Patkai’s MSSM hosts annual spring & 10th anniversary concert

May 20, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Choose Music that edifies and builds you into a dignified person: Kaisa Rio

Morung Express News
Patkai | May 20

Living up to its reputation, the Margaret Shishak School of Music (MSSM) at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) hosted its annual spring and 10th-anniversary concert today, showcasing an eclectic repertoire of musical performances.

Among others, the concert included performances by the Guitar Ensemble, Recorder Ensemble, String Ensemble, MSSM Chorus, And Singers, Along With Alumni, including bamboo percussion (Akhevi, asüpuhu).

Meanwhile, addressing the occasion as the special guest, Kaisa Rio extended her congratulations to Patkai on its golden jubilee as well as the 10th Anniversary of MSSM.

Started fifty years ago with a vision to provide quality education rooted in Christian values, the college has grown to become a beacon of knowledge, nurturing young minds, and shaping future leaders, she maintained.

“The journey has been remarkable, filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, the college has stood strong, guided by its commitment to excellence and service,” she added.

Similarly, the MSSM, in just a decade, has made a significant impact on the musical landscape of our community, Kaisa, the wife of Nagaland Chief Minister, noted, describing the school as a “hub of creativity, inspiring students to explore the depths of their musical abilities and reach new heights of excellence.”

Many students who have graduated from this school are excelling in society and have become positive contributors by serving in churches, working as music teachers, and as professional artists, she added.

Kaisa, meanwhile, underscored that music has a profound influence on the development of a person, and its impact is particularly significant in the crucial years of a person’s youth life.

Accordingly, she advised the students to choose music that edifies and builds their life up into a dignified person.

“Nagas are naturally gifted in music, and the influence of church music in our lives from an early age helps in refining this gift,” she added.

To this end, she noted that the MSSM has been nurturing a rich array of musical expression from classical compositions to contemporary innovations, understanding the inherent gift of music within the Naga community and inspiring many lives.

Looking ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to support the arts and ensure that this school of music continues to thrive for generations to come, she added.

The event also included a memoir of Late Margaret Anne Shishak, who started the Patkai music program initially as a non-credit course, with staff notation from 1974, besides giving piano lessons.

In 1991, the college introduced the first Pre-University (Vocational) music course in colleges under the North-Eastern Hill University and in 2014, the Patkai Department of Music was named ‘Margaret Shishak School of Music,’ providing quality music education in North-East India and beyond.

The concert concluded with a powerful rendition of “Hallelujah” by the MSSM Chorus and String Ensemble, under the direction of conductor Kevisekuo Sechü, prompting a well-deserved standing ovation from the attendees.