After a full two years gap, the small compound at Prathnalaya in Bandra, once again resounded to the sound of music and dance. The pandemic played spoilsport and prevented what was a much-awaited programme for students of DKK.
But this year the music school which started in 2014, celebrated its 7th year on a high note conferring accolades to all the students who worked hard through the pandemic years and sent their videos online.
Held on 22nd December 2022, DKK’s annual day is the culmination of its academic year, a time of the year where we celebrate and recognize the school’s as well as the students’ achievements. It gives the students an opportunity to showcase their unique talents and achievements. The school’s Annual Report is also read.
The evening began with the singing of Christmas Carols performed by the children who in song, gave praise to solemnity and joy in Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful and Joy To The World.
The Chief Guest Anthony Gomes, the CEO, Furtados and Manager, Western India, Trinity College of London, and Guest of honour Sr Gracy D’souza, PDDM, Bandra, were left speechless by this showcase of talent.
Twins Anna and Myra gave a scintillating performance of the up-tempo carol Drummer Boy backed by perfectly pitched beatboxing by Emmanuel Macwan. The bespectacled duo were the cynosure of all eyes as they sang the carol with practised ease straight from the heart.
The main objective of having an annual day is to create a harmonious connection between parents with the school and their children and let them appreciate and enjoy their child’s talent and see it before their eyes. Being rewarded certificates for hard work is the bonus that makes parents forget the trouble they go through in the task of ensuring their children attend classes.
Students who took the Trinity College exams for the last three years (2020 – 2022) were presented certificates by the special invitees. Many were fortunate to receive their certificates from Mr Gomes who has been associated with Trinity College for a very long time.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion and while congratulating the grads, Gomes stated that parents should encourage their children to take up music and pursue it seriously. He thanked Sr Amita Mascarenhas profusely for the work she was doing and also for inculcating the chance to get students to appear for Trinity College exams. “It is not an easy task to take on the job of training so many students for the exams, but here Sr Amita does it with full dedication and joy” he stated.
Later, Sr Amita was awarded a certificate by Trinity College for registering Candidates for the Trinity College exam for the year 2020 – 2021.
Three students received Certificates of Excellence from DKK for their high scores in the Trinity College exams of 2021 – 2022. You had in First place Adiwitya Ghosh and Melanie Gomes who secured 100 per cent result in their Initial grade, in Second place Denelle D’souza who secured 99 in her 1st Grade and Third place Keira Ferreira who secured 98 in her 5th grade. Quite an achievement for all these students who will hopefully go on to continue many more grades of Trinity College.
As the winter night set in, you had Keira Ferreira who recently completed her 6th grade with flying colours, taking control of the keys with a 60s nonstop medley of classic instrumental cover songs Apache (The Shadows), Oh Carol (Neil Sedaka) and Never On A Sunday (The Chordettes). She also sang and played keys on her favourite song, the touching ballad My Love by the Irish boy band Westlife.
The arrival of Santa Claus jingling in the aisle was welcomed by all the young students and even parents who had smiles on their faces.
The evening ended with a Christmas message through Dance, wherein the wonderful story and the message of Christmas was on display by dance students of DKK. The dance was choreographed by Sr Sushma who teaches Kathakali at DKK. One can never forget the contribution by the three pillars of DKK, namely Sr Amita, Sr Sushma and Mr Ghanshyam. A mention must be made of Sr Jenebie for all her enduring support to Sr Amita.
It was an evening well spent, ably compeered by Rosetta Falcon and her young assistant Ashlyn who will probably learn the ropes of the trade from Falcon.
After a Vote of Thanks by student Kevin Saldhana, it was time for a photo op of all students, followed by a meet and greet over some delicious snacks.
Verus Ferreira is a freelance music journalist for over three decades, contributing articles to various newspapers and magazines. He is the author of The Great Music Quiz Book and The Great Rock Music Quiz Book. Besides being a music aficionado, he is also a photojournalist. He contributes to www.musicunplugged.in Reach him at: [email protected] or www.verusferreira.com
