Children from the San Ildefonso Residence-Boarding School in Madrid have been rehearsing since October to extract and sing the numbers and prizes of the Christmas Lottery. The draw will take place at the Teatro Real on December 22 and this year 28 minors will participate.
Among the veterans is Ángel, 12, who is participating for the fourth time and who encourages other boys and girls to sign up for the raffle because “it’s very cool”, because “singing is beautiful” and it is a “unique experience”. “I love singing and if there is a prize, so much the better,” he said in an interview with Europa Press. In fact, he remembers one of the years when El Gordo sang and he was “very happy.”
Ángel says he always felt nervous, but then he goes on stage at the Teatro Real and feels good. “At first, when I come in and see them (the participants), I get nervous, but when I sing, I don’t look at them,” he says. For children participating for the first time, he recommends “not to be afraid” because “nothing will happen if they make a mistake” and to pay attention to their voice. “In October, when we started rehearsals, I shouted a little, but in December I calmed down,” he remarks.
“Take two breaths and try again.”
Also repeats Aurora, 10 years old, who will participate in the draw for the second time and who explains that it gives her “a lot of emotion”. “Sometimes I feel excited or nervous or even happy because I am doing something very important that few people can do,” he emphasizes. Last year, she admitted she was “very nervous,” but they recommended that if she was hesitant with a number, “to take two breaths and try again.” Also, he says he dropped a ball, picked it up and continued singing. “Nothing is happening either,” he adds.
The little girl explains that what is most difficult for her is “the noise”. “Sometimes it wouldn’t come out, so it annoyed me and I didn’t have as much patience,” she admits. Regarding voice preparation, Aurora indicates that educators advise them to take care of it so as not to become hoarse. “For example, if I’m playing football, I shouldn’t shout so loud and get so excited,” he concludes.
Another of the children who will sing during the drawing is Kyron, 10 years old. He repeats for the second year in a row and says that despite his nerves, he “loved” the experience. “I get a little nervous, but it passes,” he says.
The social educator Arancha Martínez explained that this year 28 minors will participate, 16 girls and 12 boys aged 10 to 14 and of different nationalities (Spanish, Bolivian, Nicaraguan, Guinean and Honduran, among others). The casting took place in mid-October and, from that moment on, they tested the tone of their voices and formed the pairs. All the boys and girls volunteered. Those who cannot sing devote themselves to extracting balls.
Two or three repetitions per week: “They have to be synchronized”
According to Martínez, until the day of the draw, the selected children participate in rehearsals “two or three times a week”. “They sing, they read, they are taught to read the number perfectly and to sing, they have to synchronize,” he commented.
They also rehearse how to insert the balls into the wire, first the number one, then the prize winner, and prepare for the moment when a big ball comes out. “If a prize other than a thousand euros appears, then the other child must cover (the wire),” he said. They also teach them to maintain good posture.
As Martínez pointed out, “the most difficult thing is the rhythm”. “They have to maintain a brisk pace to keep the table going for about 15 to 20 minutes and their biggest fear is dropping the ball,” he noted.
Despite their fears, they assure that they are “very excited” because “their families and friends will see them” and that the day before the draw “many have difficulty sleeping” because they are “very nervous”.
Precisely, to manage these nerves, social educators accompany them and prepare them for unforeseen events, as well as for cases in which they do not have to claim a jackpot. “The important thing is to be there, to enjoy this day, to sing it as best as possible,” he says.
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