“It is just amazing to join the Peiyang Chorus…it is like a dream to be part of such a high-level chorus.”

Mushayuma Noe is a graduate student in Civil Engineering at Tianjin University. He comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Soon after he began his studies, he applied to join the Peiyang Chorus.

“I heard that there was a choir on campus and I watched the performance on the website, it was really interesting. I wanted actually to join in, too.”

 After 5 months of training in freshman chorus, Noe had the skills needed to join the Peiyang Chorus, the pride of Tianjin University with a long-history and numerous honors.

In the chorus, Noe has learned more than 32 songs and performed many times whether at local choir competitions in different cities of China and outside at the 7th Bali International choir festival in Indonesia.

The biggest challenge for Noe is still learning Chinese songs, though he has already had some singing experience and skills. “Different styles of music needs different vocal techniques , and the style of singing in my country is totally different. This is a challenge for me.”Noe said.

“I need to sing again and again to find the right way to pronounce words but it is still difficult. “

The conductor also asked two of the chorus students to help him, by converting Chinese lyrics into Pinyin. This was very helpful to remember the lyrics, but he still needs to practice repeatedly. “All the members are really kind to me. They want to help me with everything. They are very nice people.” Noe said.

As the only international student in Peiyang Chorus, Noe sometimes helps the chorus rehearse some English or Latin songs. The free and open atmosphere of the choir surprises him.

“I just give my suggestions, and actually everyone can express their opinions. It’s quite interesting because the master is very open-minded. It’s just like everyone is ready to listen to you.”

The most impressive experience in chorus for Noe was his first performance at Tsinghua University in Beijing. It was his first time to perform outside campus, he felt tense and nervous.

“This is a group performance, you don't want to be the one to make mistakes. So, I need to keep everything in mind.”

“It's different and public for me. I have to face a different Chinese audience, and maybe many people will be looking at me because I am the only foreigner in the choir. So, if I make even a small mistake it will be noticed by many people. So, I need to be perfect.”

Fortunately, the company of other members greatly relieved his stress, and the conductor also encouraged him. “Don’t stress, enjoy it. Just feel free and do what you have to do in the proper way”, and these words worked. “It was a really good experience.” Noe said.

Every weekend, Noe goes to the old campus to practice in choir, from 10 am to 5 pm. This has become his routine, and the choir has become a part of his life.

“It’s a funny time for me like that, I enjoy listening to the beautiful voices. Sometimes I don't understand everything, but I just like being there, I’m happy, I’m enjoying that moment.”

As a graduate student in Civil Engineering, Noe also has the pressure of school work. However, he has his own way to achieve a balance between studies and his choir work.

“I work very hard in my classes, but on the weekends, I need to spend some time to do something I really enjoy.”

He believes that a perfect balance between those two things will make him feel more joy.

“There is a French proverb，‘do what’s necessary for you, and do what’s fun for you as well.”Noe said.

By Zhang Junyi

Editors: Eva Yin & Doris Harrington