Matthew, my eldest and the first Musical Minis member, was lucky enough to be involved at the Olympic Opening Ceremony. I know a number of you have been interested in his role and I wanted to share images of his drum with you.
Matthew saw a request for more young men to audition for the Opening Ceremony as they were in demand. As he had a few months gap before starting his law training contract he decided to apply. After a few auditions, where he had to dance and drum he was chosen as a drummer. There were 1,000 drummers selected and they all performed in the Industrial Revolution Scene at the Opening Ceremony. I was lucky enough to see a dress rehearsal and the sound from the drums were incredible, much much better than on the tv.
The drummers also doubled up as Marshals in the Athletes Parade, although some but not Matthew, continued drumming throughout this too. Matthew's marshal role was to guide the athletes into position. He had an added bonus of being 5 away from the cauldron when it was lit - by the young athletes with their torches, when they walked down the line he was forming to light the cauldron.
Matthew feels incredibly lucky to have been part of the Opening Ceremony and realises it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He was also interviewed live on Sky News and Sky Sport the following morning.
Matthew was allowed to keep his drum, Industrial Revolution costume and his marshal costume. The photo shows his drum, which is actually a decorated paint bucket!
It just shows you can have fun and create a great sound with many things you chose to bang on. As well as the Musical Minis drums my 3 children always found it fun to bang on saucepans, plastic cartons and various tins. If you are brave enough let your child have a go at drumming on suitable items - you never know you may have a future drummer in your house.