Teenagers’ Perception of Time Using the Song “Sinal Fechado” —Report of Experimental Results

Patricia Costa,Laura Rónai

doi:10.4236/ce.2014.519189

Abstract

The present article focuses on the experiences of this researcher while working with a youth chorus in Rio de Janeiro. With the goal of commemorating twenty years of activity as director of the choruses at the Colégio S?o Vicente de Paulo (Cosme Velho\RJ) in 2013, this researcher chose, for the annual concert presented by the youth choir SVEM, a repertoire of songs dealing with aspects of time; using this subject, it was possible to examine different interpretations related not only to the topic of time but also to the differences in meanings experienced by distinct age groups (the conductor and the young singers), resulting in a conflict of approaches during the rehearsals of the song “Sinal Fechado”. Consulted authors, such as Deleuze and Benjamin, through their reflections on the work of Marcel Proust (especially In Search of Lost Time) bring to the fore discussions of the meaning of the perception of time; this researcher intends to translate those questions as experienced in the process of rehearsal. Using material from doctoral classes at the PPGM-UNIRIO, some thoughts are proposed for a deeper understanding of the subject.

Highlights

Within great historical periods, the form of perception of human collectivities is transformed along with their mode of existence
In 2013, completing 20 years of uninterrupted activity with the youth choruses of the Colégio São Vicente de Paulo (Cosme Velho\RJ), this researcher had the idea of exploring the theme of Time with the chorus of the Middle School (SVEM) of that institution
We show how Benjamin and Proust defend the idea that past and present cross and create new readings of reality

Summary

Introduction

The form of perception of human collectivities is transformed along with their mode of existence. It is in the repertoire that we find the propulsive spring of choral work, without which this activity does not exist It is the point of departure from which everything will take place, as Figueiredo states (2006):. The criteria of the singers, usually, have to do with objective identification with the music, the emotion that it inspires, the message carried in the lyrics, in the style or even the performer of the previous recordings It is important for this choice to function as a point attracting their peers to the activity. “There is an inexhaustible range with respect to possible choices of repertoire, given that the choral singer, often, is not interested to know if there is a piece already ready, or does not even know, in the majority of cases, the procedures by which these materials are prepared. Motivations for choice of repertoire bring with themselves extramusical elements, depending on the history experienced by each individual; their memories (voluntary or not), their values and objectives (whether esthetic, emotional, or even technical) cause new criteria to open for the list of repertoire chosen by distinct groups or individuals involved with the activity

The Idea of the Show

Azevedo and Carlos Fernando

The Statement

Final Considerations