To the performers, the two best things about musical events
are learning and practices.
One of the two grand events conducted every year by the SAIFINE ARTS is the Chithirai Thiruvizha. The students are awarded for their
performances in the music grade exams conducted annually at this event. The
number of students who get facilitated at this occasion always amazed me. I had
the opportunity to see what it takes. Our ideal Guru Nellai M Vinayagamoorthy
gave us the opportunity to teach basics at the class and I observed how the
Gurus train the students, test them periodically and appreciate these budding
artists.
I still remember a class hour at which our Guru cited to use
the chance of teaching other students through which we will improve
collectively. Special thanks to Guru Nellai M Vinayagamoorthy for believing in
us and allowing us to handle classes. It definitely helps us grow. I had to
listen to various lessons I didn’t know in the first place. I go directly to
any of the Gurus including the two brilliant violinists, Ms Sai Priyadharshini
and Ms Sai Meenalochani. I learn and then
help the student who learns a particular lesson.
We had an instrumental concert at the start of the Chithirai
Thiruvizha event. Every performance including that of seniors has put a ‘wow’
emotion. Each practice session is a fine memory. For the instrumental concert,
I paired with my sister- herself on violin and me- veena. I take joy in
mentioning that we never lose out on opportunities as our Gurus and our beloved
parents always encouraged us to pursue it. Thanks do not equalize the teachings
and support we received from Guru Nellai M Vinayagamoorthy and Guru A
Vishwamithran. The ‘you people are improving’ report from our Guru Nellai M
Vinayagamoorthy post the event meant a lot to us.
I never thought I would equally practice Carnatic vocal too.
The consistent practice sessions for various concerts developed the interest, I
must mention. Speaking of the vocal concert of this Chithirai Thiruvizha, we
learnt songs in various ragas namely Keeravani, Hamsadhwani, Kapi, and others.
This time the opportunity coupled with responsibility. I was instructed to
assist the kids while practising bhajans. It made me ensure I learn every song
right. I used to seek my sister, Archena, to rehearse the songs as she is skilled
at this than myself. I remember the first practice session with the kids at
which we sang Krishna Krishna Manamohana, a bhajan in Kapi raga. I used to ask
myself if I’m doing it right. I recollect, I requested Ms Sai Priyadharshini to
check if we are singing it in the way it should be. I must say that the whole
sessions I had with those kids were always interesting. I admit that they know
most of the lyrics by heart while we adolescents always have a lyric note to
support. When I shared such experiences at home, my mother came with a witty
statement saying “You should practise at home too, in the morning. Not
sufficient when you do it only in class.” Realizing mom is always a mom, I
would go silent. I rejoice the session of practice sessions we used to have at
8 pm with extra attention.
Practising Ayi Giri Nandini, Vinayaga in Hamsadhwani, Rama
Kodanda Rama in Bhairavi and all the other songs were exciting and challenging.
Varum Ondru in Sudha Dhanyasi raga gets a special mention because every time we
sing it, the chittaswaras that comes in the song always puts a smile on my face
in the memory of my elder sister. We have a memory lined to it. Let the mention
of it here put a smile on her face too as she reads it. We had a lot of
learning and practice sessions. Sincere thanks to Guru Nellai M Vinayagamoorthy
for teaching, supporting, and encouraging us in all possible ways and grateful
for the extended opportunities in all forms.
Realizing I have a long way to go and cherishing the
journey.
Happy music!
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