TGIS
Do you play an orchestral instrument? Do you like to sing? Child’s Play India Foundation is inviting young musicians (strings, woodwinds, brass) to join us for a fun orchestra summer camp this summer, to experience what it is like, to play in an ensemble with other musicians.
In April, Child Play India Foundation will be organising second annual orchestra and choir summer camp in collaboration with Don Bosco Oratory Panaji, offering an exciting opportunity for all children who learn an orchestral instrument or like to sing but do not have the opportunity to do so in an ensemble. All these programmes are open to the wider public for participation as well as attending.
Anyone can join the choir summer camp and experience the pleasure of singing in harmony with other young people at Don Bosco Oratory, Panaji on April 15-27 between 9.30 am to 10.30 pm. Anyone who is above seven years of age and is a school or college student, can participate in the summer camp.
It was in 2018 that Child’s Play India Foundation officially launched ‘Year of the Cello’ with the aim of creating a new generation of cellists and this project was supported wholeheartedly by people.
Pointing out that India has very few cellists and even fewer qualified cello teachers, Dr Luis Dias, founder shares, “It is very difficult to play classical music without a good bass line. Whether it is a quartet or an orchestra, we need cellos to make music.”
“Last year, we were able to hire a qualified and experienced overseas teacher from Denmark who worked with our students. We have learned that hiring experienced teachers makes all the difference as they have the skills to deliver better results. Such teachers also have empathy, a quality that is crucial when you are working with children who are not as privileged as others,” he shared.
In just a few months, the children from Child Play India Foundation performed at their Christmas concert and in a student recital in February 2019 where around 20 students performed duets with their teacher Gry Norby, who now has completed her contract and returned to Denmark. However, the project continues as before with two cello teachers expected this year to continue this challenging project.
“Disha and Pari, two of our youngest cellists from Hamara School, have siblings who are learning flute and violin with us. The girls and the other children in the project have taken to the instrument with much enthusiasm. They come to our office to practice even when there is no scheduled class, which is heartening to see. Thanks to your help, we were able to provide each child with a cello so they don’t have to share while playing or practicing,” smiles Dr Luis.
