Industry News — August 2022
HIT LIKE A GIRL
Drumming Connects Us Community Outreach
Drum industry organizations Hit Like a Girl and the Percussion Marketing Council (PlayDrums.com) have teamed up to create Drumming Connects Us, a community-based outreach program that combines the universal nature of rhythm with the global desire of people to play drums and connect with each other. Announced in conjunction with International “Make Music Day” (June 21, 2022), Drumming Connects Us will facilitate in-person drumming events as well as online connections for existing and new drummers of all ages and interests.
The in-person element of Drumming Connects Us was developed in collaboration with Mya Cymbaluk, a young drummer and “drum ambassador” who plays drums and promotes drumming in public spaces all over the world. A free, downloadable guide and other marketing tools to help drummers, teachers, retailers, and manufacturers organize outreach activities at parks, schools, and stores will soon be available on the PlayDrums.com website.
Also hosted on the PlayDrums.com website, the project’s online component will help teen and adolescent drummers support each other through social media engagement. Initially, exceptional young drummers and role models including Recker, Lola, Austin, KBG, Lil D, and Kii will share their drumming experiences and offer tips on how to get started on drums, how to connect with other drummers around the world, and how to be safe online.
Drumming Connects Us participants and community members will be able to register and be featured on PlayDrums.com. By registering, they can receive special offers on drum gear and lessons, as well.
To learn more, visit PlayDrums.com.
PMC
Past Leaders Honored at NAMM 2022
The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) held a PlayDrums.com open house during the NAMM Show at the Anaheim Hilton on Friday, June 3. It was the first official in-person PMC gathering of the full board, members, and potential members in more than two years.
This gathering provided a space for those in the drum industry to become better acquainted with other drum industry colleagues and learn more about the PMC and its initiatives. This year’s event honored former PMC Executive Director Karl Dustman, who stepped down last spring, and long-time executive board member David Jewell, who retired from Yamaha Corporation of America in January.
“Karl devoted over 19 years to steering the PMC to make it what it is today,” said current PMC Executive Director Antoinette Follett. “David served on our executive board for 12 years and worked to create many of the PlayDrums.com programs that help the PMC promote drumming and percussion. Both are tireless music advocates.”
“I became Executive Director during the uncertainty of the challenging pandemic years when many of the hands-on, in-school PMC drum programs were abruptly postponed and canceled. We took this unique opportunity to re-invigorate our education and promotional programs,” said Follett. “We’re connecting our programs and facilitators in wider geographic areas and with more diverse populations. This momentum continues through the support and participation of our member organizations.”
PMC’s annual initiatives include Experience Drumming! programs across the country, as well as monthly giveaways and the special International Drum Month Lesson with a Master promotion in May.