Large-scale student game in Astana granted recognition by Guinness World Records
Jaw-dropping Domra Learning Extravaganza at Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics smashes Guinness World Record
In unparalleled fashion, a remarkable domra lesson captivated the heart of the nation's capital with over a thousand students participating — a world record recognized by Guinness World Records as shared on the school's official website. This one-of-a-kind event took place in May 2022, at the close of the academic year.
This history-making event was the first of its kind globally, with students from a single school showcasing their skills on the domra, the very soul of Kazakhstani culture. The domra concert was led by none other than Aitjan Toktagan, an esteemed educator and cultural luminary in Kazakhstan, who served as the event’s maestro.
Participants consumed an enchanting mix of famous kuyi such as “Saryarka”, “Balbyrauyn”, “Erkem-ai”, “Kenes”, and “Zhastar bii”, all while delving into the captivating histories that lie behind their creation.
Adhering to stringent record-breaking guidelines, over 25 stewards and two independent witnesses kept watch. The presence of these stewards was crucial as they monitored groups of 50 students each, ensuring accuracy in verifying the record-breaking milestone was achieved.
Before the juggernaut of a domra lesson began, students had to register and confirm their attendance through two checkpoints.
The first checkpoint included digital verification using the Candidate-marker program, followed by a manual headcount by a duty officer at the second checkpoint.
"The domra epitomizes the very essence of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, reflecting the Kazakh people's identity. The school has recently introduced elective courses on the domra in all campuses, allowing students to delve deep into the historical significance of popular kuyi by Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, Tattimbet Kazangapuly, and Nurgyza Tlendiev," the school announced in a statement.
This jaw-dropping event is part of a systemic effort by the school to stimulate interest in the domra and national music, preserving the nation’s invaluable heritage and traditions.
- The extravagant Domra Learning Extravaganza at Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, which broke the Guinness World Record, not only showcased traditional Kazakh music but also encouraged community engagement and cultural preservation.
- As part of their commitment to stimulating interest in Kazakh culture, the school offers elective courses on the domra in all campuses, allowing students to delve into the historical significance of famous kuyi and music by Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, Tattimbet Kazangapuly, and Nurgyza Tlendiev.
- Beyond music lessons, this event can be seen as a prime example of how travel, education-and-self-development, entertainment, and cultural-travel can intertwine, offering a unique blend of lifelong learning experiences. For example, those passionate about Kazakh music could combine travel to Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics with an immersive course in the domra, alongside attending captivating performances of traditional tunes and visiting various cultural sites showcasing Kazakh art and history. Furthermore, this event can inspire the creation and performance of new music, which could be shared online for entertainment purposes, showcasing the growth and evolution of Kazakh musical traditions within the context of global music scenes.
