The growth of drumming as a fun, inclusive, and healthy recreational activity is as explosive as, well, the music drummers are making. From high school drumlines, to fast hands competitions, to drum-and-fitness programs, a growing number is discovering that drumming is more than a musical activity, it's a positive lifestyle choice.

Thanks to pioneers such as Sheila E., Cindy Blackman, Evelyn Glennie, and Meg White, among this growing number are girls. They are finding out that, when it comes to percussion, the phrase "hit like a girl" is a compliment!

This November, the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) is celebrating International Drum Month 2006 by spreading the message that girls are just as likely as boys to get a bang out of a bongo or a kick out of a conga.

The PMC has been putting drums into the hands of new players throughout the year. Its PlayDrums free lesson labs have been featured at public events, its 15-part multicultural classroom curriculum Roots of Rhythm continues to grow, and its new middle school outreach program Percussion in the Schools is now in its planning stages. This year the PMC affiliated with SupportMusic.com, which empowers parents, educators and civic organizations to act locally to keep music education programs strong.

Does a girl have to have lots of muscles to play drums? "Nonsense!" says Kerri Collings, a former professional drummer who continues to play recreationally. "I tell girls that an instrument doesn't know gender. When a girl asks me if you need lots of strength to play drums, I say, 'Put these sticks in your hands - are they heavy? My advice for a girl who wants to learn drums is, 'You go!'"

In fact, Collings says that drumming has given her extra boosts of self-confidence and self-esteem. "Playing drums all my life has made me strong in character," she says. "Being able to play drums takes self-discipline, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Now I can say with pride and confidence that if I want to achieve something, I will diligently pursue it."

Girls don't have to muscle up, but there is a positive physical benefit to playing drums. African and Afro-Cuban dance classes are a regular feature at gyms. Now, more formal drum-and-fitness protocols are gaining ground, and their popularity shows that drumming may be the next fitness craze.

For instance, a scientific study of Paulo Mattioli's easy-to-follow, half-hour program FitRhythms program found that participants burned an average of 270 calories - more than cycling, hiking, or weight training!

"Whether you will be a recreational drummer or a serious professional, drumming can be a positive part of any girl's life," concludes legendary drummer Sheila E., who has played with Prince and Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr. "Drumming provides emotional, social, cultural, physical, even spiritual benefits, and since its easier to find great, affordable instruments, there's never been a better time for girls to take up the drums."

Formed in 1995, the Percussion Marketing Council is a trade organization dedicated to serving drummers and percussionists.