Yule be rocking!

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Christmas is in the air. And the notes of The First Noel and Away from the Manger are truly enchanting. Choirs in the city are running packed schedules. And these choirs comprise not just musicians. Professionals from various walks of life are coming together to sing carols and soak in the festive spirit.

Dr Manvi Gupta always enjoyed music. She sang in her school days. Post school, her MBBS course never came in the way of pursuing her passion for music. Last year she joined the Capital City’s Minstrel’s (CCM) choral group. “I always loved to listen to rock, pop and jazz. With CCM, I was initiated into western classical. For me, music and medicine are not drastically different arenas. Both are meant to reach out to people,” smiles Dr Manvi.
About her favourite carols, she says, “I love performing Hark the herald, God bless the merry gentlemen and of course, the very popular Silent night and Joy to the World.”
Anirudh Subramanium, an IT professional with HCL, joined the choir of Artistes Unlimited (AU) in 2006, that does not require members to be trained in western music.
“Around this time of the year, I have to spend 10-11 hours in office. At the same time, our choir gets busy as Xmas is around the corner. Even if I get free at 10 pm at night, I rush for the practice sessions. The music recharges my mind and soul,” says Anirudh.
Garima Aneja is an executive with a travel company. With her father’s transferable job, she had the chance to travel through her school years. In every place she stayed, she always was a part of carol singing sessions, despite not having any any formal training. She became a part of her college choir and then in 2008 joined AU.
“Most of us give up our favourite activities, which become a cherished memory of childhood. I think, we all can make it a present-day reality. Just that we need to push ourselves a little,” opines Garima.
Associated with The Neemrana Music Foundation choir for a few years, Sneha Sachar is a lead business analyst at American Express. “I usually wait for this period anxiously. One can sing some of the most serenading compositions in the form of carols. However, this year with professional engagements, I won’t be a part of the carol sessions,” laments Sneha.
AO Naga choir is an upcoming group of young students and professionals from Nagaland’s AO community. “We are a motley group. Our biggest concern is not finding time to rehearse or perform. On Sunday, we ensure we get atleast two hours of sound practice,” adds Luna Yaden, founder, AO Naga choir.
Most believe that if you are passionate about music, you will find a way to be a part of the carol bandwagon. At times, logistics do play a spoilsport.