"How do you know when you've found God?" That's the rhetorical question that drives this piece. In her struggle to answer this, narrator and producer Laura Arrendondo is forced to scrutinize her faith as she prepares for her confirmation. The death of her grandfather, a devout catholic, leaves her feeling more estranged from God and uncertain of what a relationship with him guarantees. "My Confirmation" is described as a documentary but the depth of this piece comes from the narrator's observations and insights rather than the two other people who she interviews. The uneven production of this piece--the awkward use of ambient noise, the interviews, the editing somewhat dampens Arrendondo's message. This could be stronger as a commentary. That said, it is nonetheless an insight into Catholicism that is worth listening to. This would be a fine drop-in for ME. It could be an element used in "Sound and Spirit."
This piece draws listeners in immediately with words familiar to many - the Lord's Prayer. But lest we think that this is an all-encompassing religion story, the narrator hones in on a very specific part of Catholic Christianity - being confirmed. Not being Catholic, I didn't really understand the significance behind confirmation, but this informative little piece explained as well as entertained.
Despite her young age, the narrator grapples with fairly intense theological questions, such as being confirmed because you want to versus being confirmed because it's expected, and "part of tradition". The informal narration was good, and gave the piece a very raw and personal feel. This piece would be ideally broadcast as part of a series on religion - it's very interesting and refreshing to hear youth voices deal with big issues like religion.
This highly personal, engaging piece regarding Catholic confirmation provides a very dynamic and compelling story. Particularly powerful was the way in which the producer at first presented a number of different confirmation stories and then narrowed to not only her own experience with confirmation, but to her own faith. Because of the personal nature of the piece, the narration works well, and the exploratory interviews and recorded prayers add variety. Suitable music (i.e. hymns) could provide an even more dynamic piece. This very emotionally engaging story could add to any show regarding faith or religious ceremonies.
Comments for My Confirmation
Produced by Laura Arredondo
Other pieces by SpiritHouse Inc/Youth Noise Network
Rating Summary
3 comments
Chelsea Merz
Posted on January 29, 2006 at 09:03 AM | Permalink
Review of My Confirmation
"How do you know when you've found God?" That's the rhetorical question that drives this piece. In her struggle to answer this, narrator and producer Laura Arrendondo is forced to scrutinize her faith as she prepares for her confirmation. The death of her grandfather, a devout catholic, leaves her feeling more estranged from God and uncertain of what a relationship with him guarantees. "My Confirmation" is described as a documentary but the depth of this piece comes from the narrator's observations and insights rather than the two other people who she interviews. The uneven production of this piece--the awkward use of ambient noise, the interviews, the editing somewhat dampens Arrendondo's message. This could be stronger as a commentary. That said, it is nonetheless an insight into Catholicism that is worth listening to. This would be a fine drop-in for ME. It could be an element used in "Sound and Spirit."
Emily Raymond
Posted on January 24, 2006 at 03:24 PM | Permalink
Review of My Confirmation
This piece draws listeners in immediately with words familiar to many - the Lord's Prayer. But lest we think that this is an all-encompassing religion story, the narrator hones in on a very specific part of Catholic Christianity - being confirmed. Not being Catholic, I didn't really understand the significance behind confirmation, but this informative little piece explained as well as entertained.
Despite her young age, the narrator grapples with fairly intense theological questions, such as being confirmed because you want to versus being confirmed because it's expected, and "part of tradition". The informal narration was good, and gave the piece a very raw and personal feel. This piece would be ideally broadcast as part of a series on religion - it's very interesting and refreshing to hear youth voices deal with big issues like religion.
Eilis O'Neill
Posted on January 16, 2006 at 06:43 PM | Permalink
Review of My Confirmation
This highly personal, engaging piece regarding Catholic confirmation provides a very dynamic and compelling story. Particularly powerful was the way in which the producer at first presented a number of different confirmation stories and then narrowed to not only her own experience with confirmation, but to her own faith. Because of the personal nature of the piece, the narration works well, and the exploratory interviews and recorded prayers add variety. Suitable music (i.e. hymns) could provide an even more dynamic piece. This very emotionally engaging story could add to any show regarding faith or religious ceremonies.