Youth Choir Workshop – Success!
The 3rd annual Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop welcomed 21 new and returning musically talented students ages 13-18 from both the Western and Eastern Dioceses on August 7-11. These eager participants were excited to represent their parishes along with a capable staff who led the program for five days.
The youth choir workshop was directed by Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian, a 2018 St. Nersess graduate and pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT. The daily workshops were led by Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Armenian Church, Evanston, IL, and Director of the Eastern Diocese’s Sacred Music Council; and Emily Terjimanian. Serien Keleshian and Subdeacon David Marottolo served as counselors. The program was also supported by Dn. Armen Terjimanian, Yn. Lucine Sabounjian, and Victoria Amran.
Collectively, the participants had a sincere interest in learning the liturgical hymns of our Divine Liturgy. The daily workshops included learning the Ekmalian Badarak in 4-part harmony; Fr. Hovhan taught the Tenor and Bass parts while Emily Terjimanian taught the Soprano and Alto parts of the Badarak.
On day three of the workshop, the participants welcomed Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who joined them for the day. “Hearing these young voices lifted my spirit and reminded me of the incredible gifts they bring to our Church. I am so grateful to have spent time with these future leaders of our Church and witnessed their dedication and passion.”
“Spending time with all these musicians, both young students and the instructors, who have an incredible passion for their church and Armenian Church music, has made me even more confident in the future (and, more importantly, the present) of the Armenian Church in the Diaspora,” commented Fr. Hovhan. “Their enthusiasm was contagious and gave me a renewed boost of energy.”
A number of students expressed an interest in learning conducting, which was taught by Der Hovhan. They even had the opportunity to take up the baton during Sunday Badarak, each leading the choir in one song.
They all learned singing techniques, how to follow conductor cues, and vocal exercises. There were two lectures entitled “Experiencing God Through His Word” and “Experiencing God Through Our Senses” – the first lecture explored the fourfold method of reading scripture, and the second explored how the Badarak engages our five senses in our worship of God.
Each day, everyone participated in morning Matins and evening Vespers serving as deacons, choir members and readers. On Sunday morning, Badarak was celebrated by Fr. Haroutiun where the participants sang as the choir members. Following Divine Liturgy, there was a special Hokehankisd held for Yn. Diane Chevian.
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, a seminary alumnus and board member, pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, and new Director of Vocational Awareness for the Eastern Diocese, returned to the seminary for the third time this summer to speak to the participants about a possible career path to the priesthood or lay ministry. He also spoke to students at the Deacons’ Training Program and High School Summer Conference.
“I was amazed by the talent and creativity of this year’s participants,” shared Emily Terjimanian. “From the sounds they created to the friendships they made, it was clear that our church is full of kind and passionate young musicians. God blessed us with each of them and I know they will go back to their parishes and share their beautiful voices.”
It has been a deep honor and privilege to direct the choir worship for the past three years,” shared Fr. Haroutiun. “It amazes me each year to witness how much our participants can absorb over a few short days, so much so that they are able to sing the entire Ekmalian Badarak in four-part harmony during the Sunday liturgy which concludes the program. Even more precious than this though, I leave the program each year invigorated, inspired and truly hopeful for where our Church is headed in the years to come. All involved come ready to learn, eager to build their faith, and determined to share what they have gained from this program with others. I am fully convinced that Yn. Diane would be beaming over the harmony of music and the harmonious love in Christ shared each year in her memory.”
Participants attend free of charge as the program is funded through the generosity of those who contributed In Lieu of Flowers to the seminary after Yn. Diane Chevian passed away on September 11, 2021. Donations to the Memorial Fund are still being accepted by clicking here.
“It was truly inspiring to know that there continues to be so many young people interested in learning the music of our Church,” reflected Fr. Mardiros Chevian.
Many thanks also go out to Zovig Ashjian and Marian Varteresian who spearheaded the preparation of all the meals throughout the program. They were honored to assist at this important program. CLICK HERE for more photos.
