Hand in hand with autistic kids

GAMAL Zahar, 18, taught himself to play the banjo. He hugs the banjo to his chest as he strums a tune. Although seemingly focused on his banjo, Gamal is also closely following the conversation in the room.

With him are Andrew Chew, 24, and Tan Seng Kit, 20. The lads sit patiently on their stools – being interviewed by the press is something they have to get used to as “stars”.

All three are autistic and will be performing at the Hand in Hand with the Stars concert, in which Chew and Tan will be drumming.

A group of about 10 people with autism, aged 12 and above, will be drumming at the concert. The lights in the theatre will be switched off and all the audience will see are the white gloves worn by the performers and the fluorescent drumsticks.

Practice makes perfect: (From left) Tan, Chew and Gamal practising for the concert.

The concert, to raise awareness and funds for Parents’ Resource for Autism (PR4A), will be held on July 3 and 4 from 8pm to 9.30pm, and on July 5 from 5pm to 6.30pm, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, KLCC Plenary Theatre.

The boys have been practising since March, not only at rehearsals with local musician Edwin Nathaniel but also at home.

Auditions were conducted to choose the youngsters who could grasp the basic rhythm patterns.

Because people with autism are very reliant on routines, helping the youngsters rehearse meant being very precise and detailed in the instructions. Nathaniel observes that the children now not only have their own parts, they also know their friends’ parts and sometimes remind their friends of missed cues.

As a bonus, the Aseana Percussion Band will also be on hand to ensure the audience has a stomping good time at the concert.

At the concert venue, there will also be an art exhibition by 15 autistic artists. It will feature about 60 pieces of art (paintings and clay).

The funds raised will go towards PR4A’s plan to set up centres in the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang and Malacca and to train parents in various forms of therapy.

Tickets for the Hand in Hand with the Stars concert are available from Ticketpro Malaysia / Ticket Hotline (03-7880 7999 / 03-7880 4992).

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