Change is Good
By Spike Lomibao
Even if change comes about slowly, it can totally be worth the wait. In April, we finally brought a program to the stage that was in production two years ago! Artistic Director, Dr. Ben Riggs reflected: “Since that time, the world has seen profound change, some for the better and some for the worse. What remains the same is OGMC’s commitment to social justice and societal transformation, one song and one heart at a time.”
And so at our familiar venues in the First Presbyterian Churches of Alameda and Oakland, the Chorus explored several dimensions of change in our lives. Early in Act I “Seize the Day” (from “Newsies”, Menken/Feldman/Emerson) and “Let the Music Fill Your Soul” (Narverud/Bode) were upbeat and uplifting tunes that are truly motivational. There were somber moments in “Refuge” (Walker/Teasdale) and “Prayer for the Children” (Bestor/Klouse) that reminded us of the necessity to foster peace and civility amid social and political unrest. One could not help but think of Ukraine, as the latter song asks “Cryin’ who will help me to feel the love again in my own land?…” The title selection, “Be the Change” (Narverud) wrapped up Act I, encouraging us to take personal initiative toward making the world better: “So I’ll take charge, be brave, work hard, have faith, stand strong for what is good, I’ll be the change.”
In Act II, “It Takes a Village” (Szymko) helped bring home the message that raising a child, which could also apply to social movements, is both a burden and joy experienced by our communities; while “Make Them Hear You” (from “Ragtime”, Flaherty/Ahrens/Funk) speaks to making things happen with active, vocal communication. One noteworthy highlight of the second half was the premiere of “Look Out Above,” arranged for OGMC by composer Jocelyn Hagen and Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist Dessa. With choreography and human percussion in this contemporary piece, the metaphor for the incessant nature of time illustrates that “there’s no stopping us” in the important things we need to accomplish.
Ending on positive notes, baritone Wally Bee introduced and presented his original work, reminding us that in all that we do, “Love Is All That Matters”. While also intended as a live premiere two years ago, the Chorus created a Virtual Choir performance of this beautiful, emotional song in 2020, still available on YouTube. Finally, as is our tradition, the concert was tied up with a feel-good bow of optimism and gratitude for our lives just as they are with “What a Wonderful World” (Weiss/Thiele). It was Dr. Riggs’ hope that the concert would inspire: “to create change where it matters most in your life—because each of us, no matter how small we think we are, can Be the Change.
Speaking of change… of seasons, don’t miss our summer concert on July 9 and 10, at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley: “Sondheim & Company: Broadway Our Way”. This will be a selection of several famous numbers from the theatre, and also a tribute to the genius, who passed away in November 2021.
