16/10/2024
Behind Every Inspiring Music Teacher is the Music Teacher’s Inspiration
Harmony - Action Through The Arts were delighted to support the musical activities of Matthayom Banbangkapi Wind Symphony, a school based in Bangkok, by purchasing an oboe and French horn for the school band.
We interviewed Napaphat Suwanchaichat, Band Director of Matthayom Banbangkapi Wind Symphony, to learn more about him and his passion and vision for music.
An ordinary teacher with an extraordinary vision
Napaphat began playing music in 7th grade, joining his school’s marching band, playing euphonium. Even though he wasn’t passionate about music at first, he saw it as an interesting way to spend his free time. As he progressed into high school, his passion for music became clearer. He and his fellow band members travelled across continents to compete in the Netherlands and participated in a music festival in France. His band director, Mr. Phornchai, was the one who opened Napaphat's and many other students' eyes to the world of music.
Upon entering university, Napaphat chose to pursue Music Education at Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand. During this time, he faced pressure, confusion, and even considered giving up, thinking he no longer wanted to be a teacher. "I consulted Mr. Phornchai again, and he reminded me to look ahead into the future. His words encouraged me to continue and complete my studies." Currently, Napaphat is the Band Director at Matthayom Banbangkapi Wind Symphony, which recently received several awards in The 5th North Eastern Winds Festival 2024.
"Music at my school has transformed the students by 99.99%!" he shared with a laugh when asked about music education at the school.
As a public school in Bangkok, Matthayom Banbangkapi School primarily serves students from nearby communities, most of whom come from less privileged backgrounds. Recruiting students for the band has been challenging, as many parents view music as unnecessary or believe students should go straight home after school to help with family work. He explained that understanding the attitudes of students, parents, and even colleagues is something he constantly works on. It took him 4-5 years to grow the school’s marching band from just over 10 members to a gold medal-winning band of 80 members, which recently won the Best March award.
"One student wanted to play the oboe after seeing it in a competition," Napaphat explained, “the school has never had an oboe before, so once we received it from Harmony - Action Through The Arts, the student practiced with guidance from friends at other schools, and I was there to
offer support. As for the French horn, we have a dedicated instructor to assist the students."
Napaphat is determined to push his talented students to pursue higher education in leading universities. His next goal for the Matthayom Banbangkapi Wind Symphony is to become a model school within the district, aiming to promote their Symphonic Band, performing at a high standard both locally and nationally. He hopes to lead the students to compete in national and international competitions, inspiring future generations, just as he was inspired by Mr. Phornchai.
In the future, Harmony - Action Through The Arts is looking forward to hearing exceptional performances from the oboe, French horn and the rest of the Matthayom Banbangkapi Wind Symphony, on concert stages in Thailand and throughout the rest of the world.
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