Young Musicians Thrive in Unique Tabla Classes at A.E. Wright

At the Arthur E. Wright School in Manitoba, young musicians are diving into the world of tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument. Under the guidance of Amjad Sabir, affectionately known as “guruji,” students begin their tabla lessons with a bow and a playful tap of their teacher’s toes, a gesture reflecting their cultural respect for elders.

Sabir, who has been teaching tabla for over a decade, aims to share his passion for this intricate art form. “I just want to spread this art,” he said, highlighting his commitment to cultural education within the school. The tabla, consisting of two hand-played drums, is integral to classical Indian music, producing a variety of tones that resonate throughout the hallways of A.E. Wright during afternoon classes.

Expanding Musical Horizons

This year marks a significant expansion of the program, with Sabir introducing additional instruments such as the sitar and harmonium to the curriculum. The tabla classes, held on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, attract a diverse group of students, with currently 226 enrolled in the program, including about 30 who participate in after-school sessions.

Jashanpreet Surdhar, an 11-year-old in Grade 6, reflects on his journey since starting tabla lessons in Grade 1. He has noticed substantial growth in his confidence and skills. “It’s just an opportunity of a lifetime,” he remarked, adding that mastering the tabla has helped him develop a stronger grip, which he found beneficial during dodgeball games.

The inception of the tabla program stemmed from discussions between Sabir and school trustee Derek Dabee, who recognized the need for a more inclusive music curriculum that resonated with the multicultural student body. According to Tyler Yip, who oversees music and arts programming in the Seven Oaks School Division, it is crucial to acknowledge and integrate the various musical traditions that students encounter in their daily lives.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

The program not only enhances musical education but also fosters cultural pride and connection among students. Approximately 80 percent of the student population at A.E. Wright is of Southeast Asian descent, with many newcomers from countries like India and the Philippines. Porie Pedrina, vice-president of A.E. Wright, emphasizes the importance of the tabla program in providing students with a sense of belonging while reducing barriers to access in music education.

Principal Harpreet Panag supports these sentiments, noting that many families may find private lessons prohibitively expensive. By offering tabla classes within the school, children of all ages can come together to learn and grow in their musical abilities. Manpreet Aujla, a parent of a Grade 2 student in the program, expressed her pride in her daughter’s progress, who frequently requests to practice tabla at home.

While learning the tabla can be challenging, students like Jashanpreet encourage perseverance. “At first, you will want to quit because it’s pretty hard. Your hands start to hurt,” he explained, stressing that determination is essential for mastering the instrument. As a mentor to younger players, he finds joy in sharing his knowledge, reinforcing the community that the program fosters.

The tabla, with its unique construction and sound, features two drums: a larger one made from a metal shell that produces a deep bass sound, and a smaller wooden drum that emits a higher, bell-like tone. The black dot on the larger drum, made from a dried tuning paste, enables performers to create a range of clear notes, allowing for expressive music that resonates with both players and audiences.

Through programs like this, schools like A.E. Wright are not only teaching music but also enriching the cultural landscape of their communities. As young musicians learn to play the tabla, they are also forging connections to their heritage and each other, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and pride within the school.