'Vive La Musique' with Visakhians

Ruwini Jayawardana

INDOOR BAND FIESTA: Visakha Vidyala, Colombo, held an evening of music and dance titled 'Vive La Musique' at the BMICH Main Hall on May 29 at 3.30 p.m.

The event was held to mark the 90th anniversary of the school and the fourth anniversary of the Visakhian band. The senior Western band, junior Western band, and primary Western band of Visakha Vidyalaya performed at the event along with two performances each from the Eastern and Western dance troupes.

The bands of Ananda College, Nalanda College, Royal College, D.S. Senanayake College, Thurstan College, Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Bishop's College, Musaeus College, St. Paul's, and Sirimavo Bandaranayake Vidyalaya also participated. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana was the chief guest.

Visakha Vidyalaya's senior Western band is made up of 35 members. The band had emerged winners at the

 'Western Music and Dance Competition organised by the Education Ministry in 2003 and 2005. The girls are under the guidance of Devika Silva, teacher in charge of the Western music bands and Bandula Manatunga, the instructor.

Sonuki Ayodya, 17, believes that 'Vive La Musique' is a grand opportunity for teens to display their aesthetic talents to society.

"We have members talented in various sectors in the band. They can sing, dance and play instruments equally well. This event makes way for them to be recognised as all-rounders," she said.

Charindri Jayaratne, 16, had been in the Visakhian band for five years since she was in Grade Eight. She had played the melodica in the primary band, the side drum in the junior band, and as a member of the senior band

she handles the trombone.

"We will present a variety of songs. For example we have Mandira Sandalu Thala, which is a new hit. Then we would be performing Payana, the popular song from the film 'Anjalika' and 'Santorian' an orchestral piece by Yanni. There is also a baila composed by our instructor," she explained.

Helani Peiris, 17, the senior band's leader says her mother had been a tower of strength for her.

Helani said:"It is not an easy task to lead the band. I have to be fair and look into every matter concerning the band members. I cannot perform my role alone. Since my father is abroad, it is my mother who had been behind me. She helped me immensely."

Deputy band leader, Tharuka Galle Kankanamge, 18, said the girls have spent one and a half months getting

 ready for the band show. Practises lasted from six to nine for the last few weeks before the show and before that it had been on Fridays. Tharuka expressed teamwork and constant decisions taken together with Helani bring them together.

Charindri Wariyapola, 17, said she had always loved music. She is with the percussion section and also plays the side drums.

"There are dance performances in the event. We will be dancing to the tunes of the songs 'Shape' and a live performance from the movie 'Stick it'. Our choir is made up of 60 members and trained by Vajira Nanayakkara, the western music teacher will sing. The Eastern and Western dance troupes are handled by Swarna Basnayake and Sunila Lokumanna," she said.

"I have loved music from as long as I could remember. Western music had always been my first choice," grinned Daneshi Jayawardane, 17, another talented girl in the band. Daneshi plays the saxophone. She said though music is a time-consuming activity she had learnt to balance it with her studies.

Thamali Tennakoon, 17, is another girl who had learnt to manageher time between aesthetic activities and studies.

"There are times when these two clash and then my parents are not too happy but I have learnt to keep up with my schedules so far," she observed. "Both band shows and competitions are essential. Through competitions you know the standard of your band and in band concerts you are free to enjoy being a member in a band. It is a two way process."

"I took part in our band concert held in 2005 but this is the first time that we would be holding a band fiesta to celebrate the anniversary of Visakha Vidyalaya. Our band members are like sisters. We quarrel and shout at each other but that is only for the moment. We have built a deep bond of friendship with the band," Piyumi Dias, 18, smiled.