Performance extraordinaire

The First Show of the Peace march kicked off on October 1, 2008 in grand style. An audience of almost 10,000 got a chance of being part of a very worthy cause – PEACE. The Sarasit Band from Don Bosco Thailand mesmerized the audience with their elegant, stunning, breathtaking and graceful musical show. It was perhaps the first time for many to witness and also be part of a unique show of this magnitude. Although their repertoire had popular English songs that were played by these amazing kiddos from Thailand, what stole the hearts of everyone in the audience were the Sinhala songs the band played with absolute perfection. Perfection to such extend that it brought tears of joy in the eyes of many. These children from the band are amazing percussionists. Ones should not be surprised if some day some of these kids become the next Mozart, Yanni or Kenny G.

The show started off at about 4.00 PM local time in a unique manner. The crowd was probably expecting just a musical performance by the band, but they were in for a big surprise. The Sarasit Marching band was brought on to stage by the marching bands of many schools, which are located near and around the venue. Together they all marched into the venue and on to the stage with such elegance that one could really feel the vibes of peaceful coexistence.

Apart from the marching, there was a special performance of dance by the dance students of Don Bosco Sri Lanka. These dancers were all girls.

A drum fusion show was also performed by a local group, which probably most in the audience would have seen before but it was definitely very fascinating for the Thai Band children.Prior to the various performances, as a sign of peace and co-existence, prayers were said by the heads of various religions.

The Band was invited by the Honourable President of Sri Lanka, Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse to perform at the Presidential Residence – ‘Temple Trees’ the next day. It was a great honour for the children to perform at ‘Temple Trees’. Eminent personalities, cabinet ministers and distinguished guests were present for this show.

Subsequent to presenting the President with a special memento, which the children had carried all the way from Thailand, by Rev. Fr.Dheparat – Provincial Superior of Don Bosco Thailand, the band marched right on to the stage and conquered hearts. Perhaps it is better to say that the Band Marched straight into the hearts of everyone in the audience. Whichever way one constructs this sentence, the fact of the matter is, the Children of the Sarasit Band Thailand will be remembered in Sri Lanka long after the 14^th of October 2008.

The band will now proceed to the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, to a place called Nochchiyagama in the district of Anuradhapura where they will perform for children who will be brought to the Don Bosco Centre in Nochchiyagama, from the North and East of the island so that those children from the war torn regions can also experience ‘PEACE THROUGH MUSIC’.