Muscat: 'It’s My Voice' - MCCP Organises Workshop

Pics by Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Aug 31: Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi ) organized an innovative workshop, first of its kind in its history on 29th August 2008. “ It’s My Voice ” was the title of the program and conducted by Jossie Moras, a renowned Vocal Expert, Music Educator and Choral Director of Mangalorean origin from United Arab Emirates.

An enjoyable and highly participatory workshop was designed to help the participants to find their own voice and to learn to project it with ease and confidence. In this workshop, the participants were able to know the various useful techniques used in developing a healthy, effortless and efficient way of singing. 

The program commenced around 10.30 a.m. at the upper parish hall of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Ruwi with a hearty welcome note by Dolly Sequeira, current Sports Secretary of MCCP. Dolly Sequeira was the anchor for the full program and did a impressive presentation. Hubert D’ Souza, Community Services Secretary offered the prayers seeking blessings on the participants. Clarence Pinto officially welcomed the audience and explained the purpose of the workshop.

Jossie Moras is a UAE based Voice / Singing professional, qualified with a Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) from the Trinity College, London. A singer, teacher and an experienced Choral Director, he studied music scoring distinction marks in Trinity College music examinations.  Jossie is the only qualified and professional voice teacher of the Mangalorean community in Dubai. He is the Voice Coach for various community choirs in the city, including St. Mary’s Konkani Choir. In Addition to his profession as a singing specialist and music educator, he conducts voice workshops and gives voice training for singers, speakers, RJ’s and actors. He is the founder choral director for Dubai Konkani Community Children’s Choir (DKCC).

Lancy Madtha, a prominent Mangalorean business personality of Dubai , supporter of Konkani community and Music was also present.

Hazel Dias, Cultural Secretary of MCCP, introduced Jossie Moras and Lancy Madtha to the audience. Alex Aranha, Internal Auditor of MCCP and Samuel D’ Silva, main coordinator of Sports and Finance Committees presented the floral bouquets to Jossie and Lancy.

Jossie Moras presented his workshop “It’s My Voice” on the following topics creating tremendous interest among the audience and educating the singers on the right methods of preparation to sing and singing :

Understanding the anatomy of human voice – learning how the human voice works in speaking and singing.
The processes involved in producing sound from the vocal cords.  
Basic knowledge on the techniques of  ‘breathing for singing’

Focus on posture and breath-management.
Physical exercises to attain good posture.
Breathing exercises
Importance of warming up the voice and voice warm-up exercises
Demonstration and exercises on Intonation, Rhythm, Articulation and Communication in singing.
How to take care of your voice

At the end, Arun D’ Souza, Honorary Treasurer of MCCP presented a Memento to Jossie Moras appreciating his knowledge on Music and excellence in singing in particular. Samuel D’ Silva proposed vote of thanks.

As per the MCCP officials, there were more than expected participants for this workshop, which was first of its kind in MCCP’s history. “ We had tremendous response from our members and in fact, we created history with a big bang.” said Samuel D Silva, main coordinator for Sports and Finance Committee. “It is really wonderful to see more than double the expected participants. After completion of the workshop for three long hours, participants still wanted to stay back and have more knowledge from Jossie Moras, which is really marvelous. Everybody had opportunities to learn many important aspects of good singing.”