SARS changes plans for the CSUB Singers

By RONALD JODO
Staff Writer
05/07/2003

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has driven terror into the hearts of millions across the world. Even CSUB seems to be reeling from the ripples of the infamous virus.

The CSUB Singers, a 30-member campus choir comprising of half students, and half non-students, was scheduled to tour China and perform at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

“I wanted to take the students to a place really different where they would see things through new eyes,” said Robert Provencio, a music professor and choir director. “I also wanted something that would be artistic and cultural.”

China was selected for the tour because it was the most affordable and intriguing to the choir coordinators.

“I was at the World Symposium for Choral Music in July,” Provencio said. “I visited with seven tour companies and presented them with my travel criteria. Kingsway International, our tour company, presented us with the China trip that was head and shoulders above the other proposals.”

The trip would have taken the choir through Shanghai to Beijing, in all of the Far East’s mystique and such architectural marvels as the Great Wall. However, due to the developing SARS situation, the China trip was promptly abandoned in favor of Australia.

“They switched our trip from China to Australia because of the SARS virus,” said JC Mejia, a senior music major.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), China accounts for 65 percent of the global suspected SARS cases and 44 percent of all SARS deaths. The number of countries afflicted with SARS is estimated to be 27 with a cumulative of 6,583 probable cases.

“The biggest disappointment is that we won’t get to visit China, a fascinating culture in music, art, and architecture,” said Provencio. “I was very much interested in a cultural exchange there.”

One student choir member gave his take on the China trip.

“I knew the SARS situation would have an affect on our trip. I wasn’t concerned,” said Mejia. “I knew the travel agent, the Dean, and our professor would make the right decision. I had faith in them.”

There was no mass hysteria over the intended trip to China, nor were the campus phone lines jammed with fearsome complaints.

“I imagine lots of us were concerned about the SARS problem,” said Provencio. “But, everybody was confident that neither the university, nor Kingsway would ever put us in harm’s way.”

The main source of fear is the gray area created by the concealment of information by government officials in the afflicted countries and the fanning of the flames by the media.

“I think that there have been media reports that make it seem like SARS is the Black Death. However, the officials in Beijing and other countries may have suppressed information on how widespread SARS really is,” said Provencio. “To be forthright about the situation would be best for everybody.”

When the China tour was cancelled, there were sighs of relief mingled with those of disappointment.

“People in our choir appreciate the Chinese culture,” said Mejia. “I was looking forward to the Great Wall. I was, like, how can I not go?”

While some are disappointed about the cancellation, Provencio feels that it’s for the best.

“I for one am pleased we’re not trying to go China at this time. However, a future trip to China is certainly open, when it’s safer,” said Provencio.

Provencio admires his students for stepping up to the plate in handling their expenses for the trip.“Everybody deep down in his heart aspires to great things,” he said. “And every now and then, we are given an opportunity to achieve moments of greatness. The cancelled Beijing trip and the Sydney replacement are just such moments.”

The Sydney trip will cost $3,000 per person. The China trip on the other hand, would have cost approximately $2,500, and the university has eagerly stepped in to assist the choir in meeting its needs.

“The community people are covering their own expenses, while the students have raised a portion for theirs and are being supported by a grant by Dean Marla Iyasere,” said Provencio. “I think it’s just wonderful that the university is able to provide this kind of experience for the students.”

The Sydney trip will span 11 days, from tours of Melbourne to a closing performance at the renowned Sydney Opera House.

“I’m a teacher and my responsibility is to inspire my students. Sometimes it’s enough to give them a piece of music,” said Provencio. “Other times, I can give them something really exciting, like this trip to Sydney.”

The choir members are equally excited about getting a chance to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

“When they switched, I was very excited,” said Mejia. “Australia is a place I’ve always wanted to go to all my life.”
Preparing for a once-in- a-lifetime performance at the Sydney Opera House takes a great deal of time and dedicated rehearsal.

“We’re gonna spend the whole quarter rehearsing for the trip,” said Mejia.

Whether it’s the Forbidden City Concert Hall, or the Sydney Opera House, the CSUB Singers are determined to give the performance of a lifetime.

“I think many of my students will forget what happened on any given day in choir rehearsal,” said Provencio. “But not one of them will forget being at the Opera House. Not one of them will ever forget that moment.”