World Music Day celebrations

Music is the only thing that I have ever known that doesn’t have rules at all…                                                                                                               

Music plays a very important role in our lives as it stimulates the brain. It improves memory. It helps us  express ourselves easily.

To celebrate the power of music, 21 June is observed as World Music Day or Fete de la Musique around the world, when people can play music outside in the neighbourhood or a public place. This year, students at The Indian School-Second Shift celebrated this day enthusiastically by participating in various activities.

It is easy to play any musical instrument, touch the right key and the instrument will play itself. The students of the Pre School learnt to build a castanet with bottle caps and cardboard pieces. Later, they presented the song ‘This is the way we click a castanet……’ to feel the rhythm of the day.

Music can heal wounds that medicines cannot touch. On this train of thought, the teachers of Pre-Primary shared a presentation on musical instruments and famous singers to their students. The children were told about the health benefits of music and how it helps improve sleep patterns and strengthens emotions via sounds.

Classes I and II teachers discussed the relevance of music in our lives and its soothing abilities. The students were made to express their gratitude to the musicians and singers of the world for their contribution. The students sang a medley of English and Hindi songs that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Many things are forgotten, but never the melody….the students of class III shared their favourite songs with their fellow students and teacher. Class IV sang the popular song ‘If you’re happy and you know it….’ with actions during their virtual class.

Music knows no bounds of culture or language. It can always find a way intoto every heart. This thought was prominent in the students of class V as they discussed different cultures and genres of music. They were sensitised about breaking cultural boundaries through music.

India is a land of some of the greatest musicians of all times like Tansen, Baiju Bawra and so many. In modern times also, we know of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Bhimsain Joshi and many more. Classes VI, VII and VIII were briefed about the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai maestro, who gained international fame and  brought recognition to the shehnai which was earlier restricted to weddings. The students were also introduced to Evelyn Glennie, who despite the incapability of listening, is a full-time multi-percussionist.

Music helps in improving language, cognitive skills, concentration and memory. It encourages teamwork and relieves stress. During the hard times of the pandemic, it has become a medium of bringing people closer as it knows no social barriers.