Sound of music gets special children swaying

“Music comes from the heart. It is a language that is understood by everybody,” says Eric Vloeimans, leader of Netherlands-based music band ‘Gatecrash’. The band is presently touring India. As part of their tour to the city, they visited Sampoorna School for Children with Special Needs and performed for them on Tuesday. Gatecrash plays a fusion of jazz and popular music. The band includes Eric Vloeimans on trumpet, Jeroen Van Vliet on keyboards, Gulli Gudundsson on basses and Jasper van Hulten on drums.

The school which has a total of 95 students and a band comprising 22 students, welcomed the band enthusiastically. Using the instruments of the school’s band, Gatecrash performed on the school’s terrace. Eric as usual played the trumpet, Jeroen was on the harmonium, Gulli played the cymbal and Jasper was on the drums. Using live sound elements from the heavy downpour, the band kickstarted the performance with a magical rhythm. Gradually, the tempo of the music was taken to the next level where children started clapping and dancing. While playing the trumpet, Eric walked amidst the smiling children and danced with them. The children also posed for photographs with the band members.

For Gatecrash, it was a special experience as this was their first performance for the children with special needs. They were overwhelmed by the response. “It was an enlightening experience to perform for these kids and the rain added to the joyful mood”, said Jasper.

“Music comes from within. It is a universal language,” added Jeroen. Eric, who is the heart and soul of the band, was in high spirits throughout and said that he was very happy that his band got a chance to perform for the charming little kids.

Meanwhile, the sound of music reverberated at St Teresa’s College as well, as Gatecrash’s Eric Vloeiman inaugurated Teresian Music Club on Tuesday. Later, the quartet enthralled the audience with their improvisation, lazy lounge music and funky dance. They also interacted with the students and presented a CD to the college.