Let the music resound
STAFF REPORTER
|
Classes are being conducted at Coimbatore Music School despite financial setbacks.
|
IN HARMONY: The melodies flow.
The flow of foreign funds for the Coimbatore Music School stopped last May. Yet, the corridor of the school continues to reverberate with the sound of music.
"Violin classes, keyboard and veena sessions are still on," says Darryl Atkinson, co-ordinator of the school.
But, where is the sound of the flute coming from?
"It is from a descant recorder, the basic flute. It is the simplest wind instrument and produces a high pitch. This instrument dates back to the 15th century. In this category, we also teach alto recorder that is used for moderate pitch and the tenor recorder for low pitch," he adds.
The school was started as a three-and-a-half year project with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) in Stockholm to provide free music education of international standards to the underprivileged and physically challenged children. The funds were routed through the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.
Music material
"The books and the instruments were shipped across to us. Seventeen teachers were appointed at the local level and we could take music to 400 children. Piano, guitar, and in the violin family, we have the viola, cello and the double bass. Theory included history on music and compositions," he adds.
The outreach programme catered to the children at Polio Centre in Kinathukadavau, Nazareth Bhavan in Kalveerampalayam, Meher Children's Village in Madukkarai, Star School in Ondipudur and St. Joseph's Industrial School in Udhagamandalam.
"The underprivileged children participate in concerts for select gatherings of their family members and the institution. A few outstanding ones take up associate board exams of the Royal School," he adds.
The total fund for the project of Rs. 5.5 crores was released to the music school in phases.
The monthly expenses ran to Rs. 3 lakh and the budget for one year was Rs. 36 lakh.
"As per the agreement, the funding was to continue till November 2006. But, it stopped in May and now the dues run to Rs. 18 lakh. They told us the Royal College has exhausted the funds. We approached the Swedish Embassy in Delhi, but they didn't give us any assurance on the funding," Darryl adds.
Because of nil funding, the centre has incurred heavy debts. "We have exhausted our personal savings because just the monthly maintenance alone runs to Rs. 25, 000. Most of the teachers have moved out and we are yet to settle their salaries," he says.
Can you help?
But, they are not willing to give up. They are looking at fund flow at the local level to continue with their existing work and at the international level to start a new structure.
"Our plea is to settle our dues, so that we can continue with our service," Darryl adds.
The centre has plans to approach the Human Rights Commission in Coimbatore too to take up the issue.
If you want to help, Call: 0422-6535577/ 98940-31957. E-mail: darryl34@rediffmail.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
