An UnBEATable Percussion Field Trip

Recently, seven band students from the Middle and Upper School attended the Percussion Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indiana. PASIC showcases the latest innovations in the percussion industry at its International Drum and Percussion Expo. Ms. Becky Long, Middle and Upper School Performing Arts Teacher, took the students on the field trip so that they would gain hands-on experience with the greatest musicians and instruments in percussion, and it’s safe to say that they had a phenomenal experience!

First, students visited the Rhythm! Discovery Center which is “the world’s foremost interactive percussion museum, providing innovative programs; interactive, standards-based educational exhibits, and artist performances.” The conference includes the museum access. To visualize the museum, picture a huge exhibit hall packed with drum sets and percussion gear from many a concert, ready for you to test out your own rhythm and beats. Students tried the various drum sets and instruments to their hearts’ content!

On the heels of meeting the Tambuco Percussion Ensemble at MICDS earlier in the week, our percussion enthusiasts also got to meet additional famous musicians who were hosting clinics at the convention. They met Daru Jones who is the go-to-drummer in the hip hop genre as well as a sought-after producer and boutique label owner who develops talent and releases music through his imprint, Rusic Records, LLC. They also met Brendan Buckley who is the drummer for Shakira.

To top off the experience, our Rams got to watch the Bands of America Grand National Semifinals Marching Band Championships. These were held at the Lucas Oil Stadium which is where the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts play. At the competition, 100 marching bands compete. Thanks to the Palen Music Center who is a partner school with us, the students were treated to watching the championships from a private suite. Thank you very much to Palen Music Center’s President Eric Matzat and VP of Palen AAron Bryan for this incredible VIP experience!

From meeting famous percussion artists and testing the latest drum sets to bowling and watching the marching band championships from an incredible view, this percussion field trip will be hard to “beat!”