THROUGH HEARTFELT renditions of love songs encompassing age and time, the Ateneo College Glee Club (ACGC) hoped to share the beauty of their art and develop further appreciation for their music within the Ateneo community.
Though delayed for a week due to venue problems, ACGC’s post-Valentine’s concert titled “Let’s DOOH It” on February 19 drew in an almost full-house audience in the Leong Auditorium.
In spite of international and local distinction, ACGC member Angelo Luis Cortez said that the org still needs more exposure in the community.
“It’s quite ironic that more people outside Ateneo know about us because of our engagements or tours abroad, and [we’re not that] known inside the campus,” said ACGC President Carlos Bautista said in a mix of English and Filipino. He added that some students are not even aware of a glee club in campus.
ACGC member Dom Joseph Bulan added, “It is quite sad that sometimes, it is those who are outside Ateneo, particularly people or institutions in other countries, who recognize the org for its accomplishments,” he said.
Something different
Bautista said that there was a balance of old and new songs in order to connect with the varying demographics of the audience.
A small female ensemble sang “Nobody” by The Wondergirls in a cappella , while the ACGC full choir sang “In My Life” by The Beatles. He also added that ACGC factored in the quality of being “bibo” (lively), so that they could enliven the atmosphere and their renditions.
“In our other performances, we would appear rigid and straight-up. In this concert, we really just wanted to sing and have fun,” said Bautista.
The concert experimented with the structure or routine of typical ACGC performances, now introducing duets, small ensembles, and solos.
Reactions
“Personally, I felt fulfilled at being able to sing in the ACGC love concert, and it was a way of giving back to the community,” said Bulan.
Finella Erika Zarate said that she watched the concert to support the Glee Club. “Aside from this, it was also a unique way to spend time with people close to one’s heart, such as friends, especially during the season of love,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bautista said that some parents who watched the concert approached him after the show. They told him how much they enjoyed the songs.
ACGC member Mikhael Fiorello Llado said that he gained more support from his family because of the concert.
“My whole family was not completely aware of my desire to sing… After that concert, they started showing more support with [regard] to my activities as a member of the ACGC,” he said.
Working for the concert
The ACGC Music Committee headed by Maria Hermo took charge of the practices. Meanwhile, alumni also submitted suggestions and arrangements for the concert to the organization.
ACGC members started rehearsals right after the Christmas break, practicing for three to four hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“Needless to say, rehearsals [were] very tiring pero fulfilling naman sila (but they were fulfilling),” Cortez said.
Bulan, on the other hand, shared fears of poor attendance. He said that they promoted the concert through various means such as posters, online promotion, and word of mouth.
He was thankful that many came to the concert.
“I was really happy about the concert. We haven’t had a big concert like this for the past five years in Ateneo,” said Bautista.
As a fitting finale, the ACGC ended its concert through their full choir’s rendition of the Sharon Cuneta song, “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas”.
