01 Dec 2023  |   06:07am IST

A musical triumph for the girls’ of St Thereza’s School Brass Band

For the fifth year in a row, St Thereza’s School Brass Band from St Thereza’s Convent High School, Raia was declared the winner in the girls’ band category at the State Level Inter-School Band Competition. The 25 girls, trained by Savia Albuquerque, gave a splendid performance to reign as the undisputed champions

Dolcy D’Cruz

O

n 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.