(Cleveland, OH) - With industry statistics showing that drum sales in the U.S. have tripled over the past decade - growing from $150 million to nearly $500 annually - the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) has become one of the major catalysts for the rapidly increasing popularity of drumming. In fact, since the drum and percussion industry's trade and market development council was formed in the mid 1990s, the drum industry has remained one of the fastest growing segments of the entire musical instrument industry.

"PMC is responsible for numerous programs and activities that showcase the fun and positive aspects of drumming throughout the year, which is partly accomplished by International Drum Month, our most popular and influential event," said Pat Brown, IDM chairman and Percussion Marketing Council co-executive director. "It's proven to be a great way for us to reach millions of people that may otherwise never be exposed to the creativity and many lifestyle benefits of playing percussion instruments."

According to Brown, plans are underway for the PMC's annual celebration of International Drum Month this coming November. This year's theme is "Discover Your Inner Drummer", which the PMC hopes will motivate and encourage people of all ages, cultures and musical backgrounds to become drummers. The group will bring their message to the public through a variety of print and broadcast media during November - specifically aiming for increased visibility and participation among the virtually untapped teen, female, baby-boomer and Latin communities.

"Less than 5 percent of the United States population is currently considered drummers," Brown continues, "but every human being is a rhythmic being, and through International Drum Month, we're seeking to inspire people to discover their inner drummer and become active players."

Brown adds that IDM activities will unite leading drum and percussion manufacturers, suppliers, elite professional drummers, music industry media and music dealers. This year IDM organizers will also partner with other music advocacy associations such as the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and The American Music Conference, as well as with additional corporate and media co-sponsors for contests and promotions directed specifically toward creating new players. These contests will feature a variety of drums, accessories and learning materials provided by the drum industry as well as the chance to win private drum lessons with some of today's most popular professional drummers.

"The objective of the PMC is to provide programs and activities that increase the public's awareness and knowledge about the world of drumming," said Brown. "International Drum Month is one of our key initiatives in accomplishing this goal and we're confident that this year promises to be another record-breaker for both our association and the entire percussion industry," Brown concludes.

In addition to International Drum Month and a variety of public relations-oriented campaigns, the PMC has developed a range of drumming programs for children, teens, adults, parents and families, including:

Developmental Drumming - A program that reaches out to two to seven-year-old children and their parents as well as child care centers, corporate day care providers and population centers

Roots of Rhythm - A new initiative that will be developed in collaboration with The International House Of Blues Foundation, Roots of Rhythm will provide a World Percussion curriculum and hands-on training sessions for fifth and sixth grade classroom teachers by the Fall of 2004

PLAYDRUMS First Drumming Experience - A comprehensive project that brings CD-ROM and web-based educational materials containing two Œfirst drum' lessons (Introduction To The Drumset and Introduction To Conga Drumming) to music stores and private drum instructors

For more information on International Drum Month, or to find out how you can support the efforts of the Percussion Marketing Council, please contact the PMC headquarters at:
P.O. Box 33252
Cleveland, Ohio 44133
Telephone: 440-582-7006
Fax: 440-230-1346
e-mail: kbdustman@aol.com
website: www.playdrums.com