It was an invigorating experience, a carnival-like atmosphere and many happy feet – that is how the first Drum Fest can be summarised when the curtains came down on Sunday, January 20 at the Festival Ground.

Despite bad weather, a large crowd turned out to see and appreciate some imaginative ways of playing drums and they were not disappointed.

Organised by the North Caribbean Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist and Youth Ministries Department - the Drum Fest’s mission was to motivate the youth to praise the Lord through music.

Eight drum corps from St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Marteen, Antigua, Saba, St. Croix, St. Thomas and the BVI “wowed’ the large crowd with their meticulousness for formation, coordination and ability to maintain a rhythm pleasing to the ears.

Each group had its own unique blend of techniques that were used to differentiate themselves from other corps, but St. Marteen, St. Thomas and the BVI corps were outstanding.

The groups’ formations were fully utilised to create an impact for the crowd.

Fluidity was the key for the St. Marteen Drum Corps, one group dressed in khaki and another dressed in yellow tee-shirts and black bottoms. Both bands used lines and curves to create a drill that was simple, yet powerful. The antics with their sticks captivated the crowd during their 10-minute respective performances.  However, St. Thomas and the BVI used more freestyle moves during their performances.

Dressed in white shirts and black bottoms, the St. Thomas group copied some of those famous moves made popular by the ‘Matrix’ movie. The crowd was in an uproar and to heighten the crowd’s appetite for more - one of the drummers laid down his drum and dished out some Micheal Jackson moves.

Also on the soggy ground, several drummers went on their knees turning and twisting while beating their drums, and to add a bit of flair and style to their presentation, four band members showed off their gymnastic ability to an already hyped crowd.

At this point, Minister for Education and Culture, Andrew Fahie’s face was beaming with excitement and when asked about the performances he had seen so far he responded, “I love it, but we still have the BVI to come on!”

And as the saying goes ‘save the best for last’ – the BVI Corps ‘Heartbeats’ delivered a spectacular performance.  

For their introduction, a ‘heartbeat’ was played, bringing the crowd to a frenzy. And in the heavy downpour of rain, the drummers gave their supporters a memorable performance that had tongues waggling up to press time.

With the red heartbeats’ slogan emblazoned on white tee-shirts and black bottoms, Heartbeats drummers maintained their formation one expert told the Standpoint during their performance.

Some ‘Soulja Boy’ moves were also incorporated into the local band’s performance much to the delight of the screaming crowd. Yeap, it was a Carnival affair with many umbrellas moving to the rhythm of the band’s music.

The Fest ended around 6:30 p.m. and many of the spectators left drenched but satisfied.  With the success of the first ever Drum Fest, Pastor Clive Dottin from Trinidad and Tobago told the StandPoint that he wants to see the fest evolve into something more.

“Eventually and I forsee this in a few years time is to have a full pledge orchestra,” he said smiling.

He was impressed with the countries participations and during a motivational and hilarious speech to the youth; he encouraged them to be true to God.   

Stanley Engleheart from Curacao said the mission of having such an event is to have the youth involved in something constructive. “There are too many guns and drugs on the streets and we believe keeping the youth occupied in a meaningful manner will keep them on track.”

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