Annual Concert

The twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth of September were the days when Darla School celebrated its annual concert. Preparations began almost two to three weeks in advance with lots of rehearsals—because nothing says "fun" like hearing the same Bamboo dance track 400 times. The whole school remained busy and much more active than usual, which is saying something for a place that runs on tea breaks.

Since the Darla weather becomes pleasant during this time of the year, the enjoyment increases tremendously. But unfortunately, in the evenings it rained cats and dogs. That didn’t deter people from coming to watch the show. Clearly, they had nothing better to do. The MPH was full by 6 pm.

The function began at 6 p.m. as per schedule—shockingly, on time for once. First, our cultural coordinator welcomed the Chief Guest, other guests, and the audience. He also spoke about the varieties of interesting items lining up in the program. Spoiler: most were exactly what you'd expect. The two-day variety show went on to the next day. There were Boedras, Zhungdras, Rigsars, English dances, Hindi, Nepali, Bamboo dances, fashion shows, etc.—a cultural buffet where no one could decide on a main course.

The program would have been interesting if the emcee had told a short but hilarious speech full of anecdotes in-between—which everyone would like the most. But alas, we got the usual script. Maybe next year.

The concert was conducted to inculcate wholesome education. Because nothing teaches morality like watching a fashion show in a school auditorium.

The audience must have enjoyed the concert tremendously, judging from the loud applause as the curtains dropped. Or maybe they were just relieved it was over. The Bamboo dance performed by class VI boys and girls was very beautiful. The music was loud and appeasing—sorry, pleasing. One ear at a time.

Looking at the audience response, everyone enjoyed the concert very much. I am very surprised that there were so many talented students in this school. Almost as if they'd been hiding them all year to save them for this one night.

It was a well-organized show; students, teachers, and parents admired it. Though the cost of the ticket was a bit costly. Every student had to pay Nu. 80 to watch an evening show, which is far beyond what some disadvantaged parents can afford. All of my class four students couldn’t watch the program, as they said that Nu. 80 was too much for all of their brothers and sisters to watch. I really felt sorry for them. Because nothing says "wholesome education" like pricing kids out of their own school concert. Bravo.