Singing. For some, an essential part of daily life, for others, an activity they don't particularly seek out. Regardless of which group you belong to, you've certainly sung at least once in your life. Our interview with Brigita Cmuntova brings not only her unique perspective on singing but also allows us to peek "behind the scenes" of the preparation for the upcoming event, the Summer Vocal School at Holos.
Welcome, Brigita. Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us about not only the upcoming event called "Summer Vocal School at Holos" but also about singing itself. First, I would like to ask you this question:
Why is singing and working with the voice important for people?
I think that for everyone, something different is important. From my perspective, singing is a very important part of my life because it's a means of bringing me deep within myself. I love learning new things, and the voice is able to teach me something new. I believe that singing is beneficial in all sorts of ways, and I believe that it used to be a common, natural thing to do all the time. So I think to myself that it could still be like that now.
And how did you get into singing and teaching?
I just sang as a child. Actually, I started playing the flute first, then I started singing, and when I was deciding what to study in high school, I thought that I would like to do this. So I applied to the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory, where it is possible to study music-dramatic field, which I graduated from in six years. Then I played on the musical stage in a theater in Prague, I started a band with Štěpán Klouček, and together we created our own songs, and during that time I slowly started teaching. It attracted me. It attracted me to work with people and develop this side. And that has been with me since high school – that I work with children, I work with adults, and I work individually as well as in groups. I feel that this is a field that I can constantly explore and deepen, so that everything works for the benefit of people.
Thank you very much for sharing, Brigita. Now I would like to move on to the event of the Summer Vocal School. This year will already be the eighth year of the singing school. Who is this school intended for?
I would say that it's for everyone who wants to dedicate their time, a week during the holidays, to singing. I especially welcome people who consider themselves beginners, amateurs, or "non-singers" because I enjoy working with these people. I feel that I can be helpful to them, and it's beautiful to see the progress they make, which is noticeable at the Summer Vocal School. It's actually a taste or an indication that a person can gain. And then it depends on them what their path will be – whether it was enough for them, or if they want to continue with singing further. And by coming back to Holos, I am pleased to see that this workshop was a beginning and motivation for someone to continue with singing lessons. That is gratifying.
And what can we look forward to at the workshop? What will be happening? After all, it's a week-long stay, as you've already mentioned. Can you share a little taste of what's in store?
I always work with people in a way that focuses on breathing, and the awareness of breath, which is important for singing. We focus on perceiving the whole body as an instrument for playing or singing. We always begin with warm-ups at the piano, various exercises, then we do group singing, choir singing, which includes rounds or two-part songs. Then we move on to solo singing and individual consultations. The fact that we have a whole week provides us with enough time to focus intensively on singing. At the end of the week, there is always a concert, which stresses most of the school's participants, but in the end, everyone performs. I think it takes a lot of courage, but at the same time, it's a big step for the person. To be able to perform in front of people, in front of listeners.
And the final question is, what will a participant in such a workshop take away with them in the following weeks, months, or even years?
It really depends on the individual, it's different for everyone. Some may close the door and move on. But my intention is for beginners or people who are just discovering the joys of singing to feel safer in this field after the workshop. At the same time, I think that one of the strongest aspects of Holos is that it always brings together a good group of people with the same intention, and everyone takes away pleasant memories. Those experiences are shared. I think singing brings people closer together. But I cannot speak for the participants of the Summer Vocal School, that's more of a question for them.
Thank you very much, Brigita, for your sharing and answers, and we will be looking forward to another meeting again in Holos and singing together.
Did you find this topic interesting? Do you like singing? Would you like to improve but don't have anyone who can give you feedback? Come and try our Summer Vocal School led by Brigita, who with her kind nature and smile will help you gain the necessary confidence in singing.
Applications can be found here:
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