MALLESWARAM: Karnataka College of Percussion is celebrating a golden milestone. Musicians scattered all across the globe are celebrating its successful journey over the past 50 years. To mark the golden jubilee celebrations, music festivals are being organised by the college. The spring and monsoon festivals this year went off with a bang and the responses were overwhelming. The upcoming fest is the World Music Festival from October 7 to 9 at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram which will have several bands and artists from countries like Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Japan and Australia performing live on stage.
The bands expected to perform are Madras Special-New Generation, Shatabdi Groove Express, Animata, PRRIM, Trimukhi and Shiva - The Musical Thunder.
The college was founded in 1964 by the mridangam player T A S Mani. He was later joined by his wife R A Ramamani, a noted vocalist. A renowned musician, accompanist, author and researcher , Mani says, “I am very happy that KCP has completed 50 years. During this journey, I have made so many friends all over the world. We are all like family. I didn’t expect that everyone would come together to celebrate the golden jubilee in such a big way.”
T A S Mani hails from a family of musicians. He is known for his experimental music and his formula of blending traditional Indian with jazz and western music. He has worked with several western and jazz musicians and produced music albums. He has released several CDs and books about the fingering techniques and other lessons in music which are scientific, logical and easy to learn. His wife Ramamani, a post graduate in music from Bangalore Universit,y is the first woman to present Avadhana Pallavi in front of the legends of Karnatak music at Karnataka Gana Kala Parishat in 1974. She also presented Karnatak music fused with western sounds and Konnakol (vocalisation of the percussion sounds) in a concert.
She believes the mantra to success is belief, discipline, dedication, determination and a bit of luck. The couple’s contributions in Karnatak music have won them rich accolades and recognition not only in India but also abroad. They have performed at All India Radio (AIR) and at various music festivals abroad and have also presented papers and conducted seminars in different universities.
Known for its vibrant percussion ensemble, Tala Tarangini, KCP is also acknowledged for its innovations in music while maintaining its own unique identity. The students from abroad have also undergone training in the institute to learn the basics of Karnatak music. The institute has produced many professional musicians and organised programmes periodically to promote art and culture among the people.
Unlike the present day class system, the college holds classes on one-to-one basis.
The course designed by T A S Mani also trains the students for government exams in music at different levels.
The passion for music has also trickled down the family tree. Their son, Karthik Mani is also a well known drummer and has worked with several stalwarts in the music industry.
R A Ramamani, vice principal of KCP, says, “We are looking forward to many more milestones and the journey ahead. Karthik will continue to nurture our legacy of music and build on what his father started.”