'Saga' with a new look

The talented teen orchestra of Royal College presents `Saga' at the BMICH on October 16. This year they have added a new look to this show with dramas and dances. The enthusiastic teens participating in this event of magnitude expressed their thoughts to the Sunday Observer

by Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

As I walked towards the main hall, soft tunes echoed. An event was taking place. Teenagers of Royal College, Colombo with their musical instruments were busy getting ready for their most exciting annual event `Saga 2006', to be held for the third consecutive time.

The talented teen orchestra of Royal College presents `Saga' at the BMICH on October 16. This year they have added a new look to this show with dramas and dances. The enthusiastic teens participating in this event of magnitude expressed their thoughts to the Sunday Observer.

Sudhammika Jayanetti, 17, said the event was the best in their school calendar.

"There are lots of things happening in Royal College but this is the best event. I'm glad that I am in the orchestra. We practised for about two months. Our students are talented so it wasn't difficult for us to come up to this standard," he said.

"I'm enjoying this very much. We stayed after school for practices. It was not difficult for us to get ourselves trained as we have had this event for the past two years. From the very beginning, I have been playing for the orchestra and I enjoy it a lot," said Ruchaka Dadagamuwa, 17.

Ruwan Wickremaratne, 20, has not given up his interest in music although he had left school. He has passed his A/Ls with three `A's and at present continues his higher studies at the university. "I have taken part in Saga and in dramas when I was in school but I didn't allow it to disturb my studies. I'm glad that I got the opportunity to play for this year's event," he said. Ruwan plans to make a career in music.

Nilaksha Neththikumar, 18, explained that each Saga gave them new experiences. "Each year there is something different so it becomes a new experience. I have been in the orchestra for a long time and I enjoy it. I hope to take part next year too," he said.

"There were no musical events in our school. There wasn't a way of displaying our talents in the field of music. This opened doors to many teenagers to work with national artistes and it was a huge support for my musical interests. I have participated in the past two years and I gained a lot of experience," said Randula Caldera, 20, the vocalist of the orchestra.

Prathibha Chathuranga, 18, enjoys playing the Sitar for the orchestra. He has taken part in all-island competitions and won awards for his talents. "We have a good team. All are friendly and together we are going to have a great event this time," he said. Sumiran Gunasekara, 19, supports this school event in a different way.

He is the compere and considers this as the greatest opportunity he got to contribute to his school. "I was the compere in Supipi Tharaka and several Rupavahini programmes. I am very happy to participate in this event. It is my first Saga and I am hoping to do my best," Sumiran explained.

Ashoka Pushpakumara, the music teacher takes great pain in training the students to make it a great show this year. "It is a great opportunity for the students as they will be providing the music for Veteran artistes.

It is a rare opportunity. I am bringing nearly 50 students on stage and prominence will be given to the orchestra. Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya will perform and there will be an item from the primary students too," he explained. Royal College Saga will extract power and the talent of Royal teens once more.