Music that takes you around the world in 80 minutes

Get ready to jam with the juniors of ‘Soul Sound Academy’, on May 12. The youngsters of the academy, of ages 4-14 years have been truly anticipating this event. They will be singing and dancing to beats from around the world.  The juniors will be performing an array of genres ranging from soft classics, Broadway, the nostalgic melodies of the ever beloved Disney and even Pop. 

The young choristers will be transporting its audience to Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia through their music. It is a show where the children are the stars of the night. It should also be noted that the revenue gained from the concert will be donated to the ‘Cancer Hospital’ and a ward built in Mulleriyawa.

Soundarie David, Founder and Music Director of Sri Lanka’s premier female ensemble, ‘Soul Sounds’, elaborated on the concert, “Every year the ‘Soul Sounds Academy’ does two public performances, with the aim of providing young children with an opportunity to not just learn music, but also to gain self- confidence, build team work, and self discipline. We strongly believe that a performance based approach develops a child in ways beyond just learning music.  Hence this show titled “World of Music” is our first junior production for the year 2016.”

The experience has been great thus far, and I thank God for paving this  path in life for me. Music is an amazing gift, that allows one to change  and mould others into stronger and better people
 - Soundarie David

She further stated the importance of music for children and how it improves the mental development of the child, “It is very important that children start performing at a very young age. It develops their personality. I have seen some very shy children grow out of their shell, and become confident and leaders over time. I have watched children enjoy themselves performing. Not all would end up being solo singers, but just giving them an opportunity to shine on stage makes all the difference. The Academy was set up with the objective of giving talented young children the opportunity to excel in music, with opportunities to perform even beyond our geographical boundaries. 

She Further added, “The Academy believes in a performance oriented approach to music, where the child is given guidance and training in performing, and thereby further enhancing personality growth, with attention to confidence boosting, music appreciation, time management, and team work. The Academy, also encourages young students to appreciate all genres of music, whilst learning the basics in Classical Music”
She also expanded on her experience as the founder and the guiding light of the ‘Soul Sounds Academy’,  

“The experience has been great thus far, and I thank God for paving this path in life for me. Music is an amazing gift, that allows one to change and mould others into stronger and better people.

I am also ably backed by the senior teachers, of the academy in the vocal department, who are still performing themselves, namely Dinushka Jayawickrema, Lilanka Botejue, and Amandhi Caldera. We have heard numerous choirs from around the world that gives us the opportunity to impart our knowledge and experience with others; predominantly the younger generation.

We believe this global perspective will truly make a change in Sri Lanka. We, Sri Lankans, are truly musical and talented and watching children learn music - be it vocal, piano, violin or the guitar and grow up to be musicians and singers is testimony to this fact.”