SENAPATI, Oct 6: Somang School in Senapati, Manipur, held its highly anticipated Music Festival on October 5, 2024. The event featured performances by students and special guest musicians, Dr. Baek Jin Joo, an accomplished violinist and former Professor at California State University, who has played the violin in over 800 Hollywood movies, and Mr. Lee Su Chang, a renowned Cellist. The festival aimed to showcase students’ musical talents while emphasizing the importance of co-curricular activities.
The event began at 10:00 AM with an opening prayer, followed by sharing and a Bible recitation. R. Chao Tao, Proprietor of Somang School, moderated the program and welcomed the audience warmly.
In his address, Chao Tao encouraged students to embrace the opportunity to perform, urging them to focus on growth rather than perfection. “Every performance is a step toward growth,” he emphasized, fostering a supportive atmosphere for all participants.
Smt. Mamoni Doley, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, also addressed the audience, stressing the significance of music in education. “Music plays a vital role in personal development,” she remarked, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities alongside their academic studies. She expressed her gratitude to the school for organizing such a meaningful event.
Social activist Mr. N. Benjamin Tao further emphasizing the importance of music in children’s lives, urging parents to support their children’s involvement in musical activities as part of their holistic development.
The festival featured a range of performances, including a hand-bell performance by the Somang School Bible Group and a traditional Kuki dance. Students across various grades showcased their talents through songs and choreographed dances. Notable performances included:
– KG II & Class I performing ‘We Are the Dreamers’
– Class I, II, and V to VII (Girls) performing ‘Edelweiss’ on hand-bells
– Class V to VII (Boys) choreographing a routine to ‘Better When I’m Dancing’
– Class II performing ‘Let’s Get a Little Crazy’
– Class VII student, Juho Tao singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from the ‘Titanic’ soundtrack
The festival concluded with a captivating performance by guest artists Dr. Baek Jin Joo on the violin and Mr. Lee Su Chang on the cello, leaving the audience in awe of their musical brilliance.
Following the performances, lunch was served to all participants and guests, creating a sense of community and celebration among attendees.
The Somang School Annual Music Festival not only celebrated the musical talents of its students but also reinforced the importance of integrating music and community engagement into education.
