The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) will host a special concert for Nashville area school children at noon, Thursday, Nov. 11, in the Renaissance Nashville Hotel ballroom during the upcoming Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).

The concert will feature Scrap Arts Music, a contemporary music group that entertains audiences with an energetic, highly choreographed show that is equal parts percussion, theater and movement. The result is a treat for both the eyes and ears.

The group is comprised of five percussionists who perform on numerous futuristic, sculptural instruments, as well as traditional drums and percussion instruments. Some of the more unique instruments include discarded sewer pipes, artillery casings and giant steel springs that are transformed into gong arrays, plankophones, ziggurat drums and other percussion instruments.

"Although our annual convention brings together the world's drum professionals, educators and students, we also realize that we must continue to develop community support and outreach programs to inspire future musicians," said PASIC Director Jeff Hartsough.

"Drumming has many developmental, creative and recreational benefits. By inviting the children of Nashville to see and hear different kinds of drums and percussion instruments, our Children's Concert will allow them to experience the fun, creativity and excitement of drumming while inspiring a healthy interest in the art of percussion."

Scrap Arts Music performances have valuable curriculum ties with music, theater, science and visual arts. Pre-registered teachers and their students will receive lesson guides and activity sheets prior to the concert.

Admission is free but seating is reserved for elementary and middle school classes. Teachers and school administrators interested in having their students attend are asked to contact the Percussive Arts Society at (580) 353-1455 or percarts@pas.org.

As an added benefit, students and their parents will receive a free pass to the PASIC Drum and Percussion Expo, Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Nashville Convention Center. This pass also includes admission to a free, five-minute drum lesson with some of today's top performers. This is offered to inspire any child who is interested in playing drums and percussion. Lessons will be offered on drum set and hand drums.

Commented PMC Co-Executive Director John DeChristopher, "The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) appreciates the opportunity to work closely with PAS on this worthwhile collaboration. The Children's Concert and the free lesson labs have been instrumental in creating greater interest in the art of percussion, which relates to the core values of both PMC and PAS."

PASIC takes place Nov. 10-13, featuring more than 100 concerts, clinics, master classes and events, and the 80,000 square foot Drum and Percussion Expo. It is expected to draw 6,000 drum and percussion enthusiasts from across the U.S. and around the world. Most events will be held at the Nashville Convention Center. In addition to the Children's Concert, Scrap Arts Music will perform in a showcase concert for registered convention attendees at 2 p.m., Nov. 13, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel ballroom.

The PASIC Children's Concert is a joint production of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC), the trade association of the drum and percussion industry.