The first of its kind all children’s band G Minor has quickly been making a name for themselves in the city music scene. Having performed at various addresses in the city, the band had bagged a number of prizes at various prestigious events. Under the tutelage of their music teacher, Neville D’monte, the band is known to perform all genres of music. In a candid chat with Neville, we find out about the journey so far.
All musicians will surely know what the term G Minor is to them but for this band it’s different. Neville explains, “Being a part of Gopalan International School and starting a band with kids below the age of 18, I thought it would be really unique to come up with a name that G- minor”. The crowd has really been amazed at the skill the drummers of the group have. Neville says, “Initially two drummers used to play simultaneously for a few songs. And do something like this show the commitment the kids have put to the task ahead of them”. The band already has crowds that follow them to all their performances. And with every show the number increases. “The maturity and professionalism that the kids bring to the stage has really amazed the crowds” adds Neville.
Forming a band with kids was quite a challenge for the kids, parents and even the teachers. “It has been quite difficult as these kids come for practice at 6.30 am before school starts. The kids put in 3 days a week during off season and when a there is a show they practise every day. But the kid’s passion for music has overcome any obstacle that has come their way” adds Neville. The songs that group sing mostly has a retro background and the music sir ensures the child that is going to perform can pull off the song and do justice for it.
Balancing two things is quite difficult but these kids have pulled it off. One of the drummers Rakshit Kumar Dixit says, “Music has been a part of my life ever since grade one. A group activity that Neville sir organised was what got me interested. I had this crazy fever to learn music and so I troubled my to let me play the guitar and it started from there. I think if you don’t know the person you are performing with you’re not going to sound good. I don’t think it’s very hard to balance performing and playing in the band” Tanya Shankar one of the vocalists in the band says inspiration to sing came in the form of her music teacher.
Vocalist Srinath Lokanath Kumar says, “It was friends who had initially pushed me to join but later it became my passion. The audience for all the shows that we have done till now have been really supportive and encouraging. I think without the school support towards infrastructure, a sound proof music room and many other think we wouldn’t have got to where we are now.”
Their principal is full of praise for the band. She says, “The band has grown up in front of our eyes. It has been the dream of the school and in particular Neville sir. It is not only his passion but also his motivation and encouragement that has brought the band to this level. The spirit of the master has passed on to the kids. The teamwork and coordination and their ability to share has brought them to where they are today.”
