chorale in 2001 with a mission to provide high quality music education, experience and opportunity to the island of Guam. Highlights of recent seasons include highlights from the 80′s rock musical ‘Chess,’ ’Messiah’, by G.F. Handel, Gloria, by Vivaldi, the Durufle Requiem, the Pope Marcellus Mass by Palestrina, Magnificat by J.S. Bach and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. During the summer, Cantate presents the Pacific Summer Music Festival which hosts guest musicians such as the nation’s most beloved choral conductor, Dr. Weston Noble, concert pianists, Itay Goren and Frank Pavese and the Grammy-nominated string ensemble, Quartet San Francisco. The Chorale also performs during special occasions with the Guam Territorial Band led by alumnus, Maximo Ronquillo Jr.  less

From our concert ("Our God Is God") on March 23, 2013. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; Be thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Be ...  moreFrom our concert ("Our God Is God") on March 23, 2013. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; Be thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word, Be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord; Be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; Be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight; Be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might; Be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower; O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power. Riches I heed not, not man's empty praise, Be thou my inheritance now and always; Be thou and thou only the first in my heart: O Sov'reign of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright Son, O grant me its joys after victr'y is won; Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.  less