Drumming at the ISSO Girls Football Opening Ceremony
Performing at the ISSO Girls Football Opening Ceremony as a drummer in the school band was an exciting and unique experience. Unlike typical stage performances, this event required us to create an energetic atmosphere for the players and audience, making it a blend of both musical expression and crowd engagement.
LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
I have always been confident in my drumming skills, but this event challenged me to adapt my playing style to an open-air venue with a large and dynamic audience. I realized that maintaining a steady rhythm while ensuring my drumming complemented the event’s energy was crucial. Through this experience, I learned to focus on consistency and control rather than just technical complexity.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills:
Unlike a formal concert setting, this performance required us to adjust in real time based on the atmosphere of the event. The noise from the crowd and the outdoor acoustics made it harder to hear the other instruments clearly. I had to rely more on visual cues from my bandmates and internal timing, which improved my ability to play cohesively in unpredictable conditions.
LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience:
Our band carefully planned the setlist to match the energetic and competitive spirit of the tournament. We rehearsed songs that would complement the excitement of the opening ceremony, ensuring that the performance added to the enthusiasm of the event. Preparing for this performance also required coordination with event organizers to ensure smooth transitions between different segments.
LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience:
Performing live comes with its own set of challenges, from technical issues to handling unexpected moments. Despite these, I remained focused and committed to delivering a strong performance. Long rehearsals leading up to the event required dedication, but seeing the players and audience respond positively made all the effort worthwhile.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively:
Playing in a band requires strong teamwork, as every musician must synchronize to create a cohesive sound. In this performance, we had to communicate effectively, both during rehearsals and on stage, to ensure smooth transitions between songs. Adapting to last-minute changes and staying in sync with the rest of the band reinforced the importance of collaboration and quick decision-making.
This experience was both rewarding and enriching, allowing me to grow as a performer while contributing to an important school event. It reinforced my ability to adapt, work within a team, and use music as a means to create a memorable experience for others.

