Drums plugged

Amidst tight schedules and jamming sessions Vijay Agarwal, Drummer of Amity Institute of Biotechnology’s band-Zehen gets candid about his love for drums, musical journey and a lot more

Apra Agnihotri, Amity Institute of Biotechnology
 
As the clock struck 5 and the classes finally got over, I ran down the stairs of J 3 block, all ready to retire for the evening when perfectly synchronised beats smelling high on superfluous energy caught my attention. It was hypnotic and abstractedly my feet started moving towards the basement where a little rockstar passionately hitting the drums! With sparkling sweat beads on his head and brisk motion of a meteor  Vijay Agarwal from AIB has the power to mesmerise and leave the crowd flabbergasted. Join in as he elaborates his musical journey in his own words.

Rythmic Footsteps
I started drumming at the age of 18, but I have been playing other percussions since I was 14. My father has been a great support all through my musical journey. I gave my first stage performance in an inter-school music competition with my school choir when I was in class IX. I played congo then. I do not have any formal training in music. I learnt drumming by going through various DVDs and e-books on different drumming styles. I am a huge fan of Steve Gadd and draw inspiration from his impeccable playing style. His tips have greatly helped me in improving my drumming techniques.

Musical connect
I am very fond of Indian classical and Arabic music, and try to find ways to fuse western and afro-cuban percussions into Indian rhythms. I am currently trying my hands on Jazz and have a soft corner for bands like ZZ-top, Chickenfoot, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, etc. I wish to turn my passion into a profession. I am planning to pursue formal training in music and sound production after my graduation.

Drummer’s delight
For me music is the essence of life! Being a drummer brings in a lot of responsibilities as the whole ‘band’ relies on you. I follow a strict one hour practice regime everyday which includes warm up for both hands and feet, followed by practice of syncopated patterns in 8th and 16th notes.

In love with Zehen
I have been associated with Zehen, AIB’s official band from its initial days and I feel the same as a gardener feels when he sees his rose plant blooming or garden flourishing. It feels great to be associated with a home project.I have tried to nurture Zehen like my own baby. When I see Zehen getting recognition throughout NCR, it feels wow. 

There are no stupid questions…
…only silly answers that are often full of fun and pun

Akshat Awasthy, AIS Pushp Vihar, IX C

How do you react when someone asks you an obvious (read silly) question? Reply with the obvious answer or simply ignore..right? Well, why not try something different instead? Next time whenever someone asks you obvious questions twist the obvious and shoot snappy, witty answers. Wowy zowy...here are few situations to start with.
 
You enter a restaurant and the manager asks, “Would you like a table Sir/Ma’am?”
Answer Oh! We love eating on the floor, a carpet for 3 please.
A guest who is visiting your home for dinner asks, “Is there a toilet I can use?”
Answer Sorry, no. We belong to a tribe that follows a ritual according to which we relieve ourselves at railway track sharp at 3:00 am. Next time you travel by a train don’t forget to wave us from the window.

You happen to be a serving staff at a restaurant and a guest asks :-“Is this dish good?”
Answer:- Not at all Sir! Yesterday only a couple died after eating it. We sometimes sprinkle it with phenyl.

You come out of a salon with visibly short hair and your friend asks, “Did you get a haircut?”
Answer Wish I had! I am shedding. It’s autumn you see!

You reach the paying counter of a grocery shop. The clerk asks, “Would you like to pay for it, Sir?”
Answer Oh no! I’ll steal them. I just stood in the queue to ask you why you look familiar.

 Someone stamps on your foot and asks, “Did I hurt you?”
Answer You can’t. I am on local anesthesia. Try it sometimes, it’s pretty cool!

A friend calls you after a late night party and asks you, “You reached safely?”
Answer No-no! I was just murdered on the way. This is my spirit, whom I asked to go home and answer the call.

So, be a little hatke and give your wit some exercise. Ok another silly one then, have you read the whole article?