Rio leads 50 years celebration of School of Music, Kohima

The golden jubilee celebration of School of Music, Kohima was marked by lively choral and instrumentals from students and teachers of the institute, mainly in tribute to Late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou, a passionate music lover.

The jubilee celebration was held at Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial School (New Block), New Ministers’ Hill in Kohima with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the guest of honour.

Congratulating the school on reaching 50 years, Rio said the legacy of the founder (Neiliezhü) has been nurtured by his children and family, with support from the faculty and music lovers.

Recalling his close association with the late Reverend, the chief minister said that as a musician and singer, Üsou had sang and performed with much enthusiasm.

Rio also said that he saw both the hardships and success of Üsou, while narrating how the late Reverend had dreamed and envisioned music not only for himself but also for the Nagas.

“Late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü  Üsou was a composer, writer, musician and singer who with full interest had pursued music…and as a pastor, as missionary , he had focused  on his belief and religion,” he added.

He also recollected how Dr. Üsou would beautifully synchronise modern music with native music, or fusioned the old and the new.

The chief minister said that Nagas are talented musicians. However, he said, in order to master, it takes trainings and education to hone the talent.  For which, institutions like the School of Music Kohima exists, he maintained.

Rio stated that the state government has keenly decided to promote music. To include other forms of art and expand the scope of music, Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) has been created to give new opportunities for the talented youth and encourage musicians, he shared.

“We want to make Nagaland, a land of music ,” Rio said.

Earlier, the chief minister had unveiled the Jubilee Stone at the premise of the school.  He also released the Golden Jubilee Souvenir.

A string ensemble from the School of Music, Kohima enthralled the crowd, while the school’s theme song composed by the late Reverend was presented by the students.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü  Üsou Memorial Award was bagged by Zhapusenuo Zuyie from Baptist High, Kohima who secured 98 marks in music.

(Our Correspondent)