Rhythmic celebration

CHENNAI: Jus Drums, a Chennai-based percussion school, celebrated its ninth anniversary in great style at Vani Mahal this weekend. More than 40 students who completed school recently put up a scintillating show, titled, Power of Drumming, to a packed auditorium that largely had parents and relatives of the kids. The show began a little late, owing to the delayed arrival of the chief guest singer Srinivas, but the performers made it up with their incredible performances.Students,  clad in black T-shirts, kick-started the celebration by performing a rain-themed piece. While they created thunder and lightening sounds through their instruments in the auditorium, it actually drizzled outside. Then came the group songs, where the students sang — Acham acham illai from Indhira and Marghazidhan odi pochi from Thalapathi. Then, the students performed to songs like Adho andha paravai pola, Ennamo edho from Ko and Aaj ki raat from Don. The highlight of the evening was when students played the background score for the movie clippings that were displayed on the screen, including Sindhu Bharavi and Aboorva Sagodharargal. The comedy piece from Karagatakaran, where Gowndamani and his dance troupe push the car as it suddenly stops midway, won thunderous applause from the crowd.  Kids below nine years of age, sang Kadhal vandhalae, which was impressive as well. The junk piece of the year was performed under the theme Don’t cut the trees and students showed amazing talent by creating music with the help of construction utensils.The pipe used in the don’t cut trees performance was auctioned for `10,500. Ravi chandran, a parent of one of the students bought it. The money will go to Shakthi Foundation, said Murali Krishnan, Jus Drums founder.Srinivas gave away the certificates to the participants and felicitated those who got through the grade exams conducted by Trinity School of Music, London. P Bharath won the Steve Smith Award for the most cheerful person. Murali Krishnan announced the Umayalpuram Sivaraman Award of excellence to be given away every year to the best performer of the school.