A gaggle randomly taking part in the drums may not sound like an excellent thought. However the soundscape at Trivandrum Cultural Centre in Thiruvananthapuram on September 28 proved to be a memorable expertise. The group of musicians included neurodiverse kids and adults, their mother and father, and therapists merrily taking part in on the drums, with a few of them singing alongside.
That was the primary session of The HumDrum Circle in Thiruvananthapuram. It’s a participatory music programme for neurodiverse people, particularly for these on the autism spectrum. Rzhude (Rudy) David, a Bengaluru-based musician, composer and sound designer, who developed the idea, led the session organised by Seraphic Play and Studying Growth Centre within the capital metropolis.
Rudy, who grew up in Tripunithra, close to Kochi, says that the inspiration to launch the programme was his shut buddy’s son, Sid (Sidharth). “Despite the fact that Sid was non-verbal, we had an instantaneous connection. I might channelise his stimming (repetitive physique actions or noises) to the drums. However he was not comfy with the sound of the djembe. So I received him a ganjira and he appreciated it. Later, I developed a drum based mostly round that utilizing simply obtainable supplies,” Rudy says.
Rzhude David
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NIRMAL HARINDRAN
The HumDrum has a selected frequency and texture that the neurodivergent is comfy with. “Once we have a look at the historical past of civilisations, drumming was the primitive mode of communication. Some communities proceed to speak the identical method. Rhythm is a part of our existence and music is a supply of language. So whereas working with a toddler who’s disabled and non-verbal, the beats on the drum can develop into a type of expression. Because it includes buzzing as we do the drumming, we named it HumDrum.”
Razina PA at The Humdrum Circle
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NIRMAL HARINDRAN
Finally Rudy developed the Rudiments of Music, a structured curriculum with 21 workout routines for 21 days, which needs to be practised each day for quarter-hour. It’s the first quantity and based mostly across the idea of time. “It isn’t a method to educate music however to make music a behavior,” Rudy says. He has carried out the programme thus far in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Chandigarh. Publish pandemic, he’s conducting on-line periods for college students within the US, Australia and Budapest. He additionally conducts workshops on making the HumDrum.
Experiments with music
Music has at all times been part of Rudy who began his profession in promoting trade as a copywriter. He has labored with the Raghu Dixit Challenge, Dr L Subramaniam world music ensemble and Fortunate Ali amongst others moreover touring with Bengaluru-based Thermal And A Quarter for almost a decade.
A HumDrum has the batter head created from faculty baggage and couch covers. The drum shell is manufactured from 12- or 10-inch PVC pipes reduce into two-inch strings. Cable ties are used to safe and pressure the pinnacle on the body. A drip irrigation pipe is used for the underside ring to carry all the pieces collectively neatly. A little bit of fishing line can also be used below the pinnacle to provide it the thrill and distinct tone to attach with the voice. Brass bells or small metallic cymbals add the highlights within the high-frequency vary,” Rudy explains.
‘Rudiments of Music’ is designed for at the very least two members. Quantity I of the programme is on time and it focusses on left-right hand and eye coordination to set off muscle reminiscence. The apply methodology goals to simplify the language and arithmetic of music.
He introduced the idea to Kerala on the Kochi Biennale 2019. Dr Lincoln Samuel, a cardio thoracic surgeon-turned-musician, who’s neurodivergent, took it ahead. “My spouse (Dr Susan Zachariah), a developmental paediatrician, was launched to Rudy by a affected person’s mom and he or she put me in contact with him. On February 1 this yr we carried out a HumDrum occasion in Kochi in reference to the discharge of my album. Since April, now we have been conducting month-to-month periods at Imutsa, an area at Kakkanad (in Kochi) on the primary Sunday of each month,” says Dr Lincoln.
Razina PA, founder-director of Seraphic Play and Studying Growth Centre, occurred to attend one among Dr Lincoln’s periods and needed to deliver it to Thiruvananthapuram. “I didn’t limit it to college students of our centre since I needed everybody to learn about it. Now we plan to include this in our music remedy periods at Seraphic. We will even maintain month-to-month periods for individuals from all walks of life,” says Razina, mom of 12-year-old Ibrahim Surej who’s on the autism spectrum.
The HumDrum Circle in progress at Trivandrum Cultural Centre in Thiruvananthapuram
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
On the session, Rudy was assisted by Chaya Govind, music therapist at Seraphic, who sang because the members performed the drums. For the reason that occasion was open to all, among the many members was visually challenged Amrita B, an undergraduate pupil in music, who regaled the group along with her singing.
Razina provides, “Whereas taking part in the drums, the kids really feel that they’re a part of the neighborhood since all are equal in a musical setting. It’s a stress buster for the kids and makes them glad.”
Rzhude David (left) and Chaya Govind (excessive proper) main the HumDrum Circle
| Photograph Credit score:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN
Some extent seconded by Sujina TM, who got here to the programme along with her five-year-old son, Aaryan Al Anam. “He’s non-verbal however loves listening to music. I used to be shocked by his response, particularly when he tried to sing together with Chaya. I used to be relieved to see him glad. I’ve by no means been this unstressed since a very long time,” says Sujina.
Manju Krishnan R, one other father or mother who attended the session, says her 10-year-old son, Sriniketh BM, has by no means performed an instrument earlier than though he listens to music. “I might see how a lot he loved tapping on the drum. Furthermore, it was like a social gathering and we might see kids speaking by music. The youngsters have been in all probability pleased with the truth that they’re able to doing one thing.”
Anjali Rajan Dileep, a media skilled who was a part of the session along with her 12-year-old son, Ananthashreyas, referred to as it a uncommon occasion the place “sound so effortlessly related hearts and minds.”
For particulars about HumDrum, contact 8089023779 (Razina) or 9895462656 (Dr Lincoln).
Printed – October 02, 2024 11:52 am IST
