Events 2009 - 2010
The Band of Brigade of Gurkhas visit Thomas's Battersea
Pupils at Thomas's Battersea had some special visitors at their Annual Sports Day on June 29th at
Battersea Park.
The brilliant Band of Brigade of Gurkhas, consisting of 30 musicians and led by Major Hopla, helped to add a Nepalese twist to what has been a great fundraising year at Thomas's Battersea. The Band is part of the Brigade of Gurkhas and forms an integral part of music in the British Army. The band's instruments included a diverse range of musical pieces including the brass quintet, woodwind quintet and saxophone quartet.
Entering along Albert Gate, and led by Bandmaster Major Pun, the Band kicked off the first of their performances by playing the classic Nepalese Spring song, Basantale (click below to listen to a clip of the song). Clutching Nepalese flags, the middle school pupils had congregated along the tree lined path, ready to start waving. As the Band marched up and down the Central Avenue at their unique fast pace, Battersea Park suddenly came alive with the beautiful sound of Nepalese music on a quiet Tuesday morning.
Listen to one of the Band of Brigade of Gurkha's pieces here:
Pupils and the growing number of spectators were then entertained by two male Nepalese dancers, who dressed in traditional attire, firstly performed a classic Nepalese folk song followed by the popular Kukri dance. The Gurkha soldiers tossed and threw their Kukris, the national weapon of Nepal carried by the soldiers, in the air, much to the amusement of the pupils. Unable to resist the infectious mood, Thomas's pupils were dancing along with their own Nepalese moves.
The kukri is used as an every day work tool in hill communities. Every Gurkha carries at least two kukris; one for ceremonial purposes and another for general use. Keeping the knives clean and sharp is a key part of their daily routine.
Big on audience participation, the Band then energized spectators by inviting them to conduct the Band and to try playing some of their instruments. The pupils quickly realised that it was not as easy as it looked!
Following a magnificent 45 minute performance, the Band continued their fast and energetic march to perform to the awaiting crowds at the Lower School Sports Day. The poor dogs taking in their morning strolls in Battersea Park were completely confused!
Thomas's Pupil: "My favourite bit was when the Major asked us to bark dog noises along to one of the classic Nepalese songs. It was such good fun!"
Parent: "That was an absolutely fantastic way of the children appreciating the heritage of the Gurkhas, the CAIRN Trust and the music associated with Nepal."
Major Pun: "It is great to see that Thomas's Battersea school community doing so much to help the children and their communities in rural Nepal."
The third and final performance from the Band was to the Upper school pupils and staff back at Thomas's Battersea. Founder and Trustee of the charity, David Thomas was there to dance with his charming and beautiful wife Joanna Thomas and to take the final salute from Major Pun.
Click here to see the highlights of Thomas's Battersea's fundraising this year
