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Mapping the rhythm of DU’s music societies through its beats

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Jun 30, 2016 04:12 PM IST

Sing a song or create a composition and make your way to the happening music societies of Delhi University colleges. Though the auditions are a tough nut to crack, once a member, the world which opens up is quite rhythmic indeed.

Does a musical tune make you hum ? Wondering where will your love for music find a creative vent? Those planning to secure a place in Delhi University, must consider applying to the music societies of their choice, where talent is nurtured and everlasting bonds are created.

Euphony, the western music society of Gargi College
Euphony, the western music society of Gargi College

We’ll clue you in about some Indian and western music societies of Delhi University colleges that have been making student’s lives musical.

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Dhwani, the Indian music society of LSR.
Dhwani, the Indian music society of LSR.

Dhwani, LSR

Lady Shri Ram College for Women has two music societies – the Indian music society (Dhwani) and the Western Music Society. One of the oldest societies in the college, it lays stress on classical music. “Our practice sessions are our priority,” says Rishika Roy, president, Dhwani.

The in-house members perform at intra-college events while the core team members perform at inter-college events. “The audition process is so hard that the society executives have to start preparing for it a month in advance. The students have to prove themselves in a jugalbandi with the society president. We believe in self-composed songs,” adds Roy.

Apart from the fests, the society also performs at city cafes and other events, conducts workshops and invites professional musicians for practice sessions.

Euphony, Gargi

Euphony, the western music society of Gargi College. (Negha Bhadola)
Euphony, the western music society of Gargi College. (Negha Bhadola)

There are two music societies in Gargi College - Euphony, the Western music society, and Samranjini, the Indian music society. The members of Euphony have their own acapella group, acoustic band, and participate in solos, duos, and trios as well. Founded in 2009, the society currently has 19 members and boasts of a long list of accomplishments. Archisha Wadhwa, president, Euphony, says, “We have our own female beatboxer and our acapella compositions are original.”

To be a member, applicants have to go through three rounds of audition. In the first they have to sing a song of their choice, in the second they have to sing a song of the society panel’s choice, and then finally give a oral test which checks their knowledge of music. “The whole process takes about five days,” adds Wadhwa, “Tonality, pitch and pronunciation are very important.”

The society organises workshops and invites notable singers such as Vasundhara Vee for practice sessions.

The Music Society, St. Stephen’s College

The Music Society of St Stephen’s College.
The Music Society of St Stephen’s College.

This music society has various groups functioning under it, such as Naqsh - the Indian music group, Sound Machine - an acapella group, and a group for instrumentalists. Unlike other music societies, this one allows non-members to participate and perform as well. Alvin D Singh, president, says, “Anyone who is into music can join and this makes our society pretty large and strong.”

The groups hold their individual auditions, which are open to all. Each group selects about 20 members. We also have a Fresher’s acoustica and a Senior’s acoustica - events where freshers and seniors can join and perform, irrespective of whether they are a member of the society,” adds Singh.

Musoc, KMC

Musoc, the music society of Kirori Mal College . (Achal Mishra)
Musoc, the music society of Kirori Mal College . (Achal Mishra)

Founded in the year 1984, Musoc, the music society of Kirori Mal College has 25 members at present. Due to its popularity, it receives about 800 applications every year. “As a society, we don’t give preference to credentials of the applicants, so every person is tested thoroughly,” says Dan Thomas, president.

“We believe in building personal relationships. It makes working with each other much easier,” he adds.

The auditions for instrumentalists and vocalists have three rounds each, which run over three weeks. Applicants are tested on parameters such as pitch, tonality, rhythm, ear tests and the band dynamics. The society also holds a music festival and a fresher’s talent show annually. Professional singers and ex-students often visit to conduct workshops.

Read: Photography societies of Delhi University: What makes the students ‘click

Orpheus, Miranda House

Orpheus, the western music society of Miranda House.
Orpheus, the western music society of Miranda House.

Miranda House has two music societies - Orpheus, the western music society and Geetanjali, the Indian music society. Orpheus which was set up in 2012, is mostly a acapella group. The society also incorporates instrumentalists at times. “We’re mostly looking for people with high ranges. Their technical knowledge does not matter as long as they have a good voice and are passionate,” says Anukriti Singh, vice president.

The society has 16 members at present and the audition process carries on for two weeks through two rounds. First the applicants perform a song of their choice and then of the panelists’ choice. The president of the society tell us what they keep in mind while recruiting, “We want people who can work well in a team,” shares Ramyani Chakraborty.

The society holds team-building activities and rigorous practice sessions. “We practice a lot ourselves, as our main focus is the competitions. Team-building activities are held frequently as they improve our understanding,” she adds.

Alaap, IP College

Alaap, the Indian music society of Indraprastha College for Women.
Alaap, the Indian music society of Indraprastha College for Women.

The college’s Indian music society Alaap and Western Music society are quite focused. Alaap was founded in 2005 and has 9 members currently. “We hold auditions separate from those conducted under extracurricular activities (ECA). These are open to all those who are interested in music. The only one thing we focus is to keep classical music alive in and around us,” says Harsha Krishan, president, Alaap.

To be a member, applicants have to clear two rounds in which they have to sing songs that are a mix of semi-classical and Bollywood. Unlike other societies, the applicants are judged by all the members of the society collectively. “We hold annual classical music workshops. During these sessions, we are taught the one composition which we have to perform at the various college fests. And we practice even on Sundays!” adds Krishan.

Read: Meet the students behind Delhi University’s fashion societies

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Nikita Saxena writes on Art, Culture and Campus, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City

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