Alvin Sales: The big man in the shadows of Lolek

By Wein P. Gadian

Life is never the same without music. It is there from our waking moment till our night nap. The simple sound of the water in the shower, the tap of our soles on the floor creates music.

We would hum tunes to relax, entertain and even to escape our monotonous life. In silence, we make melodies to regulate our boredom.

Music is also our expression of our pains and happiness. We create our own music, our own interpretation. A musician creates his music from simple sounds of nature to the beating of a heart. A simple story could be made more meaningful with music.

This is what the Alvin Earl Sales, Musical Director of musical play Lolek, did when he gave life to the late Pope John Paul II's story.

He is simply known as Alvin to the cast of Lolek and his friends.

Alvin is a nursing student of the West Negros College. By heart, he is a musician.

Why Lolek

Who would not accept to be a part of Lolek? The beautiful story of a noble man is worth anyone's participation.

Music Workshop with Lolek cast and Lingkod friends

One would just be in awe knowing the soul quenching life of Pope John Paul II, whose real name is Karol Josef Wotyjla.

But there's more to a musical play than mere reading and acting out the script.

One should have both love for the man (Pope John Paul II) and passion for music.

These elements are much essential to give justice for such a rare man. As approached by the people who brought Lolek to life, Alvin is one man destined to be a part.

“It was my genuine admiration for the pope, my love for creating music and performing, and it is another opportunity to work for a good cause,” Alvin says with a booming voice.

As both a cast and the musical director, Alvin believes that one should know their part.

“I just have a musician, a flutist, a pianist and a drummer. After my part, I just go back and conduct.”

Musical director

Like any directorial job, the challenge lies on how to handle the casts. From how the actor delivers his part to his portrayal that the audience would understand. Thus feelings and emotions matters for a successful show.

"In singing...never ever forget the feelings and emotions."

In music, it's not simply singing the piece correctly. Elements like the posture, breathing, listening, articulation, projection and attitude are essential in singing. One should know the dynamics in whether a solo or a chorus. But even if one knows these dynamics without the feelings and emotions – the song could never be as beautiful as it should be.

As a director, he has to make everyone relate to the music being played. For Alvin, being a director is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

As a musician and perfectionist as he is, directing Lolek is a fulfillment for him and his music. “It is more than I've expected. Given 45 days to prepare…it was a bit impossible and knowing that it was a wrong casts…as what I've thought at first. But because they were more than willing to give justice to their roles, we perfected it.” He admits.

“Love what you are doing and continue with it, for music love it genuinely and the whole craft.”

Music experience

A person will always look for something that he wants. It is passion that will always make man continue with living. It is the focus of his life.

For Alvin, his life revolves around music.

He studied at University of San Agustin Conservatory of Music for two years; was part of ' Koro ' musical group, where he sung the Mozart Requiem.

He has taught music at West Bridge School for Boys and directed his first musical 'The Fathers Gift' last December 2000 at West Visayas State University.

He is also into voice coaching, and is a member of the Our Lady of Minstrels choir of Alta Tierra Village.