Chants encounter inspires students of song

The Baltimore Sun

Antion Meredith, a teacher of Hawaiian chant and song, came to McDaniel College to teach participants how to understand the purpose and power of sacred chant, and how to reap the spiritual benefits.

During his class at the 13th annual Common Ground on the Hill last week, Antion, as he is known to his 14 students, taught them authentic Hawaiian chanting, as well as traditional song.

"A person does chant to experience a full awareness of one's subconscious and conscious mind and to understand the person they are on the inside," said Antion. "It can take a while to figure that out."

Although Antion has been studying Hawaiian chant for 11 years, this was his first time teaching it. His wife, Elandra Meredith, also taught a Hawaiian healing class at Common Ground.

"This has been fun and just a really nice experience," said Antion. "Few people really know anything about Hawaiian culture and how big and rich it is."

Carroll County resident Patty Regan said she decided to take the class this year after taking seven trips to Hawaii. She said she enjoyed the culture so much that she wanted to understand it more.

"I wanted this class to help me realize ... who I am," said Regan. "I was excited to take this class, because I loved Hawaii so much each time I went there. The history I learned while in Hawaii about all the fascinating tales with the gods, made me really want to learn from this class."

Winters Mill senior Alexandra Ruiz, who was part of a Rise Up and Sing class at Common Ground last year, said she decided to try Hawaiian chant and song this year because she likes to sing.

"I'm really glad I tried this class. I didn't know much about it, but my teachers and friends told me about it," said Ruiz. "It's definitely been worth it and it has had an impact on my whole well-being."

Antion said he started learning Hawaiian chant in 1989. His interest developed after he went to a Hawaiian concert that also featured hula and other dances. He said he liked the concert so much that he decided to pursue his interest. He found a teacher in Hawaii to help him learn the chant and dance ritual and he began studying the culture.

"Chant has become part of my everyday life," said Antion. "I say everyone has a passion for something. I found mine. Follow what your heart sings."

Although chanting can be used for many types of healing, Antion said the Hawaiians commonly use chant as a means for self-expression.

"Hawaiian culture is very family oriented," said Antion. "Not just blood, but extended family as well. It's a very inclusive culture. It's very nice to experience."

Ruiz said the class made her believe she could grasp a part of that Hawaiian culture.

"This class made Hawaiian tradition really come alive for me," Ruiz said. "Being here makes me feel like I am a part of their family," said Ruiz. "I felt like I learned how to understand their culture and ideas."

Antion plans to return to his house in Hawaii in August. A Maui resident, Antion lives on the U.S. mainland for the summer months, so he can teach. In an earlier career, he was a rock musician who was a member of the band called The Animals.

"It takes a lot of time to study and to understand chant. It really takes a lot of practice," said Antion. "It's hard to do here. ... but in Hawaii, everyone thinks it's quite normal."

For classmates like Ruiz and Regan, chanting has become a part of life.

"I do the songs all the time now," said Ruiz. "I taught my step-dad and my sisters, and I'm going to tell my music teacher at school. It's just relaxing for me and it really helps me get to know myself. I am really happy with this class."

The Hawaiian chant and song class ended Friday, but Antion said he would be willing to come back and teach next year at Common Ground to help students advance their chanting.

"This is what life is about," said Antion. "Besides taking care of your body and your family, my life is about growing in spirit more than anything else."

eboni.preston@baltsun.com

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