We are all familiar with classical masterpieces, from Bach's Canon In D Major to Beethoven's Symphony No.9. But how many times in our lives have we heard these celebrated pieces being performed by children who have been weathering not only blindness but also other disabilities since they were born?
Earlier this month, 32 blind kids with multiple disabilities — autism, Down's syndrome, learning disabilities and dysfunction of organs — were taken on a five-day camping trip in Khao Yai National Park and performed in a concert that was part of a programme designed to boost their self-confidence. Being exposed to an unfamiliar atmosphere that did not require sight to understand, the kids were over the moon at the feeling of mountaintop clouds moving past their faces, soaking in the cool fresh air and sprawling on the grass while rehearsing for their first concert.
The "Music From Blind Children" programme was conceived by Alongkot Chukaew, the director of the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund. Besides protecting pachyderms, the organisation also developed a nature education programme to teach kids around the country through interactive events, with one of the focuses being on visually impaired children. Discovering that music is a fixation of blind kids, Alongkot began to use it as a learning tool.
Four years ago Alongkot changed course to focus on activities that revolved around blind kids with multiple disabilities, aged seven to 18. The "Thai Blind Orchestra" was formed shortly after. Alongkot opted for introducing the kids to string instruments — double bass, cello, violin and viola — because they allowed the children to perform as a group. He was worried about obtaining the expensive instruments at first, but after he sent out a message on a Facebook fan page he created asking for public support, he was overwhelmed to see the donations begin to pour in.
The onset of the programme proved tricky, since there was no model on string music lessons for blind kids with multiple disabilities.
Alongkot had to start from scratch, enlisting friends who were music teachers to assist in designing a curriculum. A group of college students majoring in music also participated, helping to provide Braille music scores.
"I grew up in a society where many people lack life opportunities," Alongkot said. "So when I see blind kids, I see them from the perspective of a person who has received life opportunities."
Apart from using music to enhance the physical and mental development of the kids, Alongkot wants his programme to instigate a change in public participation.
"This programme is not based on financial support," Alongkot said. "We have to get over the idea of supporting blind people with money. Many people donate money but not many people donate opportunities or knowledge. These are the things we need from the public."
The concert took place earlier this month in Khao Yai National Park. The children were clothed in colourful ponchos and escorted by their mentors, volunteer college students, to the stage, an open space nestled in the forest located a kilometre above sea level.
The kids performed for an audience comprised of members of the press, mostly garbed in homey clothes and worn-out rubber shoes to accommodate puddles. The outfits were in stark contrast to the glamorous evening attire usually required for attendants of orchestra concerts.
Unlike an orchestra performed in a concert hall, this performance's purpose was to encourage the audience to appreciate the chaos and behind-the-scenes process. The intention was to let the viewers look beyond the performance to see the kids' unbridled enthusiasm and effort.
During the 15-minute show, the audience seemed to be carried away. Besides the abridged versions of classical songs — only a dozen or so bars from Bach's Canon and Beethoven's Fifth — the other numbers that were played included Jason Mraz's I Won't Give Up and Thai folk songs.
"The kids certainly cannot compete with professional musicians," Alongkot said. "But their effort really paid off."
Alongkot also hopes that the programme will set a good example for schools for blind students. He is convinced that it will make a difference if schools can hire qualified teachers with music teaching experience.
"Unqualified teachers do not bring out the best of the kids," Alongkot said. "The result we often see is that after the kids get out of school, they become travelling musicians who earn coins for a living."
The end of the journey might be impossible to predict, but as long as the public makes an effort, their horizons will definitely broaden.
The next "Music For Blind Children" concert will take place at Mile High Playhouse Khao Yai on Nov 15. The Thai Blind Orchestra will be performing with the Sunrise String Orchestra.
Braille music scores specially invented by programme volunteers.
Children from the Thai Blind Orchestra get ready to perform their first concert.
