Ashima Sharma, Keekli Reporter, 27th July, 2014, Shimla
SHELZ — An all girls band from Auckland House School has created a niche for itself over the years and every year they dazzle and entertain us with their performances.
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent, a famous quote by Victor Hugo is the perfect way to define the passion of the Auckland House School all girls band, Shelz. It is the very first all girls band formed by any school in Shimla. They staged their first performance in 2000. Breakthrough came for the Band when they won a national level music competition, ‘Symphony’ in 2005.
Presently the band comprises of six girls namely Zodin Tuari (Vocals), Lalruatkimi (Lead Guitar), Lalremruati (Piano), Lana Yeplhomi (Synth), Anam Gulzar (Base Guitar), and Sagarika (Drummer), these students are mostly residents north Indian region as well as from Thailand. Their individual skill in respective of choice of instruments and innovation, adds sparks to their performance every time they play in or outside the school.
Lalruatkimi, the lead guitarist of the band talks about the kind of music the band plays and says, “The band is experimental when it comes to music and we play different genres ranging from Rock to Pop. Our playlist consists of wide variety of songs including old classics by Beatles and Cliff Richard to latest numbers by Avril, Demi Lavato, Paramore and many more”.
Taking about competition Zodin Tuari, the vocalist says, “While performing in inter-school competitions as we did during the Shimla Fest 2013, we found ourselves competing against all boys’ bands but it did not stop us from giving our best and appreciation from audience was our encouragement”.
When asked about the role music plays in their life, Lana Yeplhomi said, “Music has a calming effect on the senses and in this busy scenario music is a must, either listening or creating”. Sagarika, the drummer adds, “Learning to play an instrument takes time and effort, which really teaches you patience and perseverance”. Lalremruati, the piano player believes that, “The art of playing an instrument requires a lot of hand eye co-ordination. By reading musical notes on a page, your brain subconsciously must convert those notes into specific motor patterns while also adding breathing and rhythm to the mix”.
Anam, the bassist of the band tells us about the reaction of the parents, teachers and the principal towards their music and says, “Parents are proud of us because we learn much more than other children who just to go school to excel in academics. Our Principal and teachers form our inspiration to do better each time we perform”.
We look forward to the Auckland House girls achieving greater heights. Shimla might be a small town but it surely has marvellous talent hidden inside it. Shelz is an example of such talent and a precious stone to the crown of the Queen of Hills.
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