Drumming contest

Drums developed from just being a mode of communication to a musical instrument.

More than 600 students, staff and faculty members recently attended the combined concert of Dubai Drums and Drums of the World at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). The concert, organised by the Cultural Events Committee of AUS, started with an introduction to the historical significance of drums in various parts of the world. The audience was told how the drums had developed from just being a mode of communication to a musical instrument.

The concert opened with Arabic drumming. The three drummers from UAE played some traditional beats that got the audience clapping with the rhythm. These drummers were then joined by more than 10 others who played various types of drums from around the world and three dancers who occasionally entertained the audiences.

After all the musicians had performed, they were joined by conductor Julie-Ann Odell. Odell, from Dubai Drums, added a humour quotient to the concert and got the audience interacting with the musicians. She then introduced each member of the band and mentioned where they were from. She also asked each drummer to perform a solo piece after her introduction. The concert lasted two hours.

"It was a totally amazing performance," said Arfaz Iqbal, who attended. "I have not been to such a wonderful concert in a very long time. At the introduction of the concert the host said that drumming is said to take us to a different level and this concert was proof.

I loved how they brought together so many people and drums from different parts of the world and they all drummed to give us a single rhythm. I thought there was an underlying message of harmony which was hard to miss."

The concert was followed by an interactive session where the audience could pick up a drum from the more than 70 drums that were provided and join the drummers. A basic beat was played by the drummers so that the audiences could join in easily.

"The concert was good," said Tina Varghese, a student of AUS. "But the interactive session was even better. I think this is one of the best concerts AUS has organised in recent times.

I have never touched a drum in my life but Julie -Ann made it so easy. It was great to know that even beginners like us could drum so musically. It was a great experience, altogether."

The aim of the interactive session, according to the organisers of the show, was to unify the community and energise the audience to meet their daily challenges.

- The writer is a major in mass communication at the American University of Sharjah.