Tarang - An initiative by Sishu Griha

Tarang performance at Sishu Griha

TARANG is a programme of classical dance and music that we arrange for our MONTESSORI children on the last Monday of every month. Tarang was started a few years back when Mrs. Naganand was the principal.

During one of the staff meetings, the discussion came around to the topic of dance and music and we felt that the younger generation nowadays is familiar only with the popular music of the times, and do not have the opportunity to listen to classical music. We decided that we should do something to bring this music to the children and that’s how Tarang began. We usually start TARANG from July onwards as it takes at least a month for the new children to settle down in the environment.

The children’s reaction to these programmes was so heart-warming that we were enthused to continue; they not only sat entranced while the programmes were going on, but also asked questions later and went home full of excited comments.

This year’s Tarang began with bhajans by a parent - Shwetha, followed by a guitar recital by Shashank,one of our middle school student. Earlier we have had Hindustani bhajans by Mr. Hariharan; Bharathanatyam recital and Kathak dance were also organised. Tagore’s songs by Ms.Basu [our high school teacher], Classical music by two students Christmas carols by adults and parents, Veena recital by our music teacher, Sandhya and her students, Western music by Sunitha Rao and her sister Arti Rao, were the other programmes organised.

Talking to Mrs.Sivaramakrishnan about this programme recently, I was happy to find her pleasantly surprised by Sishu Griha Montessori’s initiative to bring classical music and dance to our young Montessorians. Anyone wanting more details about Tarang can contact me: ckshantha@gmail.com