On November 28, six schools bands in smart looking uniforms displayed their talent and mastery over the musical instruments at the State Level Inter-School Band Competition at Althino, Panjim. With three girls’ bands and three boys’ band in attendance, St Thereza’s School Brass Band of St Thereza’s Convent High School, Raia won the girls’ category for the fifth consecutive year. The 25 girls were excited to clinch the title again and are now heading to the Zonal level competition in Pune, which will be held tomorrow, December 2. The Boys’ category was won by Dr KB Hedgewar High School, Cujira.
It’s not easy to give a stellar
performance without months of practice and taking this huge responsibility to
training these young students is the Physical Education teacher at the school,
Savia Alburquerue. Under her expert guidance and exceptional training, the St
Thereza’s School Brass Band has become synonymous with excellence. The story of
success is of the right minds coming together. Savia brought in her expertise
and dedication, the management whole heartedly supported the band, the parents
encouraged their children and the students added their great talent to create
the winning team.
Savia has been teaching at St Thereza’s Convent High School,
Raia from 18 years and the moment she stepped into the school, her desire was
to form a band. Within a few years, she formed Melodica’s which was a pipe
band. Later, the band was upgraded with brass instruments and has been winning
hearts at the state as well as national level.
Savia is known for her exceptional ability to nurture raw talent
into polished musicians, played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s success.
Every morning during the academic year, she and the students are at the school
ground sharp at 7 am. This has been Savia’s way of life right from the days
when she was a school student leading her school band at Perpetual Succour
Convent High School, Navelim, where her mother, Stella D’Cunha, was a PE
teacher. She retired in 2002 and has been a great inspiration to Savia.
Giving an introduction to the band members, Savia says, “The St
Thereza’s School Brass Band is a tapestry of musical talents, each member
contributing their unique flair to the harmonious ensemble. At the helm is
Sieana Bengali, the charismatic band leader, followed by the trumpeters,
Viberly Colaco, Meliska Fernandes, Asswilda Cardozo, Flocy Vaz, Shavila Dias,
Aisha Bepari, Mansi Pango, Diksha Kavlekar and Mahek Bepari, who with their
spirited melodies, add a brilliant resonance to the band’s performance. The
side drummers, Alisha Colaco, Vaishavi Shirodkar, Helia Norohna, Joylyn
Oliveira, Sumitra Rathod, Arin Monteiro, Maryann Dias and Siya Dessai with
their rhythmic precision, infuse a pulsating energy into the ensemble. The
baritone played by Tavia Minoj marks its rich tones and provides a solid
foundation, rounding out the band’s sonorous profile. The cymbal players, Avila
Dias and Ankita Nagannavar bring a shimmering brilliance to the sound, the
saxophonists, Gabriela Colaco and Lisandra Fernandes infuse soulful melodies,
and the tenor drummers, Krishika Mangeshkar and Anushka Chari contribute a
distinctive depth. Adding to the rhythmic heartbeat is the bass drummer, Mishel
Minoj providing the powerful pulse that underscores the band’s commanding
presence.”
The repertoire presented by the band was a masterful blend of
classic and contemporary pieces, showcasing their technical prowess. The band
would meet every day at 7 am and during the Diwali vacations, they still
practiced for two weeks sacrificing their holidays to remain at the top with
their music, marching and formation. “The beauty of this band is that the
students, right from Class 6 to 10, are all from different backgrounds and have
no base in music. They did not answer any music exams. But they all start young
when they are in Class 5 as it takes time to get familiar with the instruments.
Tony Coutinho is a music teacher who trains the girls once a week in trumpet
and saxophone,” says Savia.
Headmistress of St Thereza’s Convent High School, Sr Jennifer
Crasto expressed her elation at the band’s historic achievement, stating, “The
School Band exemplifies the spirit of dedication and passion. Their victory is
not just a win for the school but a celebration of the transformative power of
music in the lives of our students.”
In tandem with Sister Jennifer’s sentiments, Manager Sr Amelia
D’Souza adds, “This triumph is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our
students and the exceptional guidance of our dedicated teacher, Ma’am Savia.
The School Band stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through a
harmonious blend of talent, discipline, and collective effort.”
They
are currently enroute to Pune for the Zonal level competition on December 2
accompanied by four teachers, Savia, Ruchita Raikar, Dwayne Fernandes and
Cajetan Crasto. The winners of the Zonal level competition will have a chance
to perform at the National level at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.