Music is essential part of education at Salesian schools

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run St. Xavier’s Secondary High School, located in Pathaliaghat, Tripura, India, has won first prize at the Eastern Zonal Inter-School Band Competition in the girls’ brass band category. The school represented the state of Tripura in the competition held Dec. 22.

The school took part in the state level inter-school band competition in November and won first prize, allowing it to advance. A four-member jury from the Army judged the competition. The band was evaluated on its team leaders’ answers to questions, its dress code, synchronization of music and marching.

The Odisha state minister for revenue and education declared the winners of the competition. Athukiri Debbarma, St. Xavier’s Secondary High School’s leader, and others received the champion’s trophy, a certificate and a monetary award from the minister.

The school is led by Father Babu, and it has four teachers and 25 girls. The team is selected to go to Delhi for the national level competition on Jan. 21 and 22.

“Music is an essential part of education at Salesian schools,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Through music education, students not only learn to play an instrument but the lessons taught help them in working collaboratively, developing a talent and having an appreciation of the arts.”

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

Don Bosco South Asia – Don Bosco Girls win Eastern Zone Level Inter School Brass Band Competition

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India