Sheila E., Cindy Blackman, Evelyn Glennie - these are just three female percussionists who have become legends, thanks to successful, often inspirational, careers. They blazed a trail for a new generation of women drummers - such as marimba player Nanae Mimura and jazz drummer Allison Miller - and now they want to encourage women from all walks of life, musicians and non-musicians, to reap the myriad benefits of drumming.

"Whether you're a recreational drummer or a serious professional, drumming can be a positive part of any woman's lifestyle," they say. "Drumming provides emotional, social, cultural, physical, even spiritual benefits, and since it's easier than ever to find great, affordable instruments, there's never been a better time for women to take up the drums."

In November, the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) will join in the celebration of International Drum Month 2005, recognizing the pioneering women of percussion and encouraging all women to pick up a drum, play hard, and be well. Thanks to the increasing popularity of drumming as a hobby and wellness activity, hundreds of playing opportunities exist all over the country, from serious pursuits such as all-age drum corps or community orchestras, to industry sponsored fitness programs, to informal workshops and drum circles.

The best thing about drumming? It's never too late to learn. That's what 48-year-old Majorie Pasaro, a high school administrator from Seattle, Washington, discovered when she joined an African drumming workshop, pursuing a lifelong dream to play drums. Now she runs her own workshops and encourages others like herself. Purusha Shakti, of Hemet, California, discovered it too. A lifelong skydiver and fitness fanatic, she has joined drummer Paulo Mattioli's FitRhythms health protocol at age 64. "It's a great program, and I love the music," she laughs. The there's homemaker Pat McGough Wujcik, of Detroit, Michigan. She picked up the sticks when she and her adult friends formed the Mom Rock group The Mydols and joined the popular Mamapalooza tour.

Stories like these will have the power to inspire women to drum, but there are other motivators. Drumming is a big calorie burner. One hour of drumming in the FitRhythms protocol, for instance, burns a whopping 541 calories. Drumming is a great stress buster, and stress is known to contribute to heart disease and breast cancer, leading causes of death among women. And joining in the fun and camaraderie of a drum circle offers a social wellness benefit crucial to healthy aging.

This November, throw the spotlight on women drummers wherever and whatever they play. You'll find them in community centers, in garages and basements, or on the local bandstand. You'll recognize them by their laughter and the big noise they make.