On Saturday mornings, members of the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus eagerly gather in a classroom at Mahidol University's College of Music to practice a number of songs, ranging from the touching Kam Man Sanya to the patriotic Rak Gun Wai Terd.
The name of the group is a bit of fun concerning the age of the choral singers, who are not in their tender teens nor 20s but above the age of 40.
They often make a joke that the total age of the 40 members may well add up to 2559, which is 2016 in the Buddhist calendar.
In the next two decades, Thailand's aged are expected to account for 25% of the country's population. And to prepare for an ageing society, public and private organisations have been encouraged to develop programmes and social activities for the elderly to help promote their mental, emotional and physical wellness in order to achieve a good quality of life.
Prof Emeritus Sakorn Dhanamitta, Salaya Tiny Young Chorus's oldest member at 88, enthusiastically participates in the singing project, initiated by the College of Music to serve the increasing number of senior citizens.
The cheery Dr Sakorn sets an excellent example of greying gracefully while remaining active as a senior adviser for the Institution of Nutrition. Since last November, the weekly rehearsal has kept her occupied in singing with her younger friends, who come from all walks of life, from former air hostesses to bankers, entrepreneurs to pharmacists.
"It is more fun than singing at home and the outcome is more ear-pleasing than singing alone or as a duo," said the paediatrician. "You may not have a good voice, but your friend does, and together as the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus we can make beautiful music."
She clarifies that the name fittingly reflects the group's young-at-heart attitude which shines through the ageing physical appearance. "Singing stimulates the brain, exercises the lungs and muscles among other health benefits that will help keep seniors in good shape," she said. "Merely listening to the uplifting music releases endorphins and makes us happy, whether it's a soothing ballad or an upbeat song."
A typical rehearsal runs through a list of oldies, including Duanchan Wanpen, NgamSaeng Dueon and Ta Mong Ta, which have been rearranged for choral singing by instructors and choir masters, Rit Subsomboon and Sarin Chintanaseri, who alternately run the singing classes and rehearsals.
"We want people of the same generation to come and sing together the familiar tunes without emphasising too much hitting the perfect pitch. Singing shouldn't be a stressful activity, and it's a sing-and-smile that makes everyone happy,'' said Rit, a full-time instructor at the college's conducting department.
Rehearsing dance movements for the concert.
The smiling makes sounds come out "brighter" while giving facial muscles a little exercise, he added, whereas the singing promotes good posture and correct breathing -- all in all offering similar health benefits to Tai chi.
"Initially, we wanted the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus to have a happy time together in class. But they showed potential as they practiced on the songs, so we will be taking that to the next level by holding a performance which challenges them to go on stage and sing in front of an audience," said the music instructor.
Co-instructor Sarin said that while there was an audition to select the chorus members, it was less about talent and more about finding those really interested in choral singing, which involves more than vocalisation. "You can't close your eyes and ears and sing whatever you want," he said. "Eyes have to look at the choir master, ears have to listen well to differentiate sounds, while you have to open your heart and appreciate other members in order to sing with them in harmony."
Despite working in finance and banking for 12 years, Sarin found his true calling in music as a choir master and is pursuing a doctoral degree at the College of Music after already holding a master's degree in choral conducting.
He has handled choirs of a younger age and basically uses a similar approach in training the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus, while ensuring that his senior students are stress-free and entertained over the two hours in class.
The second oldest member at the age of 83, Boonyavat Assavarachin noted that the instructors have simplified and made choral singing interesting through their engaging training techniques.
The former banker likes to perform Broadway music but never had the opportunity to go on stage. Even though he won't be belting out The Phantom Of The Opera's All I Ask Of You, he's glad to be the high baritone singer for the upcoming charity concert this coming Sunday.
"I took singing lessons but not on choral singing," he said. "This is an extension of my passion, and you can always learn something new at whatever age."
Former air hostess and personal secretary Supalak Smitasiri, 72, feels like a kid again whenever she attends the singing class, which revives her love for music.
"I once was a piano teacher, and it's great to be making music again through the harmonious choral singing," she expressed.
In her late 40s, Monticha Sangsawat joined the chorus because she has plenty of free-time due to early retirement after 25 years as an air hostess.
"My body needs to recover from years of hard work and sleep deprivation. Attending the singing classes is my music therapy," she said.
"In-between the songs, I get to laugh virtually every five minutes because of the instructor's amusing training techniques. Again, laughter is the best medicine."
The Sunday performance will allow the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus to showcase their teamwork, she noted, whether in the singing or in the professional organisation of the charity concert.
"It may be a little concert, but it will be big enough to show what this group of senior citizens can do in sharing happiness from singing with the audience," she said.
The 'Ya Wa Chan Kae (Don't Tell Me That I'm Old) 2559 Pee' concert by the Salaya Tiny Young Chorus will be held on March 27, at 1.30pm, at Bhumibol Sangkeet auditorium, College of Music, Mahidol University's Salaya campus, in Phuttamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom province. Email mshall@mahidol.co.th or call 02-849-6565 ext 6603.
