Did you know that 51% of the musicians in the U.S. are female? The 2006 Gallup Poll shows that percussion sales have been increasing steadily since 1997, with more than 250,000 drum kits sold last year alone. If a big chunk of that 51% isn't already banging away on a set of drums, they will be - soon.

The female drum market has the potential to explode, and the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) wants to help retailers across the country cash in on the explosion this November, when it kicks off its Girls Just Wanna Have Drums campaign.

"November is International Drum Month," explains Billy Cuthrell,, a spokesman for the PMC. "We feel that this annual PMC event and campaign is the perfect opportunity to introduce drumming to a new audience, and to give retailers a chance to tap into a market with huge growth potential. We're really looking forward to launching the Girls Just Wanna Have Drums campaign, and to helping women of all ages discover a pastime that is healthy and incredibly enjoyable."

Retailers are encouraged to visit the PMC's web site at www.PlayDrums.com, where they can download a turn-key promotional Dealer Activity Guide containing the following:

• An overview of International Drum Month, the Girls Just Wanna Have Drums campaign, and the female drum market
• Creative marketing tips, including how to make your store more female-friendly
• A step-by-step guide to promoting your store's participation in the campaign, including tips for contacting local media outlets
• A list of suitable instruments and educational materials to display and stock that will tie in with the campaign
• Downloadable banner ads to put on your store's web site
• Samples of print ads to place in local newspapers and magazines
• Templates to create your own press releases and in-store event invitations
• Store signage and floor and window display ideas.