The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Fascination for instruments draws them to the profession

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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Fascination for instruments draws them to the profession

Meera Srinivasan

— Photo: R.SHIVAJI RAO

IN HARMONY: Band musicians add a lot of flavour to several events.

CHENNAI: Attired in bright-coloured uniforms and carrying majestic trumpets and clarinets, they often catch your attention in public or family functions. From popular film songs to the national anthem, they play different kinds of music to please listeners. Behind those happy notes produced by these artists, often referred to as “band musicians,” are inspiring stories of passion and perseverance.

For many of them, it is the sheer fascination for the instruments used and the passion for music itself that draws them to the profession. L. Durai, for instance, is quite a veteran. The former officer of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department has the distinction of performing at the city’s Republic Day parade for 30 years.

“I joined as a fireman and retired as an officer, but my interest in music motivated me to join the department’s band right at the beginning of my career. Since then, I have been a clarinet player,” says Mr. Durai, who has been training younger musicians and helping out bands post retirement. He recently led a troupe of musicians at a function organised at the AVM Studios.

The musicians playing instruments such as clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, base drums, side drums, symbols and maracas, looked rather picture-perfect.

It was around noon, and the heat, unbearable for most others. But his band did not seem to mind. Totally engrossed playing ‘Ammavum neeyae appavum neeyae…’, all they needed was take a few seconds’ break between two songs. A smile and a quick discussion later, they would get back to performing another number, with the same enthusiasm.

However, some feel that their hard work goes unnoticed, and the pay, not particularly good. R. Murugesh*, a musician with another band in the city, says that a 10-member band may get anything between Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000 for a performance. “Even in the best-paid bands, a musician may get only about Rs.500. In my case, if I make Rs.250, it is a big thing. And if in a particular month we do not have too many performances, life is very difficult,” he says.

But, sometimes the compliments from listeners is worth all the trouble, says S. Peter*. “I know this may not be the best salary, but I when someone tells us they liked our song, we feel special.”

Mr. Durai agrees. About 15 years ago, his band played at a function in Mylapore. “We played the old film song ‘Unnai kaanaada kannum kannalla…’. The person who had engaged us, Sundaram, said “once more.”

He kept requesting us to play the song again and again. First, he gave us Rs.100 each. But after a while, he was so moved that he presented all of us with a ring.”

The man later told them that the band’s rendition of the song brought back sweet memories of his wife who had passed away.

(* Some names have been changed on request)

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