(September 30, 2003) — The sound of rhythmic beats resonates down Clark’s hallway during tutorial as junior Harish Venkitaramanan plays on his mirdangam, a type of ancient Indian drum made out of buffalo and cow leather and special Indian wood. Venkitaramanan sits in a cross-legged position as he pounds on the mirdangam with his palms as someone would with bongo drums. He looks like he can produce the sound easily enough, but “in reality,” said Venkitaramanan, “it took me months of practice just to get one sound.” Venkitaramanan started playing the mirdangam three years ago after a family friend offered to give him mirdangam lessons. Since then, the mirdangam has been the means by which Venkitaramanan releases his energy and frustrations. “When I play the Indian drums, I feel a sense of spirituality and I am able to release my energy positively,” Venkitaramanan said. His influence to play the mirdangam is his father who also started playing the instrument three years ago. Learning the mirdangam together has been a bonding experience for both father and son. According to Venkitaramanan, the mirdangam is not an easy instrument to play and so it requires ample patience and practice. Despite his three years experience, Venkitaramanan believes that his playing needs much improvement. He commented, “I know some people who have been playing the instrument for decades and even they have not yet mastered it. Compared to those who have been in this art before me, my ability as a mirdangam drummer is only mediocre.” The mirdangam is of Indian origin and has a softer sound than drums used for rock music. Since most classical music in the United States is of European influence, Venkitaramanan has not yet had an opportunity to perform. For now, he is playing the instrument with the intention to meditate and release stress. However, in the near future, Venkitramanan said he hopes to debut his mirdangam abilities by accompanying an Indian orchestra.