About

HANDS Percussion Sdn Bhd was founded in 1997 by Bernard Goh, who serves as the group's Artistic Director. The group comprises a team of talented performers who share a passion for music, drumming, and percussion. Despite the challenges of being self-funded, HANDS Percussion has become a beloved fixture at local performing arts venues and has gained a growing reputation both locally and internationally.

Over their 20-year journey, HANDS Percussion has demonstrated discipline, self-motivation, and a strong sense of responsibility. They have embraced a variety of musical styles, instruments, and technology, pushing creative and musical boundaries. While they began with their explosive and loud traditional drumming style known as the 24 Festive Drums, they have expanded their repertoire through multidisciplinary productions. Notable examples include "The NEXT" in 2012 and "Tchaikovsky in Gamelan" in 2014, where they blended different styles and challenged artistic conventions. In 2016, they debuted a site-specific performance called "OPIUM," combining minimal drumming, musicality, and physical movement in collaboration with local and French artists.

HANDS Percussion has embarked on numerous international engagements, including performances at the Bali Spirit Festival in Bali, Indonesia, and a live jamming session at SuperEverything* in Los Angeles, United States, in collaboration with The Light Surgeons. They have participated in prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, and the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which was attended by President Obama. They have also performed at the World Gamelan Festival, the Taiwan International Percussion Convention, and the Seoul Drum Festival, among other notable venues.

In 2011, HANDS Percussion showcased a customized gamelan set in a debut concert titled "RI YUE CHU YIN" (The Birth of HANDS Percussion Gamelan). They have represented Malaysia at international events such as the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) World Congress and graced the groundbreaking ceremony of The Ashgabat Olympic Complex in preparation for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan.

Despite their humble beginnings, rehearsing in school grounds and renting instruments, HANDS Percussion has grown steadily, showcasing that intention, passion, and hard work can lead to success in the arts.