Carnival of Drums 2012

11 March 2012 (by Tay Mui Lan): Students Care Service organised a Carnival of Drums on 11 March 2012. Held at the Promontory @ Marina Bay, a cultural experience segment showcased the different cultural drums as varied as dhol to daiko. Drumming groups came from different communities as far as Johor Bahru. Even our own Hougang Centre youths brought along their unique set of “dustbins” to “junk” drum. The Drum Chaos, as the youths from Serangoon Secondary called themselves, proved that drums can be anything and anyone can play the drums.

The Carnival was not only festive-like, it was also educational. Different cultural drums – Malay, Indian, Japanese, African, Korean and Chinese – were demonstrated on stage to give audience a taste of their unique sounds and styles. The multi-cultural mix was both vibrant and varied. The responsive audience eagerly clapped and danced to the beats.

For SCS, drumming holds a special appeal for our youths. It keeps them socially energetic, motivated and focused. For years past, drums were used to arouse courage in soldiers on the battlefield. Today, they are helping our youths fend off frustration and boredom, and creating a positive outlet for their youthful energy and enthusiasm.

Fourteen year old Mohammed Danial confessed, “When I play the drum, I feel very happy.”

Said volunteer trainer, Walter Lim: “Drumming also creates social camaraderie because practices require sacrifices from them for others. It cannot be an individual thing. The group comes first.”