Breaking down stereotypes and prejudice with music
Founded by Kumuduni Perera – David and Shehan Wijemanne, Clefolution is a new choral ensemble comprising a group of passionate individuals, brought together through their love of music.
Pic courtesy : Eshantha Perera
Starting from the members themselves, Clefolution breaks all norms especially those that confine members to one particular musical section.
As Kumudini shares, “Just because you’re singing bss, that doesn’t make you bass for the rest of your life”. This thinking has nutured a lot of vocal variety, with a keen understanding of the choir blending as a whole, instead of just parts.
The founders of ‘Clefolution’ also recognized the importance of music as a therapuetic art form. Thus, Clefolution was also formed to give voice to the upliftment of Mental Health in Sri Lanka. Clefolution aims to change the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness on this subject. As such, all of their efforts place emphasis on building awareness around mental health and to lend a hand to those who are working for the betterment of it.
Clefolution held their first solo performance, “Sacred Chords: Our Prayer In Song” recently at the Parish Hall of St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya. Proceeds from the endeavour were donated to the non-governmental organization Shanthi Maargam,that seeks to reduce violence in communities. The proceeds will be utilized to construct and operate a dedicated Youth Counselling Centre for Shanthi Maargam.
We sat down with Kumudini, Shehan and Dr. Sean Amarasekera, who are the Founders and Director of Clefolution, respectively to see what Clefolution and being a Clef is all about. “I’ve been singing in choirs for 20 years now and something I’ve witnessed over the years is how the concept of choirs, especially in Sri Lanka, somehow translates to bleaching the choristers of their identities, much like our schools,” says Kumudini Perera – David. “Further, all my singing friends end up identifying themselves by the voice categories they are assigned to. You are soprano, alto, tenor or bass for life and never end up being able to hold a solo unless you’re one of those charismatic individuals born for the stage. Keeping choristers nieched into voice categories is easier for choral directors as its a bygone conclusion and directors don’t need to worry about training a voice to reach beyond its current state.”
Kumudini believes that choristers should receive a well rounded education in music theory, vocal pedagogy, music composition, music production and performance. Unfortunately Sri Lanka does not offer a fully fledged education in vocal music. “I formed Clefolution because i wanted to bring together a set of people willing to push their boundaries, explore music together and create choral magic. This goes a long way towards making Clefolution practices therapeutic experiences. We encourage our choristers to be themselves and relax. We also allow for distance learning using online platforms for teaching parts. This allows for choristers to learn at their own pace and commit only for what they can.” For Kumudini, Clefolution is a dream become reality. “Clefolution is a music learning environment with a focus on mental health wellbeing. I see my people growing day by day. My co-directors are people I trust immensely. Clefolution makes me happy.”
“I used to conduct classes together for a long time with Kumudini,’’ says Shehan. “I guess that’s why she wanted me to be Co-Founder/Partner for it”. Shehan is also not a stranger to the world of music which played an important part in his life. When Kumudini mentioned raising awareness on Mental Health, Shehan was sold. “Some of us are blessed enough to be able to function on our own while certain others are not.” Clefolution is derived from the words Clef and Solution. This, Shehan says, is the cornerstone of Clefolution: solutions through music.
Clefolution also aims to make choral music somewhat different from what the usual choirs sing. This was evident at the recent “Sacred Chords” programme, where the line up included songs from many languages from English to Latin to even Swahili. Several numbers were performed acapella and others were arranged by Shehan Wijemanne and Sean Amarasekara themselves. Yet others were done with unique twists, like alternate lyrics for the classic “O Fortuna”.
For Dr. Amarasekera who is a doctor by day and a musician by night. Clefolution has brought together an amazing group of like-minded individuals who love to sing, laugh… and eat! All three of which nourish the soul. He emphasizes that being a Clef means you break all barriers and boundaries, be it gender classifications, language or musical genre. He draws inspiration from his first singing mentor, the late Kalasuri Lylie Godridge (or “Uncle Lylie” as everyone knew him) who says “Everyone can sing.” This is an opinion that Kumudini strongly believes while directing Clefolution.
“Clefolution represents to me a blank canvas on which we can paint anything we set our hearts and minds to,’’ says Sean.
Clefolution is always open to new members joining. You could also follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/clefolution) and Instagram (clefolution_official).
(PJ)