MUMBAI: Since its inception in October 2014, the OSA Drum Circle (ODC) has had more than 11 performances, with the most recent being at the I Haat Delhi festival over last weekend. The OSA Drum Circle was conceptualised by the Old Springdalian Association, an organisation formed by the Springdale School alumni, which includes former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam.
One of the primary reasons for creating the 40-member drumming group was to do something novel for the school’s Diamond Jubilee, said ODC co-ordinator Dilpreet Singh. “For the 60th anniversary, we wanted to do something new, and we came up with the concept of forming a drum circle. The group has very few professional musicians; however each of them shares a strong passion for music.”
“Our tracks are all original compositions. While jamming, when we find a good beat, we improvise and polish it and then create a track. That is how most of tracks are made,” stated Singh. Through their gigs, the circle has been asked many a times if any of their eleven composed tracks are available for purchase. Singh said that, “Recording takes real hard work and polished material. We will have to work very hard on our existing material to make it recording-worthy. Right now, we are just having fun on stage when we perform, however, we aspire to start recording in the course of this year.”
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Currently, the ODC is strictly percussion based, with sounds from drums, djembe, Punjabi dhol and at times, cymbals. Singh offered an interesting explanation about this. He said, “When you have 40 people playing drums, the sheer volume of the percussive sound is massive. And if we were to have an instrument, like a guitar, it would not be as loud, and to make it loud, we would need an electric guitar. Although, the use of such instruments would just take away the rawness and authenticity that the ODC has right now. We are looking at adding flutes, though.”
Singh also said that the ODC plans to expand to up to 100 members in time for the anniversary celebration. “The plan for now is to gather as many OSA members who are willing to join the ODC. We aspire to have almost 100 people as a part of the drum circle,” added Singh.
ODC recently collaborated with the Malaysian percussion group White Percussion Outfit. When asked about other collaborations, Singh said that they are still looking into it; however nothing is set in stone. On their recent performance at the Garden of Five Senses for the I Haat Delhi festival, Singh said, “We feel so privileged and honoured with the invitation. We are so grateful for the recognition we got from the people.”
The OSA Drum Circle is currently developing an ‘open house’ for old members of OSA to come and participate in the circle, with the aim of gathering 100 drummers by the 60th anniversary event.
