Floating uty students get a taste of traditional music

Kochi: Beats of drums, clanging of cymbals and rhythmic movement of performers at the Cochin Cultural Centre at Ravipuram set the stage for the Floating University's programme 'Semester at Sea' in Kochi on Saturday.
The students were here to learn more about the city's culture and tradition.
Twenty-five students of music watched in awe as veterans performed a variety of traditional musical instruments, including chenda, madalam, idakka, kuzhal, kombu and elathalam, at the centre.
The programme was organized and directed by artist Sharath Kumar Nedungadi. He along with seven other performers put up a show for the students and gave them a chance to perform and try their hand at playing the instruments.
"Students in America rarely get a chance to be exposed to oriental arts and culture, particularly in music. I was keen to give them a taste of traditional music and it was a great opportunity for them as they even got to perform. It broadens their horizons not just on the subject, but also gives them a better perspective on the culture and practices of Kerala," said Professor Mark Brill who teaches music at the University of Texas. "I'm a business major student and have opted for a course in music onboard the university. I feel that learning cultures and traditions from across the globe help us to be more appreciative of other people," said Nadine Araygi, a student from Lebanon.
The students will be in the city till Thursday as part of their three-and-a-half month semester onboard the university. Many of them will be visiting popular sights across the state over the next five days.