About PAS
Our Mission
To inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world.
Our Vision
To be the global leader in percussion and drumming by providing unparalleled and interactive resources and experiences in percussion education, performance, and research.
Who We Are
The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is the world’s largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, PAS works to fulfill its mission to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers worldwide. Today, PAS has nearly 6,000 members, with chapters representing all 50 states, and an additional 25 international chapters.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
To ensure that the Percussive Arts Society is an inclusive community for all current and future members, we are committed to providing equitable opportunities to participate in PAS activities and leadership.
Percussion instruments vary in size, shape, origin and function. Some shake, others rattle, some are struck and some are scraped. Some instruments are pitched and others have indefinite pitch. The percussionists who play these instruments are just as diverse; in age, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, religious belief, disability, socioeconomic status, and veteran status. At PAS we celebrate the diversity of our members, just as we celebrate the diversity of the instruments which bring us into community.
What Do We Provide?
The Percussive Arts Society is the world’s largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages.
PAS offers students and professionals opportunities to grow artistically and professionally. PAS proudly awards over $60,000 annually in scholarships and grants. Professionals can create new percussion programs or gain recognition through PAS grants and contests. Many individuals have significantly impacted the world of percussion through the Percussive Arts Society, and they are recognized in our Hall of Fame and Awards pages.
PAS publishes the Percussive Notes journal six times a year, shares weekly content on the PAS Blog, the official blog of the Percussive Arts Society, publishes DRUMSET Magazine quarterly, and maintains a comprehensive website of percussion education resources. PAS is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is home to the Rhythm! Discovery Center, which is currently closed for relocation. Founded by PAS in 2009, Rhythm! Discovery Center serves as the definitive place where the history of percussion is preserved, celebrated, and shared. Dynamic exhibits feature instruments from leading percussionists and promote the understanding of percussion and its role in world cultures through interactive educational experiences.
PASIC®
Each year PAS hosts the largest percussion convention in the world, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), featuring the top names in drumming and percussion. PASIC features over 120 concerts, clinics, master classes, labs, workshops, panels and presentations given by the finest artists from around the world and showcasing all areas of percussion — drum set, marching, keyboard, symphonic, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health & wellness.
The convention’s International Drum and Percussion Expo is held annually with more than 120 exhibitors showcasing the latest in percussion instruments, gear, publications and services. The Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition and the Individual & Ensemble Competition also take place during the convention, creating performance and adjudication opportunities for many percussion students. Attendance is nearly 6,000 annually.
Rhythm! Discovery Center
Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum; founded by the Percussive Arts Society in 2009. Rhythm! features unique, interactive exhibits highlighting a rich collection of historic artifacts and hands-on percussion instruments. Drawing upon cultures from around the world, Rhythm! offers an incomparable experience in exploring the universality of rhythm and percussion, and its role in shaping communication, music, art, performance and society.
Rhythm! also offers a diverse array of educational programming designed to supplement its interactive exhibits, providing a place for everyone to explore first-hand the world of percussion. Learn about playing techniques, delve into individual instruments, and enjoy musical performances from local and national performing groups. NOTE: Rhythm! closed in the winter of 2023 due to flooding, and we are in the process of planning the museum’s future. You can explore our extensive percussion collection on the museum’s website.
