A heady concoction of classical compositions such as ‘Vatapi Ganapathim,’ popular film songs like Kishore Kumar’s ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ and melodious bhajan ‘Raghupati Raghava Rajaram’ charmed the audience who assembled at Town Hall for the Orchestra competition (High School) at the State School Arts Festival.
All 16 groups delighted the audience with their skills. Many contestants effortlessly handled two or three instruments. The one who played flute was seen easily switching to Wind Piano (Melodica). As did the violinist, who played Thakil and Ghatam. When some teams tried varied versions of film songs, others presented their own compositions. The venue erupted in applause when the beats reached a crescendo.
Tough contest
“All the groups came up with splendid performances, making the competition tough,” said Anit C. Thomas, a teacher from MGM Higher Secondary School, Mananthavady, Wayanad, a school which has been participating in the competition for 10 years.
“I keep my fingers crossed. I was surprised by how dexterous my competitors were with various instruments,” said K. Sayana, the violinist of MGM HSS.
M. Ganesh, a percussionist, who has been preparing students of Little Flower Girls Higher Secondary School, Kanhangad, for about 25 years, too appreciated the quality of music on offer.
