JOSEPH FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
ALDONA: The trumpet melodies of Carmo Caridade Fernandes, a musician from Castellvaddo, Aldona, have travelled across the world. For 29 years, Carmo served as a trumpeter in the police band in Bahrain before retiring and returning to the land he always called home—Goa.
Carmo’s love for music was deeply influenced by his father, a multi-talented musician who mastered several wind instruments. By the age of 12, young Carmo was drawn to the trumpet, an instrument that would define his life. Under the guidance of his father and with inspiration from musicians like Mr. Tavares of Corjuem, Carmo began his musical journey, performing at local events.
Though his formal
education ended in Standard IV due to financial challenges, Carmo’s early musical earnings—just Rs 13 per performance—were significant at the time and fueled his dedication to music.
Carmo’s life took a pivotal turn in 1967 when his father took him to Bahrain and
enrolled him in the police band. Over the next few decades, Carmo played for various international audiences, earning accolades and a stable livelihood. The Bahrain police band performed in places
like Germany and London, often winning competitions
and capturing the hearts of audiences.
In Bahrain, the band adopted traditional Arab attire for their performances, blending cultural identity with music. These years not only honed Carmo’s skills but also brought him recognition beyond Goa’s borders.
Among the many highlights of his career, Carmo fondly recalls meeting Chik-Chok, a world-renowned trumpeter who once attended one of Carmo’s performances. Impressed by his talent, Chik-Chok approached him and said, “One day you will become a great trumpeter. This instrument is meant for you. Keep playing.”
Carmo remembers these words as a source of motivation that pushed him to refine his craft.
Carmo has witnessed the transformation of the music scene in Goa over the years. He reflects on a time when Aldona had many eager students learning instruments, inspired by the musical culture of the village. Today, he laments that children are more captivated by modern gadgets and less inclined to pursue the rigorous practice that music demands.
In earlier times, respect for musicians was immense, even though the financial rewards were modest. Practising music, particularly wind instruments like the trumpet, required hours of dedication and discipline. Despite these challenges, Carmo found fulfilment in his craft, making sacrifices to perfect his melodies.
“Learning to play an instrument doesn’t just make you talented—it sharpens your mind and helps you stand out. While going abroad to perform might seem like the ultimate goal, I want to remind young people that success is achievable right here in Goa,” says Carmo.
The changing landscape of music
“In earlier times, there was not much value for music
but there was great respect for musicians. In my prime, children in Aldona would line up to learn instruments. Today, that passion seems to have diminished. As kids, we managed to balance it very well, we even helped our parents in doing all work. Modern distractions like mobile phones and a focus on high-paying jobs have led the younger generation to distance themselves from traditional musical instruments. Anything in life you do – whether it is studies, sports, work or a skill, there is hard work involved. There is no short cut to success. We need to keep a goal and keep learning, keep practicing,” says Fernandes.
