Is age 11 too young for a boy to be a master percussionist? Sixth grader Michael Joe Francis might say it’s too old an age. Reason: At the tender age of eight, this young boy from Thoppumpady in Ernakulam mesmerised all, playing 34 percussion instruments.
Just sixth months after he started learning percussion three years ago, little Michael never limited himself to a particular instrument, and instead proved his expertise as a multi-tasking drummer. “I am not afraid to play all these instruments,” says Michael. Recently, the youngster was in the capital city with his power-packed performance on drums, as part of the Onam week celebrations, at the Institute of Engineers Hall.
With eyes covered with a black cloth, Michael just touches the instruments to ensure their position before starting to play.
Now, he is learning percussion under three masters, who give him separate training in Latin percussion, western style of percussion and a medley of western and traditional Kerala styles.
Back from school, Gregorian Public School at Maradu, he spends nearly an hour practising on the instruments every day. Recently, he learned fusion and to play at ‘gana melas’ too. In addition to percussion instruments, Michael tries his hands at violin, guitar and keyboard also.
The little boy, by this time, has in his kitty the credit of doing 32 stage performances and 15 channel programmes. And what he is looking forward to? “He has been trying to create a Guinness world record and video records of his performances will be sent to the authorities. He had won first grade in drum kit from the Trinity College London and is attempting for fourth grade in November this year,” says Francis Michael, father of Michael.