Musical passion: Yeo (third from left) is part of an all-female 24 festival drum group established by the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Teo Chew Association. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Septuagenarian Yeo Peck Gate can attest that drumming has enhanced her quality of life.
The oldest member of a women’s 24 festival drum troupe said her memory and agility had improved thanks to the activity.
Yeo said she heard drum beats for the first time 30 years ago and found herself deeply moved by the sound.
“Back then, I thought I was too old for drumming because it was usually an activity for school students. I was dismayed that I would never get to learn,” she recalled.
However, much to her delight, the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Teo Chew Association formed an all-women’s 24 festival drum group in 2014.
“I was 65 then and immediately joined once I heard about it,” she said during its 10-year anniversary.
The Chao Ji 24 festival drum troupe performed three sets of choreography at SJK(C) Puay Chai 2 here yesterday.
The energetic Yeo performed with much vigour, and her movements on the drums were powerful and agile.
“I love 24 festival drums because they are so lively. That is how I keep my youth.
“It is not easy to memorise all the choreography. After our weekly lessons, I rehearse the steps and beats in my mind,” said the grandmother of three.
Along with the drumming team, Yeo has performed in Taiwan as well as for a Chinese New Year programme that was broadcast on television.
“I feel very honoured,” she said.
Her fiery passion for drumming showed in the animated way she spoke about it.
“You must join us and feel the beat for yourself,” she added.
The troupe comprises mainly women in their 50s, along with others aged between 25 and 75.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Teo Chew Association Women Section chairman Elena Tan said the group was formed to give women the opportunity to participate in 24 festival drum performances.
“We are the first all-female 24 festival drum group that is not based in a school,” she said, adding that every year, they would open new classes for eager students.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the women continued their lessons online, using makeshift “drums” with a board to practise.
“It is a very good exercise as it stimulates the mind and improves body coordination.
“We are open to any woman who wants to join us, regardless of age or race, as long as they have the passion and willingness to practise,” Tan said.
Their drum coach, Reid Yeap Eng Zheong, said teaching the women’s group was very different from teaching school students.
“I have to adjust the choreography to suit them,” he said, adding that the women treated him like a family member.
“They always bring food for me. It is a blessing to share my choreography with them,” he added.
The women had practised for yesterday’s event since January, and their hard work was evident in their synchronised steps and uplifting beats.
The performance left a resounding impact not only on the audience who cheered after each set, but also for the performers who beamed as they drummed away.
