CLEVELAND, Ohio (December 18, 2004) - Drumming, one of the most popular and fastest growing segments of the musical instrument industry, has expanded into the realm of video games. The introduction of two new video games -- TAIKO: Drum Master and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat -- has resulted in an innovative combination of musical creativity and gaming, turning players into composers and providing them with a new form of interactive entertainment, according to Pat Brown, executive director of the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC).

"The incorporation of percussion into the video game industry is a first-ever venture that has our industry extremely excited," said Brown. "This merger provides musicians, gamers and those seeking entertainment in general with a new, fun creative outlet. We see these drumming-related games as a way to bring percussion and its positive benefits to a whole new audience of future musicians."

TAIKO: Drum Master for PlayStation 2 allows users to show off their drumming skills by plugging a replicated Japanese taiko drum into their console. Players can then practice the traditional art to the tune of over 30 popular songs, either alone or in competition with another player. The interactive home version of an arcade favorite, this game appeals to the whole family and promises to go platinum among both drummers and video gamers alike.

Similarly, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat for Nintendo Game Cube replaces traditional game controllers with a set of bongo drums. Players tap, clap and beat their way through a wild jungle environment, collecting bananas, defeating predators and dodging obstacles, relying on the speed and rhythm of their playing to control characters. Set for release in 2005, the game has already made a huge splash among gaming enthusiasts and is a testament to drummingıs appeal to a wide range of audiences.

The significance of these new games lies not only in the expansion of drumming, but also in the potential benefits it can bring to gamers. While drumming has long been recognized as a creative and artistic form of musical therapy, current studies have also shown that percussion provides remarkable health benefits ranging from decreased stress levels to stronger immune systems. Furthermore, drumming has recently been found to increase IQ levels in children who regularly play instruments, improving their literary and math skills as well as engaging them in abstract thought processes. In short, players of percussion-based video games can potentially improve their health and comprehension in addition to sharpening hand-eye coordination skills.

To receive more information on the Percussion Marketing Council or to schedule an interview, please contact Formula at 310.578.7050.

ABOUT PMC
Formed in 1995, the Percussion Marketing Council is the percussion industry's trade organization comprised of diverse companies that are involved in all aspects of percussion products, services and accessories. More than just a governing body, the PMC is a non-profit organization that promotes music participation and its many benefits. PMC is governed by a board made up of a representative group of its members who work together to develop programs for creating more players of all types of drum and percussion instruments.

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