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Yesterday, we were at the Carnival of Drums 2013 that was organised by the Students Care Service of Singapore and the Carnival of Drums is Students Care Service‘s annual flagship event to raise funds in support of children and youths from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you’re wondering what Students Care Service does, they actually provide professional counselling, groupwork and educational psychology services for children and youths who have emotional, behavioural, learning, and financial issues. Their beneficiaries are mostly from low-income families.
Being a drummer myself, I was rather enthused about going for this event and the performances put up by the various drumming groups reminded me of the days when I drummed with a local percussions band, The Strikeforce.

There were many activities that took place at the Carnival of Drums 2013 and here are just some photo highlights of the event which we found really interesting and yet enriching at the same time.

One of the fringe activities at the Carnival of Drums was the Clay-Modelling Workshop that was conducted by the trainers from That Hobby Place. Both children and adults had tons of fun making their own clay drums and they even get to bring their handcrafted souvenirs home.

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

Besides workshops, we were treated to a number of splendid performances that were put up by the various drumming groups such as SIGS Drumline, TENKO, PAN, and Singapore Dhol Federation.

SIGS Drumline, part of the one and only Roving Marching Band in Johor Bahru, Malaysia; performing at the Carnival of Drums 2013.

From Carnival of Drums 2013

TENKO, a Japanese Taiko drum group in Singapore that showcases different performing styles by using many types of instruments such as small drums, metal instruments, and a bamboo flute. TENKO also conducted Japanese Taiko Classes for drumming enthusiasts and if you’re interested in learning about Japanese drums, you can find out more via the following link: www.hibikiya.com.sg

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

PAN literally refers to a platform of getting together and enjoying the art of playing Korean drums. It was founded in May 2006 by 30 Korean and Singaporean members with a common interest of Samulnori. PAN conducts workshops at the Yio Chu Kang Community Centre and if you would like to learn more about playing the Korean Drums, you can drop an email to: sunyoung.kim85@gmail.com

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

Founded by Sunil Kumar in 2006, the Singapore Dhol Federation was established to promote DHOL drumming. DHOL drumming classes are held at the Kallang Community Club and if you would like to find out more about DHOL drumming, you can drop an email to: info@dholproductions.sg

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

We thoroughly enjoyed all the performances that were put up and as we listened to the rhythms and beats of the drums, we felt the fiery passion that the drummers have for their instruments. Personally, I do miss drumming and when the time permits, I really hope to be involved with the drumming scene soon.

The ultimate highlight of the event has got to be the Community Drum Circle. The Guest of Honour for the Community Drum Circle was MG [NS] Chan Chun Sing.

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

It was our first time participating in a Community Drum Circle and the way the it was set up was truly a new experience. On the seats were many different instruments such as the shakers, the congas, and the djembes; and all we had to do was pick up the instrument on our seats and start playing. In the middle of the circle is a platform where the facilitator of the Community Drum Circle would lead and direct us when and what to play.

From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013
From Carnival of Drums 2013

Now, you might think that since everyone is playing different rhythms and beats, the whole place would sound like gibberish noise but that wasn’t the case. Even though an individual may play a different beat from that of another person, the sound that is produced would somehow be united and it is really very hard to describe it in words because you have to be there to experience it.

Check out the following video about the Community Drum Circle.

From Carnival of Drums 2013

We have to say this, the Carnival of Drums 2013 was truly an enriching experience for us and we hope that through this Blog Post, you too can learn more about drumming. If you would like to learn more about drumming [especially the multi-cultural ones], do contact the various organisations that we have listed and start your journey of drumming soon!

Once again, we would like to thank Students Care Service for the gracious invitation and if you would like to find out more about what they do, please kindly click on the following link: www.students.org.sg