May 2017

My name is Jaideep Benjamin Joshua Narayanan. My life in KIS started in 2008 as I moved into the 4th grade. KIS offered me something not many schools in India offer along with the school curriculum, and that was music. A chance to learn any instrument and possibly follow it as a career and most importantly a passion. I have learnt a number of instruments over my years in Kodai: piano guitar, drum, and the alto saxophone. I started off with the piano and did a grade 1 RSM, it was all new to me at the time . I started the alto saxophone in 7th grade and found it to be something that really interested me. I was determined to learn and be one of the best saxophonists. I spent several hours practicing and this showed in the achievements I got throughout the years. I took part in the beginner band during my 7th grade and by the 8th grade I was moved up to the advanced ensemble. I did a grade 5 ABRSM theory and achieved a distinction in the exam, and also did my grade 6 ABRSM practical in the alto saxophone and achieved a distinction and a highest achievers award in two states in South India (Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry). It was hard work, however I was blessed to have a wonderful teacher to guide me throughout this learning process. Mr. Prasanth would always go the extra mile to help me achieve and accomplish all the goals I set for myself. I am truly grateful to God for putting him in my life.

With this passion for music, I started to learn a few other instruments as a result of being around other musicians, for example my peers and my parents. I learnt the guitar and the drums, and slowly started to teach myself. Throughout the years I have spent more time working with the saxophone. It has been a passion of mine and I really enjoy learning and playing. Once I started the saxophone I also started listening to new types of music, as a result of the learning process I was introduced to new genres of music. I love jazz and the blues, and as a saxophonist I love listening to these genres and I have started working on jazz and hope to continue during my further education. Olivet College-Michigan, a wonderful institution in the United States, has accepted my application. I plan to do a double major, in both music and visual arts for my undergraduate degree.

During my final years in KIS, I was lost and confused when it came to college searches and my education after KIS. Both my parents work in the school and I attend KIS as a day scholar. My father is a dorm parent and my mother teaches in the Elementary School. The reason we are here is because of God and his blessings, and I am truly grateful for all that He has done. Through His grace, I got into Olivet College. Furthermore the college offered me a music based scholarship to pay toward my tuition, however there is still more that I have to pay. In addition to this my parents won’t really be able to afford the rest of the fee, we are praying and hoping that God will make a way and take care of the rest. I would really like to study in the US, as it is a dream of mine.

I take this opportunity to thank your family for the generous gift I have just received. This will go a long way in helping me to reach my dream. Thank you for believing in us as musicians and for acknowledging our efforts and love in this field.

Jaideep ‘17
Kodaikanal International School

 

In case you are interested, here are a few of my performances throughout my time in KIS.