Jul 08 2025.
views 25Saturday, 12th July 2025 | 6:00 PM onwards | Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre.
St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo 7 proudly presents The Sound of Drums, a spectacular musical celebration that will echo with rhythm, unity, and spirit on Saturday, 12th July 2025 at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. The concert begins at 6:00 PM and promises to be a joyous celebration an unforgettable evening that goes beyond entertainment, touching hearts, uplifting spirits, and creating moments of true transformation.
This grand event will bring together the musical talents of over 450 students from St. Bridget’s Convent, joined in harmony by more than 1,000 students from esteemed schools across the Island. Participating bands include:
This is more than a performance. It is a resounding celebration of discipline, unity, and the divine gift of music.
According to the dedicated educators at the helm of this remarkable initiative, Ms. Geetha Fernando (Collegiate School Eastern Band), Ms. Kumaru Abeysundera and Ms. Sulakshi De Silva (Teachers-in-Charge of the Collegiate School Western Band), Major S.W.B. Edirisinghe (Master-in-Charge, Collegiate School Western Band), Ms. Ruwanthi Jayamanne (Teacher-in-Charge, Primary Western Band), Ms. Sharon Pasqualge (Teacher-in-Charge, Primary Hewisi Band), and Mr. Thilan Karunanayaka (Master-in-Charge, Primary Bands), the journey to this event has been as enriching as the final performance itself.
“Preparing for this event has shaped our students in remarkable ways. The discipline and dedication to master each note, the perseverance through rigorous rehearsals, and the ability to balance academics with practice all these reflect growth beyond the stage,” they shared. “Music has become a channel through which our children express emotions, tell stories, and build emotional intelligence.”
Adding further vibrancy to this grand celebration, the Collegiate School’s talented dance troupes will grace the stage with Kandyan, Baratha, and Ballet performances. These expressive pieces are choreographed and guided by the dedicated team of teachers, Ms. Malinthi Mendis, Ms. Lakshila Shanmugaswamy, Ms. Hirudini De Silva, Ms. Ruvini Fernando, and Ms. Samantha Samararatne.
Vice Principals Ms. Yvonne Hettige and Ms. Darshini Dias emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event. With multiple schools accepting the invitation to participate, the concert is a vibrant space for learning and shared creativity. “Our students learn teamwork, develop respect for others’ talents, and gain a deeper appreciation of diverse musical traditions. Performing alongside peers from other institutions fosters healthy competition, cultivates humility, and sparks lifelong friendships.”
Collegiate school Principal Rev. Sr. Sujani Fernando and Rev. Sr. Dilrukshika Silva of the Primary School noted the long-term impact of events like The Sound of Drums. “Students step into roles of leadership, band leaders, section heads and these roles nurture responsibility and time management. Some discover a passion for music, teaching, or event coordination. But perhaps most importantly, they learn resilience how to rise after mistakes, how to listen and adapt, and how to lead with grace.”
Rev. Sr. Francine Muthugala, Community Leader, reflected on the spiritual dimension of the evening: “When students offer their talents with joy and excellence, it becomes an act of worship. The harmony between diverse instruments and schools reflects God’s call for unity among His children. This event brings glory to God. Each beat and melody become a praise offering, as echoed in Psalm 150: ‘Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.’”
A magnificent symphony of instruments will resonate through the theatre ranging from the vibrant tones of trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, trombones, euphoniums, and tubas to the rhythmic heartbeat of bass drums, cymbals, tambourines, maracas, guitars, and an exquisite tapestry of Eastern percussion. Traditional instruments such as the Thammattama, Geta Beraya, Daula, Pantheruwa, Thalampata, and Udekkiya will blend seamlessly with the powerful beats of the Nagara, Dum Dum, Kajon, Bonjo, Konjo, Shakers, Djembe, and Dhol.
This is more than a performance it is a resounding testament to the heights that young hearts and hands can reach when nurtured by purpose, united in community, and uplifted by faith.
In the words of the school community: “Taking part in a band festival is not just about music it’s about formation.” The Sound of Drums will stand as a reminder that in each rhythm lies discipline, in each harmony lies unity, and in every note, there is a spark of the divine.
Leading with grace, Miss Swetha Fernando (Collegiate School Eastern Band Leader), Miss Tasha Rene Liyanage and Miss Selena Leitan (Collegiate School Western Band Leaders), Miss Anya De Silva (Primary School Western Band Leader), and Miss Shenara Silva (Hewisi Band Leader) will proudly raise the green and white flag high at this momentous event. It promises to be an unforgettable night etched in their hearts as a celebration of leadership, unity, and the transformative power of music.
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