Education Views > Volume 17 - Number 5 >

Here come the drums

Page 5 Vol. 17, No. 5, June 2008 (by Rebecca Perry)

It's 6.30 am and although the sun has barely risen above Mabel Park State High School, near Logan, a handful of young men wait eagerly for band rehearsals.

But before things can get underway, it's time for a hearty breakfast, cooked by music teacher Su Chauvier, a world away from her Korean roots and classical music training.

From a community where financial and social struggles sometimes occur, Ms Chauvier's group of 16 proud Samoan students are fi nding confi dence and hope through music.

They are part of Mabel Park Drumline, an energetic percussion ensemble formed three years ago when students were inspired by the 2002 US movie Drumline, about a young hip-hop artist who crosses cultural boundaries to win a university scholarship.

At Mabel Park, the band's story is also like a fairytale, with some obligatory Hollywood-style hurdles along the way. "The original group needed to improve their behaviour," Ms Chauvier said.

"So this year we told the boys we wouldn't tolerate slacking off or not trying their best in all their subjects, not just in Drumline.

They're put on probation if they step out of line and because they're so committed to being a part of it they've even signed contracts." For many of the drummers, life can be tough but Ms Chauvier believes the group has become a lifeline for them.

"Last term one of our students left home to live on the streets but he's come back to Drumline and his mum says it's what he lives for and what inspires him to make an effort in his other classes," she said.

"The students have no formal musical training but an abundance of natural rhythmic ability - they use music to let off stress and express their emotions."

Using different kinds of drums, bought with the proceeds of the sale of traditional instruments that were gathering dust from a lack of interest, the students all contribute to their rousing routines. Recently they won a local music competition and used the prize-money to help raise funds to buy uniforms.

For those of you who saw the boys in action at Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage, spare a thought for how far they have come - and the inspiration they have found along the way - as they drum to a beat all of their own.

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