The greenroom was almost cloudy when K.A. Amal, a class VIII student from PKMM HSS, Edarikkode, was getting ready for his maiden tabla performance at the ongoing 55th State School Arts Festival at the CSI Parish Hall here on Sunday.
The boy was literally dragged into moments of nervousness as some of the parents threatened to boycott the event alleging foul play in the selection of judges. But, Amal managed to regain composure and told father, “I am going to perform even if all of them are leaving.”
The boy showed his guts on the tabla too by playing the 16-beat ‘Teen Taal’ and 14-beat ‘Ada Chautal’ and enthralling music buffs for nearly 10 minutes. There were seasoned performers, students, and music teachers who watched the show. He secured the first prize with ‘A’ grade. His long training under Anand Krishnan, a senior teacher at the Baburaj Memorial Music Academy, Kozhikode, helped. Mr. Krishnan said it was the ‘wonderful finger flexibility and clarity’ in Taal that won him the prize. There were 20 contestants.
Amal was dedicated and passionate about practicing the tough lessons regularly, he said.
“For me, this was a long-cherished dream. I had been preparing for over five years with the support of my parents,” said the young percussionist. Amal, who is also an ardent fan and follower of North Indian percussion maestros, said he wanted to join the Taalyogi Ashram of Pandit Suresh Talwalkar in Pune to prepare for his musical journey ahead.
