Vadya Kala Classes run by the Poomala Paradevatha Temple administration teaches everything from the basics on the week ends and holidays for a group of students within the age group of nine to 25 music filled.
“There are different stages in mastering the art form of Chenda, whether it is Melam, Thayambaka or any other temple percussion ensemble,”
The initial stage is the toughest as the student has to practice on hard granite with a fleshy stump
Fleshy stumps and granite slabs are used in the initial stage to make the wrist of the students flexible to play variations especially during the staging of Thayambaka,
“It is very difficult for a student to present myriad creative numbers on the loosened end of a chenda with the stick because of the low tempo of the surface. But once the student masters all the basic lessons on valamthala, he can easily play the edamthala, the high tempered end of the chenda where an expert can create miracles,”
More than half of the total strength of students are beginners and many are very young. As beginners they keep the basic rhythm at a very low pace and the older group which practise on valamthala play the next level of the rhythm, known as randam kaalam (twice the frequency of the initial pace)
“Saadhakam” (practice) is essential for mastering any traditional percussion instrument,”
"Sopana sangeetham, Edakka, Thimila, Kombu, Kurumkuzhal and Maddalam,” are part of next stage of studies in the Vadaya Kala classes. On every week end and holidays the younger generation of nearby Hindu families practice in mastering the art form of Melam which gives a Rhythmic waves around in the temple premises now practices under Guru Shri. Balussery Vijayan Marar
"Gods Own Music" -The World famous Elanjithara Melam in Thrissur Pooram
No comments:
Post a Comment