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Thailand’s Cliff Richard.hired to perform on stage and more instruments were needed for the performance, they often gave up their own wages to the additional musicians because they wanted the band to perform better. Some members began to take music more seriously and later turned it into a profession. The band’s rhythm guitarist is one example. “Mr Jirapan developed his musical skills into a career. He became a professional guitarist, music producer and professor at Silpakorn University.”Tosetupagoalforthebandin the future, Jirapan Angsawanond believes that a debut Youngsters album might be a good idea. “As most of us are non-professional musicians, we need to have a collective goal. And an initial album would be a good achievement. I haven’t thought about it seriously, but songs might be something not so far from thestyle of the Shadows and Cliff Richard. We might adapt some jazz as Mr Pansuang can play jazz standards. Likewise, Mr Kwanchai can sing jazz well. Although we’re an instrumental band, in fact every member can sing. But the vocals go along with other musical genres, not only for the Shadows. Normally when performing on stage, we invite guests to vocalize selected songs, since the audience isn’t used to instrumental concerts, especially those who have no idea about songs of the ’60s. We have a particular group of fans. Those who are into the Shadows definitely enjoy our shows.”The Youngsters have stayed close due to the friendship formed since childhood. Mr Kwanchai admits that group members do not always get along. Disagreements about music and life have come up occasion- ally. To arrange rehearsals, however,members will set a day aside every two to three weeks to practise, so that the Youngsters can better demon- strate the power of music to create friendships and make the community more harmonious.Mr Kwanchai has a message for young musicians who are impressed by the songs of the ’60s. “I don’t think we’ ll still be performing Shadows music in 10 years’ time. At 80 I won’t want to stand on stage for an hour and a half at a time. We are looking for the new generation to preserve this genre of music. If we know someone who really loves what we are doing, we’ re eager to share techniques and experience with them. They will then be the ones who pass along this music across the borders of time.”Elite+ 63