The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC), the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and the Five-Star Drum Shops have joined together to raise public awareness and financial contributions in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
\"It is very clear that first and foremost, people are in dire need of health and hygiene supplies, food, shelter, and the like. Consequently, industry leaders have all agreed that the first course of action is to steer people toward donating to the Red Cross so we are sending this message and making a call to action.\"
The public awareness campaign will involve news releases, public service ads and website postings in the industry’s print and electronic media and will encourage individuals and companies to contribute to disaster relief efforts through the American Red Cross at either 1-800-help-now or www.redcross.org and. The coalition is also organizing support through local drumshops, teachers, drum clinics and drum festivals during International Drum Month (IDM), November 2005. Says Pat Brown, PMC Director and IDM Chairman:
\"Although IDM is just around the corner, we felt that we had an opportunity— and an obligation— to try to make a difference for those that were in the Hurricane’s path of devastation and destruction. We decided to refocus IDM and enlist the help of leading drum artists to draw attention to national disaster relief.\"
Paul Siegel of Hudson Music adds:
\"New Orleans has contributed so much of the history of American music. It is the birthplace of jazz, rhythm and blues and the modern drum set. Now New Orleans, along with the rest of the gulf coast region, is in dire need of assistance. It’s our turn to make a contribution.\"
As of press time, plans were also underway to involve drum manufacturers, distributors and consumers in the fund raising project through the Five-Star network of independent drum shops. Five-Star Managing Director and owner of Columbus Percussion, Jim Rupp, syas:
\"We will be including the Red Cross contact information in our upcoming Drummer’s Guide that will be available at drum shops throughout the U.S. and Canada and seen by tens of thousands of drummers during November and December.\"
Because the immediate need for general funds will gradually subside, the industry is already looking at ways to support the many students, teachers, professional and recreational drummers that have been affected by the storm and its aftermath. PAS President, Rich Holly, adds:
\"Over the coming weeks and months, PAS, in conjunction with these other organizations, will continue to be part of a coordinated effort, which will ultimately provide a means by which we can donate music, sticks, mallets and instruments to those players who are in need.\"
To make a donation please contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or 1-800-help-now. For additional information go online at coalition members’ websites; www.playdrums.com (PMC), www.pas.org or www.fivestardrumshops.com.
