Indian Musicians Meet Students in Ann Arbor Schools
World-renowned Indian classical musicians Pandit Partha Bose and Pandit Samar Saha visited Ann Arbor schools as part of a three-day residency.
Internationally acclaimed sitar maestro Pandit Partha Bose and tabla virtuoso Pandit Samar Saha came together with Ann Arbor Public Schools students for concerts and a masterclass as part of a three-day program.
School Visits and Concerts
Ann Arbor Public Schools students had the opportunity to experience the art of two globally recognized Indian classical musicians this week. The three-day program connected students with one of the world's most rooted improvisational music traditions.
The artists performed at Pittsfield Elementary School on Monday, sharing the melodies of the sitar and the complex rhythms of the tabla. Later that afternoon, the program continued at Pattengill Elementary School.
Meeting of Jazz and Indian Music
On Tuesday, a special masterclass was held for the Community High School Jazz Program students at the school's Kresge Theatre. This session explored the improvisational and rhythmic structural connections between Indian classical music and jazz.
Background of the Educational Program
Music teacher John Churchville stated that he has been studying Indian music for thirty years. The teacher noted that he conveys the roots and rhythms of Indian music to his students throughout the year.
Churchville emphasized that bringing his own teacher and Pandit Bose to their schools was a great honor and joy.
Contribution of International Artists
Trained in the legacy of Ustad Allauddin Khan, Bose has performed on prestigious stages worldwide. Saha established the rhythmic foundation as one of India's leading tabla players.
Between concerts, the musicians answered students' questions and introduced the instruments to the young participants.