The Music Technology Petting Zoo at PASIC is an interactive workshop where attendees can explore and test cutting-edge music technology hardware and software, such as mixers, USB and MIDI interfaces, loop pedals, and digital instruments. Staffed by knowledgeable members of the PAS Music Technology Committee, the booth offers hands-on experience and expert assistance throughout the event, including designated office hours for specialized questions. The Petting Zoo aims to help modern percussionists engage with evolving music technology in a pressure-free environment.

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The Music Technology Petting Zoo is a unique workshop that offers a hands-on experience for PASIC attendees to explore cutting-edge music technology hardware designed for diverse applications, including the marching arts, digital music composition, live music performance, music education, and many more. Located in the exhibit hall, the Petting Zoo consists of different technical setups and equipment and is manned by members of the PAS Music Technology Committee. Attendees are welcome to explore and “pet” the equipment and ask any technology related questions they have. The MTC is composed of many different talented musicians with a wide array of specialties, who are well-suited to answer any and all questions related to music technology.

HOW DOES THE PETTING ZOO WORK?
The Petting Zoo booth in the exhibit hall will be open every day of PASIC. The booth will be operated by a rotating schedule of MTC members who will be available to answer questions and provide troubleshooting assistance. Along with operating the booth, MTC members will also have designated “office hours,” when they will be at the booth to answer any questions related to their technology expertise. If someone has a question that one committee member can’t answer, they can be referred to come back at a time when a committee member with that expertise can help. Even if attendees don’t have any questions, they are welcome to test out and “pet” the various technology setups available in the booth.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PETTING ZOO?
The Petting Zoo will consist of multiple tech setups such as USB interfaces, mixers, loop pedals, MIDI controllers, and digital instruments. During PASIC 2025, the booth consisted of various mixers, USB and MIDI interfaces, loop pedals, wireless and corded microphones, samplers, and MIDI instruments, including a MIDI keyboard and DrumBeam connected to multiple digital audio work stations including Logic, Ableton, ProTools, and Reaper. All of the equipment and software is free for attendees to use while in the booth with no purchasing pressure. Everything is provided to give attendees a hands-on option of testing and experiencing various forms of technology with the assistance of experts in the field.

WHY HAVE A PETTING ZOO?
For the modern percussionist, it’s impossible to escape the growing use of technology, whether you’re playing in an academic or professional setting, or even just as a hobby. The sheer amount of technology available can be overwhelming to any who do not consider themselves a “tech wiz.” The Petting Zoo bridges access to everyone in the percussion community, no matter their technical proficiency. Everything is provided to give attendees a hands-on option of testing and experiencing various forms of technology with the assistance of experts in the field. Whether attendees need help setting up equipment, optimizing workflows, or learning about new tools, the Petting Zoo is designed to meet their needs. 

By continuing the Petting Zoo, the Music Technology Committee hopes to provide a hands-on learning environment for attendees to familiarize themselves with music technology hardware, to facilitate one-on-one troubleshooting and Q&A sessions with music technology experts, to showcase the versatility of music technology across various applications, emphasizing its relevance to percussionists and music educators, and to foster collaboration and idea exchange among attendees with varying levels of experience.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
The PAS Music Technology Committee (MTC) addresses areas of outreach, “hands-on” technology labs, and listening labs. Subcommittee chairs work with the MTC Chair to develop publications and PASIC presentations, as well as conduct reviews of products and other related materials.