Saudi Gazette Happiness holds no bounds when one realizes their dreams, and it gives eternal bliss when one makes others' dreams come true, too. The Serenata Children's Choir and String Chamber Orchestra believe in turning dreams into reality. On a warm Thursday evening last week, around 70 children gathered in the auditorium of American International School to make a difference in the lives of other children in Philippines at the “Serenata Shines at Seven” benefit concert. Aged between six and 16 the children came from different prominent schools of Jeddah. Their only aim was to collect sufficient funds for the education of children in Philippines. Raphael Louis Hipos, 15, of GEMS International School (GIS) and a member of the chamber for the past five years, said. “We really feel happy to help other children back home through our talent. We are not thinking about fame.” He smilingly added, “Though we get to be on Philippine TV, yay.” Twenty spell-binding performances kept the audience captivated on their seats as the young musicians and singers delivered melodious notes professionally. “We have been practicing for the past seven months on weekends. It was really tiring yet every moment spent has been worth it,” said the pretty Geraldine Valle, 14, also a product of GIS and a member of the chamber and the choir for six years. Serenata's journey has been a difficult one. However, despite obstacles, the children, all younger when Serenata began, and their musical director, Sylvia de los Santos did not shrink from their mission. With their passionate love for music they kept going strong; the result being a packed auditorium and a mission accomplished. Miguel de los Santos, 13, of GIS said that he was really proud of performing in the concert; it not only helped enhance his skills, but fulfilled an important goal as well. He started playing the violin when he was just 9 years old and is a prominent member of the orchestra. “This concert has been very beneficial as it gives us a chance to socialize, improve our skills, and enhance the Filipino image,” said Michaella Atienza, 13, of Pearl of the Orient School. They may be young but they think deeply for their community. The orchestra's youngest violinist was six-year-old Dana Alhtailah of Jeddah Preparatory. The little one expertly matched her skills with the other elder members of the chamber. She started playing the violin when she was just four and participated in the Arabs' Got Talent competition held last year in the UAE. When asked was she nervous about performing live at the concert, with a slight nod, all she said was, “Yeah, a little bit.” However, at the concert itself, Alhtailah exuded confidence. Choristers Bennie Mae Consolacion and Kirsten Asis, both 8, Julien Angeline Esquivias, 9, and Winona Marie Flores, 14 — all from GIS — said they were excited to be singing and at the same time elated to send some scholars to college back home. “The lion sleeps tonight” from the movie Lion King and medleys of Philippine and English songs enthralled the audience. “The concert was clearly up to my expectations. The children who are still very small realize what this is all about, and so they were dedicated and disciplined. They sacrificed their weekends to rehearse which shows their commitment. They were just great!” said musical director De los Santos. __
