Interviews

Experiences By Aamir, (8 C), Adeeb (8 C), Amaira (6 B), Ayanna (8 D), Dev (6 A), Ishaan (6 D) and Shreedhar (6 C)

Some of our reporters have shared their experience of reporting for MSFE 2019.

Aamir: The middle school Form evening is a very important event in our school. The students get a chance to display their talents in front of a big audience. My experience so far has been amazing. I am in reporting and it is never been boring. Every day we get a chance to interview people from different groups. Roaming around the school was the best part other than different groups sitting in their venues. Form evening is the only time when we can chill with our friends and yet learn while doing that. Interacting with people and making new friends has made me more confident.

Adeeb: My experience has been amazing roaming around and getting a chance to interact with others. Interviews and asking people about their point of views made me feel like an actual reporter. In this task my teachers were very supportive, they helped my group every single day and they gave are group amazing ideas. Spending time with my friends was also fun as this is the only time where we get a lot of time to spend with our friends. Now I can say that this was one of the best decision to take reporting in form evening this year.

Amaira: I had a great experience in the Middle School Form Evening. I had a great time reporting the practices as they were polished with days of practice. Looking at the great performances and writing about them, kept me busy. It was fun taking interviews of people we didn’t know and getting to know them. We got to know why this particular theme was chosen. Reporting is not easy, people ignored us when we asked them questions. It was shocking, appalling, horrifying, awful, bewildering and startling. It was just so rude. But there were also people who replied to us and were happy to give the time. At the end of the day, I felt glad I had auditioned for this. This was a great experience and I learnt a lot from it.

Ayanna: MSFE is always a great amount of fun! Literally all you do is talk, play, practice and have a blast! Never thought that I’d be saying this, but people love school during MSFE! It’s really a great place to show what you’re worthy of. Some are into performing while the rest form the body of the show which is people who work backstage. I’ve honestly had a great time this year. Apart from our endless talking, playing and roaming around enjoying, I’ve learnt a lot. I learnt how to make observations and frame them into brief paragraph’s here at reporting. I’ve learnt how to coordinate and work as a team. I’ve learnt how to exchange thoughts and opinions with others. I know reporting wasn’t my first option or what I planned on doing, but I’m glad I got an opportunity like this. Well, this has been a phenomenal experience! Going around making observations in different venues and watching all teams progress so immensely was amazing to see!

Dev: As a reporter I had a lot of work to do. But some people simply ignored us when we asked them questions. I was shocked to see that some people are so rude to us. There is a lot of hard work in reporting but at the end of the day I felt rewarded. I am happy to do reporting in the form evening. It is fun as well as tiring to do reporting. It is also really nothing to do except observe others. This is my experience on reporting.

Ishaan: Reporting was quite a fun and interesting role in the MSFE. I chose it because it gave me a little bit of knowledge about journalism and my observation skills also increased. In reporting, we write beat reports, interviews, articles about various topics and poems. Initially, if I had to write about a room where nothing much was happening, the article would be quite boring and not interesting. But after being in reporting, I can now write many interesting things about that room after observing it well.

Reporting is an important role in the offstage part of MSFE as all our reports, articles, interviews, poems etc., go on the MSFE 2019 website which is read by parents, other students and teachers. It is a lot of hard work, but we also have fun. When we go to our separate venues to report, we get to see whatever is happening there and can enjoy it.

So, if you want to write articles, take interviews and observe everything that is happening in the MSFE, then next year, do choose reporting!

Shreedhar: I had a really good experience in the middle school form evening. Well! First of all, being in reporting gives you a license to go freely in the corridors when others need passes. But then, it was a tough job too. We, as reporters needed to extract information from different venues. I indeed learnt a lot from this particular part of MSFE. We took daily reports and interviews. We barely had any free time till our task of the day was done but after that we had free time. The toughest part of reporting was to take interviews, as people ignored us when we asked them questions. This was a herculean task!

Interview with Somnath Sir By Jia G. (8 B) and Jia M. (8 E)

Reporters: What are your views on the MSFE theme for this year?
Somnath Sir: I think the topic this time is challenging, because the songs are neither in English nor in Hindi and so it’s a tough task to learn the songs that are in different languages that are unknown to both the students and the teachers. I feel it is important for this topic to be covered as it reflects aspects of our culture that we haven’t explored musically before. It’s fun, interesting, and is definitely taking us out of our comfort zones.

Reporters: How did you go about choosing the songs for the MSFE?
Somnath sir: We actually came across these songs by chance. We were mainly looking to do folk songs from regions that are not particularly covered. We chose these songs because they are very old traditional folk songs, the language isn’t very modern, and we thought it would be fun to explore these songs that have stood the test of time. These songs also have a philosophical background, but at the same time keep it light with their fusion elements that are more inclusive and modern.

Reporters: What message do you have for the student body?
Somnath sir: Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Behave! Behave! Behave!
Music! Music! Music!

Reporters: Lastly, how have you learnt and grown from teaching the children in this MSFE?
Somnath sir: It’s very different teaching an entire orchestra as compared to teaching individuals or a small group. I’ve learnt to work better under pressure, because of the varying skills of the children, the different age groups, and the shortage of time. I’ve gotten an insight into the mind of the students and was able to understand each of their strengths and weaknesses. I’ve been pushing them out of their comfort zones but am making sure not to overload them with work and demotivate them, and so I have to maintain a balance.

Costumes Are Half the Magic! By- Alya (7 C), Dev (6 A) and Vivaan (6 C)

Alya, Dev and Vivaan went to the costume venue to interview the teachers and students who are involved in bringing the show alive with the breathtaking costumes.

Anant was the first student to be interviewed, he was extremely-extremely honest he told them that it sucked and that it was the first and the last time he would do it! Next was Vivaan Pruthi, who thoroughly enjoyed the post he was put in. Another truthful soul (we seem to have quite a few in school) he said that even though he wasn’t passionate about it, he liked the overall experience. Writik was next, and like Vivaan he wasn’t passionate about it but enjoyed and had fun!! Of boy! Oh boy! Oh boys!!!

Tvisa, the only girl in the bunch, was not neither new to this department nor as reluctantly accepting of the work. She had participated in the costume design department before and liked it so much she had come back for more. She told us that it was fun evn if it was very very very tiring. Ribhav said it was fun and tiring at the same time. (Lesson here is: don’t generalize!)

It was now the teachers’ turn. Ria ma’am said that the costumes should be as colorful as our state itself are- stage lights will bring the vivid colours alive. And of course, they have to reflect the culture and traditions of the state itself. Radha ma’am, Suhana ma’am and Kavita ma’am all had the same opinion on the costumes- as colorful and radiant as the state itself.

Radha Ma’am also told us about their Chandnichauk adventure. Here is their story (in Radha Ma’am’s words):

Ria ma’am, Suhana ma’am and I went to Chandnichauk to buy the costumes, it was very crowded and there was no transportation we could use. We travelled on foot crossing huge temples and mosques to finally reach the store. The salesman was old and very abusive. After buying 6 huge bags of clothes we finally managed to put the bags on a rickshaw and headed home.

How they managed to get all those goodies we will see on stage on to one rickshaw is a mystery. But, when we look at our performers on stage we are glad they did!!


Dancing to the Dandiya by Jia Gunthey (8-B) and Jia Mehra (8-E)

Jia Gunthey, 8B and Jia Mehra, 8E interviewed Vanya Sharma of 8D, who is participating in the Garba dance.

Reporters: Why did you choose the dance category for the MSFE?
Vanya: I love to dance. It is energetic, and I enjoy it very much. I have been doing ballet since I was 3 years old. Dance makes me feel alive and keeps me active. It excites me and is really convivial.

Reporters: How is your experience with the Garba dance so far?
Vanya: Personally, I have never pursued any Indian dance form. Learning this dance form was a new experience for me, that I enjoyed it thoroughly. Exploring the dance forms that have been introduced this form evening has helped me learn about the diverse and rich cultures in places around India. I’ve also learnt different techniques and styles through this dance.

Reporters: How do you feel about the MSFE topic?
Vanya: I feel that the topic is very new and different, which is why it’s a challenge for all of us. But I think it helps all of us learn and indulge in the rich cultures of our country, that we were never familiar with. Many of us only knew about foreign cultures, but folk music, dances and acts help us move out of our comfort zone and step into a whole new world of music, dance and art.

Reporters: What other dance (out of all the dances) interests you?
Vanya: I think I would say Lavani dance. This particular dance really catches by attention because it is extremely lively and energetic. The movements are intricate and elegant. It focuses on the movement of our feet and the posture of the body. The beat and the music is also catchy and upbeat which makes me tap my feet along to it.

Reporters: What is Garba dance?
Vanya: Garba dance is a form of folk dance, originated from Gujarat. The dance is robust and spirited. There is a lot of jumping involved as well, which is showcased in our choreography. Garba also involves vigorous movements and the music is catchy and peppy. This particular folk dance is usually performed in a circular movement, which is another thing portrayed in our choreography.

Managing Behind the Scenes of MSFE 2019 by Jia Gunthey (8-B) and Jia Mehra (8-E)

The joke in MSFE may be that everyone wants to go into production, but while all that running around means missing classes and freedom, it is a lot of work and responsibility. But for the production team the entire event could fall apart. This is an interview with Amrapali Makhija of 8D, who is a part of production for this MSFE, by Jia Gunthey, 8B and Jia Mehra, 8E.

Reporters: Why did you choose production?
Amrapali: I wanted to experience what it’s like working off stage and wanted to be a part of the team that helps the show come together. Also, because I want to try out a new event for my own experience.

Reporters: What would you have chosen if it weren’t for production?
Amrapali: Since I’m a good writer and interviewer, I would’ve probably taken reporting.

Reporters: What did you take for MSFE last year?
Amrapali: I chose reporting, ironically?

Reporters: How do you feel about the MSFE topic this year?
Amrapali: Although I wasn’t completely sure about it at first and thought it would be quite challenging for everyone to get used to, I’m glad we’re doing it because it gives us an insight into the culture of different places in India. No one is in their comfort zone and we are all working harder to improve ourselves and learning all kinds of new things in the process.

Reporters: How has your experience with reporting been?
Amrapali: My experience has been quite interesting. I am part of the core team as well as the team responsible for prizes. The core team helps the main teachers – Anchal ma’am and Swarna ma’am – in all the duties and manages the discipline. Our schedules are somewhat hectic. But at the same time, it can seem fun since personally I work best under pressure. The production job consists of making sure that everything is done according to plan and I enjoy taking charge of groups. That is why I can say that taking production is helping me enhance my management skills as well as displaying them to others.

Patient Practice Makes Perfect by Amaira Sabherwal (6-B)

Aanya Raghunath of 6B was interviewed by Amaira Sabherwal of 6B. Both are very excited about their first Middle School Form evening. Aanya loves to sing and it was but natural that she joined the choir!

Reporter: Hello, Aanya! How are you doing today? I just had a few questions to ask you regarding the Middle School Form Evening, 2019.
Aanya Raghunath: Hi there, Amaira! I am fine. Feel free to ask me any questions you want to, regarding the Middle School Form Evening.

Reporter: So, you are in choir this year. What do you feel is the most important life learnings you have gained from your experiences with participating in the musical medley for the form evening?
Aanya Raghunath: Practice honestly was one of the most vital things that I understood. Whether it was memorizing the lyrics of a particular song, or things like getting the tune right, nothing came easily to any of us. We need to be patient.

Reporter: That’s very true! Do you imagine yourself to be in any other group? If you had to choose another category what would it be?
Aanya Raghunath: I am very happy where I am. Being in the Choir is fun. But if I had to choose another category, I would go for what was second on my priority list, compering. I was honestly very keen to do the musical compering. However even I knew choir was the right place for me.

Reporter: How sweet! I am also curious to know how well you all are at adapting to singing in a new language(s)?
Aanya Raghunath: I love how inquisitive you are. So, we are singing in a total of four different languages. These are Awadhi, Malayalam, Hebrew, and Kannada. Over time I am sure we’ll be able to get the diction and accent correct.

Reporter: Thanks, Aanya!

Interview with Sumegha Ma'am by Amaira Sabherwall (6-B)

Our beloved teacher, Sumegha ma’am has donned a new cap and she is taking care of photography in the Middle School Form Evening. Amaira Sabherwall (VI B) interviewed her.

Reporter: Ma’am why do you think this particular topic was chosen?
Sumegha Ma’am: I think this particular topic (folk-tales) was chosen to teach our children about our (Indian) culture.

Reporter: How is the theme different?
Sumegha Ma’am: We have never done this kind of a theme before. Usually, there was only one story line and one message but this year there are various story lines and each one contains a message.

Reporter: What do you like about the theme?
Sumegha Ma’am: As an individual, I am fond of the Indian culture hence I am liking that about the theme. I am also looking forward to the plays that the drama group is preparing for us.

Reporter: Are the children doing their job well?
Sumegha Ma’am: The children are doing very well. For the audition we had really good pictures and it was a tough time selecting a few out of so many. We felt really bad but had to eliminate some. We had to chose 15 but we ended up choosing 18.

Reporter: Do you think there is a difference in the attitude of the 6th and 8th grade students?
Sumegha Ma’am: Initially we thought that more of 8th graders would be selected but instead to our surprise, more of 6th graders are selected.

Reporter: What kind of challenges are you facing with coordinating photography?
Sumegha Ma’am: We get 400 pictures every day and to choose just 50 from them every day is very tough. We have to eliminate certain number of pictures which is really tough. This is the challenge we problem we face because of coordination.

Reporter: How much planning is involved?
Sumegha Ma’am: Everyone has been given a venue and an expression or a motive, keeping which in mind they must click pictures.

Reporter: What are the roles of the teachers and students in the photography team?
Sumegha Ma’am: The children assemble at their venue, which is outside Vijayshree ma’am’s room. Then the teacher gives them instructions. They take out their cameras and have 1 hour to take their photographs. Then they come to the sculpture room, choose their five best photographs. Then they give their SD cards from which the teacher saves some good photographs on her laptop and deletes everything in the SD card.

Reporter: Any message for the SBS students?
Sumegha Ma’am: Children, it is great to see you so enthusiastic! Keep it up!

Practice and Play Go Hand in Hand! Interview by Ishaan Dwivedi (6-D)

The Drama group has a large cast with roles big and small. It is a time to put the best foot forward no matter what the role is, as we find out in Ishaan Dwivedi interview with Navya Jhanji who is participating in the Drama in MSFE 2019.

Reporter: Do you like your role in the form evening?
Navya: I am in drama scene three. Even though I have a very small role, I am enjoying it.

Reporter: Do you think you have got enough time to prepare?
Navya: I think I do have enough time to prepare as I have a very small role. I practice a lot in school as well at home.

Reporter: How long do you think you will appear on the stage for on the final day?
Navya: I will be on the stage for probably as long as 20 minutes but I would have liked a larger role so I could have been on the stage for a longer period of time.

Reporter: What will you do in you do in your free time or when you aren’t practicing for the MSFE?
Navya: I read, talk to friends and finish any pending classwork I missed. Though I rarely get much free time but when I do, I make the most of it.

Reporter: Do you practice seriously, or do you have fun most of the time?
Navya: I am a sincere student, but I have fun sometimes. I mean, who doesn’t!

Strings of the Sitar Interview by Rehan Didwania (8-B)

Orchestra is by far the most enticing event at the moment during the practices. Every reporter has come back mesmerized by the magic at the fingers of our stars. Always on the lookout for a good story, Rehan Didwania interviewed Vinayak Talwar who is playing the sitar in MSFE 2019.

Reporter: Why did you choose to be a part of orchestra?
Vinayak: I like playing the sitar. Before I began playing the sitar, I was always unsure about what to take in the middle school form evening as I was scared of not getting selected. But in orchestra I know I can do well I will.

Reporter: Who is your motivation?
Vinayak: My motivation is my brilliant sitar teacher who has taught me everything I know. He supported me through hard times and always said I can become great with practice.

Reporter: Would you pursue the sitar even after finishing school?
Vinayak: Yes, I will pursue sitar after school as everyone tells me I am amazing at playing the instrument. I have a lot of confidence in myself because my sitar teacher believes that I can become truly great and master the instrument!

Reporter: What is your opinion about this year’s theme for the Middle School Form Evening?
Vinayak: I believe this year’s theme is an interesting change from other years’ themes. It helps us relate to the past of our country and I am feeling more patriotic than before. I am enjoying practicing the songs this time around.

Reporter: Which songs do you like playing on your sitar?
Vinayak: I listen to all songs in general, but I like playing raags on the sitar rather than other songs.

Reporter: Why do you enjoy playing the sitar?
Vinayak: I love playing the sitar. I used to play guitar earlier and found it boring and I was looking for an excuse to leave guitar. Then I found the sitar, to which I got attached to almost instantly. It has now become an integral part of my personality and my way of expressing emotion.

In the Photographers Footsteps By Ishaan (6 D) and Vivaan (6 C)

The photographers Abhiraj and Yash were clicking photos and videos in the auditorium. They both have a knack for capturing the perfect pictures and moments. They both had a tough job as they were told to take ten pictures and shoot fifteen videos. Abhiraj and Yash took the photos and videos from different angles for a better shot. They also formatted the pictures for them to look better.

Sidak from 7-C was capturing photos and shooting videos as well. He used a tripod for a better grip so he could steady the camera. He used a better and a longer lens so that he could get a good photo. He changed his angle and position for better shots. He used filters and put a cup on his lens for creative shots. He also placed a glass in front of his camera so that he could get a cool shot.

We also asked the photographers Abhiraj Choudhary and Yash Gupta from 6-D some questions such as:

Q.1 What do you think is the importance of photography?
Ans. Photography is an art form that captures memories and expresses a photo.

Q.2 From your experience of MSFE 2019, do you think people like being captured in public photos?
Ans. People are generally slightly shy of being captured in photographs randomly or even when we ask for their permission, but some also pose a lot.

Q.3 What is your technique of capturing good photos and perfect moments?
Ans. First watch the whole act or dance happening and then focus on a small part so that the background is blurred and only the students are completely visible.

Ever Wondered What the Non-Participants Do? By Amaya Nanda (8 D) and Jia Mehra (8 E)

Ever wondered why some of the students are not part of the MSFE? Or what they do to pass their time during full day practices? Since everyone has been taking interviews of the performers and writing reports based on their progress, we thought that we would shed some light on the children who aren’t participating in this MSFE.

We took the initiative to ask Vivaan Joshi from class 8-E how he has been spending his time productively. He responded by saying that since he does not have much to do, he uses his time to talk to his friends, bond and make fun memories. He also said he’s been spending his time studying and completing work.

One of the questions that we were most curious to ask was why or how he became a non- participant. He said that it was a pretty long story. He started off in tabla, spent a few days learning the songs but came to the realisation that it was too hard, and he could not keep up with the fast-paced hand movements. Before we knew it, he lost interest and headed to the staff lounge to find a new job so that he could contribute to the lovely evening coming your way. As he walked in, he met two teachers and explained his problem to them, but since they were preoccupied with the stress to make this evening perfect, they encouraged him to take FOH (front of house). Since he was so keen on contributing, he decided to take on this task. This was his story and I hope it gives you an insight into the life of the non-participants!