Belgaum Mirror , Oct 19 : The St Paul’s High School Band has triumphed at state level at the competition held earlier this week. “ We are thrilled to announce that the band boys of our school have made us immensely proud by winning first place at the prestigious State Level Department Brass Band Competition held at Shree Siddagangaa Mutt in Tumkur! This remarkable achievement reflects not only their talent but also their hard work, determination, and team spirit,” Principal Fr Simon Fernandes said. Last year they were runners up, he added.
The competition had 27 teams from across Karnataka, with 10 girls’ teams and 17 boys’ teams actively competing. St Paul’s boys triumphed over strong competitors, securing the first place and winning the prestigious trophy for St Paul’s High School, Belagavi. Davangere secured runner up trophy. The event was judged by police band personnel from Tumkur, who evaluated the teams based on marching, clarity of tune, costume, neatness, cleanliness, and use of instruments.
“Dressed smartly in a white base with red accents, our 25-member band was the best,” Band Master Mr Anthony D’souza said. The band boys team led by band leader Master Jonathan Vani, impressed the judges with their skillful performances on instruments such as the euphonium, trumpet, side drums, bass drums, and cymbals, he added.
Their repertoire included stirring renditions of Vande Mataram, We Shall Overcome, Auld Lang Syne, Hum Honge Kamyab, God’s Love Is So Wonderful, General Salute, Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja, and other patriotic songs. Despite a sudden change in the organization of the event at the last minute, our boys adapted swiftly and faced the challenge head-on.
The team was awarded with merit certificates, medals, and the coveted winners trophy by dignitaries, including Siddhaganga Matha Swamiji and other departmental Officials. “ This victory is a testament to the commitment of our boys, who gathered daily at school to practice for more than four to five hours each day. Their perseverance, passion, and discipline have led them to this moment of well-deserved triumph,” an ecstatic Fr Fernandes said.
