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January 18, 2003
The students of classes VI to VIII
witnessed a rare performance of Indian and Western classical
dances by students from the centre of Asian Dance and Music
University of Massachusetts.
The programme began with the Odissi dance performance followed
by a Ballet performance. The most exciting and novel performance
was the tap dance performed by Marina The children were jubilant
to see her perform. Barkha Mathur of VII A felt her movements
were of lightning speed whereas Metali Agarwal and Richa Golecha
both good dancers of class VII A felt her performance to be
breathtaking and both enjoyed every bit of it.
The surprise
performance of the day was from Catherine and her friend who
performed the Rajasthani Dance and the wedding dance of
Uttaranchal.
Before their performance, Ranjana Devi who is also the founder
director of the programme and Artistic Director of Natraj and
now a dance lecturer at the University of Massachusetts, briefed
the students about the different mudras and steps used by her
students and about the similarities in Indian and Western
dances.
After the performance the students were divided into groups and
were given some training of the different dances. Our students
of classes VI and VII also performed a traditional folk dance to
give the visitors a brief glimpse of the rich cultural heritage
of Rajasthan.
It was a wonderful new experience for all those who witnessed
the show. |
January 21, 2003
On 21st January 2003 under the
auspices of SPIC Macay the renowned Israj player-Alauddin Khan
accompanied by Tabla player Amjad Khan and harmonium player
Kashi Ahmed visited the School.
Students from Class VI to VIII were thrilled to hear about the
Sarangi which Ustadgi learnt from his father at the tender age
of five. Ustad Alauddin Khan later informed the students that he
had combined two instruments Israj and Dilruba to make a new
instrument which he named as Dilruba Israj.
As Ustad Alauddin Khan played the instrument the students were
spell bound by the magic of his music. He caught the imagination
of the young hearts and cast a magical spell on them. He played
the ragas-Ahir Bhairav and Khamaj. He also played two movie
songs in rag Ahir Bhairav where he invited the children to sing
with him. The children enjoyed it thoroughly. A brief Antakshari
enthralled the children and they enthusiastically participated
in it. The programme came to a close withUstad Alauddin Khanji
asking a few questions on Dilruba Israj from the children, which
they promptly answered.
Before leaving the school Ustad Alauddin Khan remarked that he
was delighted to see the discipline, the knowledge and
appreciation of musical instruments and good music in the
school. He praised the effort being made by the school in
providing classical music training to students from a very young
age.
Ustad Alauddin
Khan's Visit
(Courtesy Spic Macay)
September 18, 2002
A classical music presentation by
the world renowned Sarod Player mesmerized the audience at
Neerja Modi School. A deep sense of melody combined with
versatility prevailed here. Both the Alap and Jod were exquisite
in design and development. Pandit ji, a fine and sensitive Sarod
player adapted his instrument so perfectly to his moods that it
set aflame the imaginative powers of the mind. Prashast of Class
VII, who himself is a very good classical singer said, “The
Sarod sings in his hands”, as his fingers cascade along the
strings. “Definitely, an affair to remember for a long time”
remarked Mrs. Khanna, The Principal of the School. |
