We're back from the mountain! And it was a great success. Thank you for your prayers.
We had 20 Obo Manobo musicians join us for teaching and recording. They were encouraged to value their culture and infuse their identity with their faith thru music. This was the first time that Geoff and I co-led a workshop together. It was a great mix because I led the teachings based on bible study and cultural music, and Geoff led the teachings on modern music. Throughout the week, Geoff also recorded 24 songs for a compilation Obo Manobo album that will be given to them to distribute to their churches and radio.
It was very cold and wet. The electricity was questionable. There were rats at night and cold water bucket baths. But the people were eager, joyful, talented, and motivated. And the landscape was absolutely beautiful.
Couple of highlights - One morning, Geoff followed what seemed like a rabbit trail in his talk and ended up sharing his testimony. The thing he ultimately addressed was the issue of honesty (or lack thereof) in the church and our opportunity as musicians to be prophets as we write honestly about life. This seemed to hit home with several people. Later, we found out that one talented young man had tried to commit suicide just a month before. We couldn't help but think that the "unscheduled" talk was meant for him, to give him a place to feel safe about where he is at while still moving forward in the hope of salvation. The first half of the week, he was quiet and unsmiling. By the end of the week, he had written a song for the first time and was engaged, playing a part in almost every song, and always grinning ear to ear.
As we were about to drive away, two people came up to me to say thank you. While talking with them, they shared with me that the new song concert held the night before had been the VERY FIRST time a concert was EVER held in their own language. Not just in the church. ANY concert of ANY kind. Can you imagine having never worshiped in your own language? Or heard any songs at all in words that you completely understand?
This song (view video) by Pastor Calihanan was THE highlight of the concert judging by the screams from the 200 attending Obo Manobos. This pleased me as my prayerful goal was to encourage them to combine the new and the old styles (most participants were young guys, so their songwriting reflects that). The concert had a wide variety of song styles, but Pastor Calihanan's song completely embodied what I was hoping to see happen. Hopefully, there will be even more songs like this in the future.
I was told by our host that people afterwards were calling the week "a history making event" and "worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records" (ie first concert ever held in Obo Manobo language).
Sometimes I wonder how much difference we're really making in the big picture. How much does music really matter. But when people start crying as they're explaining what the week meant to them, you don't question it anymore. Its hard to explain in concrete terms how it matters. But the tears say it all.
Thank you for your support. Know that it makes a difference over here on the other side of the planet.
You can see pictures here: Pictures of week with Obo Manobo Unfortunately, I'm (Erica) not in any of them because I was the one behind the camera, so Geoff gets all the glory this time! :)
Mek's CD is finished! Mek (the guy on the left) is a Cambodian believer who loves music and loves his people. We were able to equip him with a solid album of original music which will help him get his start when he returns to his country. He comes from a very poor nation with a recent history of genocide. The fact that he has been able to develop his English and his musicianship while here in Davao, will automatically put him in an influential place in his society. We can't wait to see the fruit!
We have put 2 of Mek's songs on the Download Page for your listening pleasure.
No Man Can Videos
No Man Can have performed in a variety of venues. At our You Tube Channel, see videos of their performances.
Erica's Blog Well, I've joined the rest of the world and started posting a blog. My desire is that it will be a place to share my experiences (funny and not so) in an honest way that people might relate to. Dialogues are welcome. I hope you enjoy and comment! Erica's Blog - Musings
Thesis Complete! After 5 years of hard work, Erica has completed her Thesis and earned a Masters in Ethnomusicology! The thesis covers the results of Erica's research in Mongolia including the music culture of the nomads and encouragement of contextualized music for the Mongolian church. If you're interested, feel free to download the PDF (under "Downloads" on the left). Warning: it is 70 pages long, but don't let that stop you! You can skip all the boring parts :)
Our Obo Manobo friends today.
Geoff's Music Site
Geoff has is own website, now, featuring his own music and that of No Man Can's. Follow his blog, check out the new songs from No Man Can, and keep updated on all things "Geoff". Click here.
Pictures We've been taking pics of everything from Ariel to Alligators to Camels to Street Markets. Follow the link below. Once you get there, click on the "Details" tab for the best view.
