Page 69 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL4

The awards and reputation of the group have not come by accident. In addition to home practice, chorus members must devote three hours two or three times a week for rehearsals at Ms Dusdi’s studio in Sathonspiritual meaning of life to me. It is the culmination of what I have done in life.”The awards and reputation of the group have not come by accident. In addition to home practice, chorus members must devote three hours two or three times a week for rehearsals at Ms Dusdi’s studio in Sathon.“They need to be on time and disciplined. Anyone who is more than 15 minutes late will be marked as absent,” she said.The chorus members consider this devotion worthwhile.“I love every moment I spend singing with the group, and even more when they announced we’d won two gold medals at the World Choir Games,” said Wootthichart Lueka- jorn, a member of the chorus for two years.Members come to be a part of the group in various ways. Waeowow Suriyarangsee, part of the soprano section, said that one of her singingperformances caught Ms Dusdi’s attention, and she was asked to audition for the chorus.“There are two steps in the audition process,” she said. “First, you’re asked to sing a classical song of your choice, followed by a sight-singing test. If you qualify, you’re given a chance to sit in on rehearsal and let the coaches see if your voice will blend in with the others. If you pass, you’re accepted into the group.”Apiwat Phitakpattanakul, a medical scientist at Siriraj Hospital, auditioned differently however. “Two years ago I followed the Suanplu Chorus on Facebook and it was the first year they allowed applicants to post video clips of our singing on their page for the audition. So I did, and was surprised to be selected to go through to the second round.”According to Ms Dusdi and group members, the Suanplu Chorus has changed somewhat over time. Vitchatalum Laovanich, who hasspent 12 years in the group, said, “While the group is becoming better known, audience expectations are rising as well. We need to practise hard before every concert to maintain our standards. It can no longer be just for fun like in the past.”As the Suanplu Chorus does not make a profit, it is a common love for choral singing that motivates members to improve and devote their time and personal resources. “To participate in an international competition, imagine how trouble- some it is for 30 people, all burdened with responsibilities in life and career, to contribute part of the expenses to travel overseas,” Mr Vitchatalum said. “If not for our passion for singing and doing our best for the country, it wouldn’t be possible.”Elite+ 67