Students of Cathedral and John Connon School are on a hat-trick as they take to the stage for the third time for the children of Salaam Bombay Foundation. The event is supported by dna.
The students of Cathedral and John Connon School started their musical journey with the Salaam Bombay Foundation three years ago, and this year too they will reprise their role as committed artistes. Giving them company on stage for the third year running, will be the children of Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Dance Academy.
When the two groups of children take to the prestigious Blue Frog stage on September 5 this year, it will be a culmination of their own year-long individual efforts that has found a way to be woven into a cohesive performance spanning jazz, pop and contemporary music. The almost two-hour performance albeit one of top quality music and dance, will also be testimony to how much of a role consistent musical education plays in the overall growth of impressionable children. From a character change to a career choice, music and dance have their ways in becoming an intrinsic part of one’s lives and the children of both institutions are no exceptions.
It all started in December 2013, when 25 7th standard students of Cathedral and John Connon School formed a group called WE. The brainchild of student Mrinalini Somani, the concert was born out of a volunteering experience with the Foundation that left her with a conscience-stirring epiphany. An inspired Mrinalini mooted the idea to her batch mates who instantly got on board. The rest, as they say, is history.
Talking about the initiative, Somani says, “This is the third consecutive year that WE is performing at Blue Frog. It is an incredible feeling to be able to do something for others who are not as privileged as us, but who are equally talented. WE has brought about a change not only in the lives of the children of Salaam Bombay Foundation but also in ours. We are more aware of and thankful for all that we have been blessed with.”
Running parallel to the Cathedral students’ arts education is the Salaam Bombay Foundation’s endeavour to bring world-class training in dance, music and theatre to children in government schools. The Academy builds their confidence, fosters creativity and creates different vocations in the arts. The funds raised in the musical galas of the past have directly benefited the Academy, by providing talented and deserving underprivileged children an opportunity to receive advanced training in their chosen vocation, bringing them one step closer to their dream.
Fifteen-year-old Devendra Shakya, a student of the Salaam Bombay Foundation Academy of Dance, was part of WE’s performance at Blue Frog last year and will be performing again. Speaking about his experience Shakya said, “I joined the Academy four years ago. My father was not very supportive then because he wanted me to focus on my studies. But after he saw my passion for dance, he is my biggest fan.I performed at Blue frog last year and it was a great experience. I want to become a choreographer with Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Dance Academy in the future,” says the boy from Jogeshwari who has been part of Shaimak Davar’s choreographed productions and has also worked in the Marathi film Por Bazaar.
This year, providing unmatched training to the students of Cathedral is Mumbai’s premier music school, the True School of Music. After rigorous auditions, the True School shortlisted the participants and got them ready for this show. The concert will include solos, group performances, dances and an evening to remember.
When the children take to the stage on September 5, it will undoubtedly be a fundraiser, but also a celebration of what talent honed perfectly and consistently can do.
Event Details: WE FOR SALAAM BOMBAY 2015
Venue: Blue Frog, Lower Pare
Date: September 5, 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 5-7 pm
For donor passes contact: Priti at 9833936080 / priti@salaambombay.org
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