Life without music is possible, but it may be less bearable in tough times. The Catholic chaplaincy in Soto del Real knows this very well, which is why it has the support of a group of inmates who with their voices and some musical instruments provide the music for each of the three masses celebrated on weekends in the prison.
The chaplaincy choir is currently made up of seven members (three singers, a pianist, a guitarist, a drummer, and a bass player). The longest-serving member of the choir has been singing for almost six years, six years in which he has seen various inmates come and go, musicians and singers. Memories of them bring back pleasant moments, perhaps because they all agree that being part of the choir is out of a sense of musical devotion, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine commitment to the chaplaincy.
For the choir members, it is a moment that allows them to break away from their routine, to learn, to reconnect with an activity that had been forgotten. It is also emotion, the feeling that they contribute something to the other inmates. This magazine aims to give voice to those voices and those notes, to help people get to know these individuals who contribute anonymously, through the instruments they use. They can talk about their relationship with music, what the chaplaincy choir means to them, and what they think about their musical future.
I am a music lover, my family already knows that they must bury me with my Elvis records. I like to sing all the time, in every moment. I have been in the chaplain’s choir for six years. I started singing at mass when I was 21 years old. Without music we are nothing, God made us to sing, to praise Him. In the choir I have met very good people, I especially remember Domingo, a Dominican who composed several of the songs we still sing at mass. In prison I have learned to play the guitar. When I get out, my intention is to continue singing in a choir.
I am the explosive point of the choir! Music is something that I am passionate about. I frequent karaoke a lot because it is a mutual connection between music and me. I am very daring in that aspect, I believe a lot in myself and I can go very far… After being part of the choir, I feel like I am overcoming many obstacles and I have lost the fear, the stage fright. Now I can express myself in a different way and with more confidence, for me it is a great achievement. I highlight the good vibes among my peers. Music excites me and awakens my artistic side, it brings me air and complements my life.
I am a Catholic person, I feel good singing, it is a commitment to the parents and to the Church, I believe that where two or three people are gathered, God is there, that’s why I thank Father Paulino for the opportunity. Funny things have happened in the choir, there is a difficult to explain complicity. I am also a composer, I have about ten songs written. When I get out, I will dedicate myself to composing for a singer. It is what I like and what I really know how to do, outside I was an artistic promoter and I have always had rhythm in my blood.
I am an eternal musical apprentice. I started playing the keyboard in a parish choir when I was 16 years old. Later on, I was part of a Christian music group, we did concerts. Time passed and I only played the keyboard at home. When I entered prison, in the first days, I attended a concert at the sociocultural center and remembered that in Peru I went to play at a prison. That was enlightening, at one moment you are in one place and then you can be in a completely different one. I saw that the choir had a piano without a pianist, and since then I play the best I can while still learning. It would make me very happy to play someday with my little daughter Micaela, my sweet song that starts with a E and ends with an A.
I am a perfectionist musician, I want everything to sound good. I joined the choir out of musical devotion, for the instruments and out of commitment to chaplaincy. And in the end, thanks to some officials who let us do this, in addition to concerts and other events. My first contact with music was in the parish of Parla and from there I encouraged myself to play the guitar, then I joined a rock band. Here I have been able to reconnect with music, I had left the instruments. In the choir, we put in effort to make things work, the masses, the concerts, etc. When I get out, I might participate in a choir.
I am a drum enthusiast. I have been involved in the world of music because of my father. He had an orchestra and I had several instruments at my disposal. My parents did not want me to dedicate myself to music, but the drums called me. I am committed to the choir, as I am Catholic and they have given me the opportunity to play the drums, which I have always liked. We try to liven up the masses, which are not like those outside, and people appreciate it. When I get out, I would like to continue playing.
I am a guitarist, here in prison I learned to play the bass. In Peru, I dedicated myself to music, playing different styles, rock, reggae, or afro, I even recorded a record. It was here where I played again. For me, playing is recreational, it is a commitment, not only to the institution but to the church and to what Father Paulino does. I believe that music is important in the mass. Also, when we do a concert, you can see how people enjoy it. If I stay in Spain, I will see if there is the possibility of forming a musical group, something to have fun.
They ask me from the editorial of Ecos de Soto, to write a few words about the chapel choir. The first thing that comes to mind is the image of all the people who have been part of it and the moments of complicity experienced.
Week after week they show a commitment to all of us, reaffirming once again what I always want to convey, an inmate is someone who is paying a debt to society and the members of the choir, one of the things they do is bring us a tone of joy.
You all know, that when someone comes to visit and they hear the masses, the first thing they say is that many parishes would like to have a choir like ours. That is a pride for me.
Therefore, as it couldn’t be otherwise, I want to thank all of you who have been part of the choir, your work and dedication. Especially to those of you who are now and are the protagonists of this article.
Thank you and be happy
