STUDENT GROUP RECITALS

Swaranjali students take great pride in performing for diverse audiences in the Greater Seattle area. Some of their noteworthy performances include:
 

	Every IAWW Indian Independence Day and Republic Day functions since 1999. Students perform the Indian and U.S. National Anthems, followed by a 30- to 45-minute selection of patriotic and inspirational songs.
	The historic unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bellevue, WA. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Indian Ambassador to the United States.
	“A Children’s Gathering of Peace” and “The Seeds of Compassion” events, held at the Seattle Center and attended by his Holiness the Dalai Lama. Both events were organized by Mary McNeil, founder of the movement “Children Sing for Peace”.
	The 2010 “Tribute to Peace” commemorating the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. The event was held at the Museum of History and Industry, with Dr. Isaac Newton Farris Jr. (Dr. King’s nephew) as the keynote speaker.
	The Hindu Temple in Bothell, WA and the Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish, WA. Students have given 30 to 45-minute performances at important religious events every year since 2000. From 2003 to 2004, Swaranjali students led devotional songs at the Bothell temple for 30 minutes every Sunday.
	The “Images of India” symposium, held at the University of Washington, from 2003 through 2007.
	The “Chhoti Si Asha” event, sponsored by Asha for Education. Students gave a one-hour recital featuring light classical and folk songs.
	Several important festivals and events hosted by Indian regional organizations such as the Maharashtra Mandal, Uttaron, Sahyadhri Kannada Sangha, and Gujarati Samaj, among others.
	Heritage Day for children adopted from India, organized by Karen Braitmayer.
	Parampara, a teacher-student recital organized by the Anindo Chatterjee Institute of Tabla (ACIT), where adult and youth students gave a recital in Hindustani music.
	Lecture-demonstrations in Hindustani music by older students at their respective local area schools.

 

SOLO RECITALS

As a capstone for long-term dedication and achieving a high level of musical proficiency, some students have the opportunity to give a debut public solo recital with live tabla and harmonium accompaniment. Swaranjali is proud to be the first music school to introduce this concept, patterned after the Arangetram, to Hindustani music in the Seattle area.

The compositions, which are all raag-based, are chosen jointly by Vasu and the student. The recital is generally 75- to 90-minutes long and is held in a local auditorium. Fifteen students have accomplished this milestone.