I got a phone call one day about a percussion workshop run by a group from NZ called 'Strike'. This group is like a NZ equivalent of the STOMP. Initially, I thought this is just a workshop where you learn to play better. I had no idea that I have signed in to perform in Federation Square in the city during the Melbourne 206 Festival running parallel with the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Game. What an opportunity! There were only 2 practice sessions, Sunday and Monday. The minute I walked into the church hall, I was "strike" by the set up. There were like 2 cube structures hanging with percussion instruments. Wow! Looking at set up is like admiring a piece of art. The workshops went well; the members of the group were very patient showing us the rhythm patterns. The practice was really LOUD. Finally, the day has arrived. I was thinking about the rhythm patterns whole morning. I just wanted it to be perfect, not to upset the performance. When I got there, the square was packed with people watching the telecast of the commonwealth game. I think it was the lawn bowling final or some sort. When it came to our turn to perform, it was so quick. After all these practices, it took only 2 and half minutes of performance. Sometimes it takes years and years of learning and life experiences to handle a 2 and half minutes situation.
