Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund
The Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund is a permanently endowed trust managed and administered by the Percussive Arts Society. The purpose of the Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund is to provide funding for community-based percussion programs in underrepresented neighborhoods. Utilizing the diverse group of PAS educators and performers, these programs will be presented at no charge to participants in accessible locations such as schools, community centers, parks, senior living facilities, or libraries.
Applications will be accepted from current PAS members only. Awards will be granted based on artistic and educational quality, the content of the presentation, and the demonstrated ability of the presenter to carry out the proposal as submitted. Multiple proposals will be accepted for requested awards ranging from $250–$500. Applications for 2025 are now closed. Check back in early 2026.
If you have specific questions about the Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund, please contact Mandy Smith, PAS Programs Manager, at msmith@pas.org.
2024 Winners
Night out in the Parks Free Community Drum Circle: Aiming to foster community engagement and deter negative influences in Chicago neighborhoods, this project offers an open, free drum circle in Maplewood Park. Led by Rhythm Evolution NFP, the event aims to provide a family-friendly environment for creating percussion music, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing the artistic and cultural vibrancy of the city.
Senior Services Steelpan Classes: This program provides free steelpan classes to senior citizens in Van Buren County, MI, facilitated by a board-certified music therapist. Participants learn to play steelpan and traditional percussion, with classes culminating in a performance. The initiative aims to enrich seniors’ lives through music education and cultural exposure.
Youth Percussion Ensemble: Targeting elementary school students in WNY, this program offers comprehensive percussion training to enhance motor skills, creativity, and teamwork. Led by Director Griffin Brady, the ensemble provides students with opportunities for personal growth and achievement through music education and performance.
LaGuardia Community College Faculty Sampler Concert: Percussia, a musical ensemble based in Queens, NY, presents a concert featuring contemporary chamber music for harp and marimba. Led by Ingrid Gordon and Susan Jolles, the concert aims to introduce audiences to new musical experiences and promote diversity in percussion performance.
folx Percussion – Premiere of New Works: folx percussion collective seeks funding to tour Hartford, CT, Sylva, NC, and Brooklyn, NY, showcasing compositions by underrepresented composers. The tour aims to promote diversity in percussion performance and inspire future generations of femme and non-binary percussionists.
At The Lake – Drum Circle: Offering a two-day outdoor outing for special needs individuals at Camp Whitcomb/Mason near Hartland, WI, this project provides interactive drum circle experiences. Led by a percussionist with experience in special needs education, the event aims to promote inclusivity and enjoyment through music.
Nationwide Percussion and Drum Workshops: Initiated in the Philippines, this program offers free percussion workshops to aspiring musicians across various cities. Led by PAS members and instructors, the workshops aim to develop musical skills, showcase talent, build community engagement, and encourage further education in music.
Percussive Storytelling for Teens: Presented at Oxnard High School in CA, this project combines percussion performance with interactive workshops to engage high school students in music, discussion, and art. Led by a professional percussionist, the event aims to promote arts education and social-emotional development.
Freedom Arts & Education Center Emerging Percussionists: Providing weekly percussion lessons to youth in St. Louis, MO, this program aims to develop musical skills, confidence, and discipline through ensemble performance. Led by FAEC staff percussionists, the project promotes arts education and community engagement.
Afro-Colombian Marimba de Chonta Workshop: Held at Bembé Drum & Dance in Milwaukee, WI, this workshop introduces participants to Afro-Colombian marimba music and drumming traditions. Led by Andy Miller, the workshops aim to promote cultural exchange and intergenerational engagement in music.
Horizons Interactive Drum Circle Experience: Offered as part of Horizons at St. Richard’s summer program in Indianapolis, IN, this project provides an immersive drum circle experience for PreK through eighth-grade students. Led by program staff, the event aims to promote music education and community building.
FSU Percussion Outreach: Presented by Fayetteville State University Percussion Studio in Fayetteville, NC, this project offers a percussion show-and-tell and studio recital for Cumberland County students and residents. Led by Dr. Joseph Spearman, the event aims to inspire interest in percussion arts and promote musical education.
Madison Marimba Quartet’s Free Concert: Providing a free concert in the park in Madison, WI, the Madison Marimba Quartet aims to engage audiences with the beauty of marimba music. Led by the Capitol City Band Association manager, the concert serves as a gift to the community, promoting accessibility to live music performances.
