Shillong, August 10: Teachers of Kiddies Corner School, along with members of the United Hynniewtrep Movement (UHM) and Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), on Monday welcomed the school’s choir members following their outstanding performance at the 3rd Thailand International Choral Festival, where the team won two Gold Medals in two categories.
Organised by the Thailand Choral Association, the festival was held from August 3 to 7 and featured competitions across nine categories. KC Lights Choir of Kiddies Corner Secondary School, Shillong participated in two categories and secured Gold Medals in both.
Adding to the achievement, the school choir was also conferred a Special Jury Award for being the Most Inspirational Choir in recognition of its performance.
Principal of Kiddies Corner School, Brain Wallang, said the choir was the only group representing India at the international competition and was also the first choir from the country to participate in the festival.
Despite having only 25 members, compared to 40 to 50 members in several other participating choirs, the Kiddies Corner team managed to impress the international judges with its distinctive musical style. Wallang said the judges particularly appreciated the choir’s pure and gentle presentation, which stood apart from the louder musical traditions of several other countries.
The participation also provided an important platform to showcase Khasi music and Meghalaya’s cultural heritage before an international audience. Performances of Khasi songs received appreciation from other participating choirs at the festival.
Wallang said the choir hopes to take part in more international competitions in the future and promote Khasi music beyond the Northeast. However, he pointed out that participation in international competitions involves substantial financial expenditure.
He said the school did not receive government sponsorship for its latest participation, while expressing hope that the recent achievement would help generate greater support for young musicians from the State.
The success of Kiddies Corner School at the Thailand festival has brought further international recognition to Khasi music and Meghalaya, highlighting the talent and potential of young performers from the region.
