|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 30 May 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
This guy's on a roll by LAKMAL WELABADA
As a kid, Chaminda Samaraweera used to tap on his mum's saucepans with a spoon. Since his home folk were 'immune to the noise' he used to make by beating and hitting on each and everything, they did not realise the rhythms he had been developing day by day. Even in his classroom at S. Thomas', Chaminda could not resist tapping on his metal pencil box with his pen whenever the teacher gave the class a five minute break. His Literature master Vinodh Senadeera who has a ear for music never felt the young lad was making a noise and disturbing the class. Instead he soon recognised the talent behind the mischief. "Would you like to drum for my play?" Chaminda was stunned for a while. "Is our master angry and trying to humiliate me, or is he mad to call me to play for him?" he thought. Chaminda was persuaded to give it a try. When he touched the two sticks of the drum for the first time he felt some divine spirit enter him. One, two, three, four... he started playing.... The literature master sent him to Aruna Siriwardane, one of Sri Lanka's leading drummers, to get some formal training. Within a few weeks, Chaminda mastered the instrument. The little expert was called to compose the drum track for 'Tanya, the tooth fairy', a children's musical organised by the British School. It was a challenge. Working with little ones took Chaminda back to his childhood, the time he used to beat the saucepans at home. Composing music for little ones was not a problem since it was already in him.
Acting was his other hidden talent, recognised again by his Literature master. Chaminda's introduction to the stage is another interesting story. S. Thomas' College excuses the members of the school drama society to grow their hair within the period of two months for their school plays. Knowing this well, Chaminda joined the drama society purely to grow his crew-cut hair at least one or two inches. His Literature teacher instinctively knew that the young rebel could act. He asked Chaminda whether he liked to take part in the 'Christmas Perpetua' presented by the college last December. The offer stunned the 18-year-old a second time. However he started going for rehearsals. The role he was given was of a dancer. Eight days before the show, one of the main actors in the cast dropped out.The Literature teacher who was in a spot, had no choice but to take his chance with Chaminda. After eight-days of rehearsals the young lad mastered the role perfectly. Following this Chaminda took part in Vinodh Senadeera's next drama, 'Why No' staged at the Lionel Wendt in March this year. Chaminda is a school coloursman in swimming and water polo. He represented the school team twice in Indian tournaments. English Literature, Economics and Greek and Roman Civilisation are the subjects that he has picked for his 'A/Levels'. Chaminda's goal is to work in the tourism industry. He is very grateful to his parents and family for the courage and support they give him in all he does . Every exceptional talented youngster soon learns that each day is a challenge. Chaminda has learnt to take the bouquets along with brick bats. He says he accepts it all with a smiling face and a light heart. "Other than music and acting do you have any other pastime?" I asked. "Yes. I love bugging and annoying others," he said with a big grin. "What's the message you would like to give our readers." "Never judge anyone by what the others say about him or her," he said. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
Combining his unique, original tunes with old classics; contemporary
music which includes jazz and rock'n roll; music from Broadway musicals
and films: Sri Lankan chants and drumming, Chaminda will be performing at
the forthcoming College show titled 'Piano and Drums'.
