The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, education, and advancement of percussion performance, research, and education. Established in 1961, PAS serves musicians, educators, manufacturers, and scholars involved with percussion instruments and related disciplines.
Purpose and Activities
PAS aims to foster a worldwide community of percussionists through a variety of programs, including:
- Publication of Rhythm! magazine, a periodical covering percussion performance, pedagogy, and industry developments.
- Organization of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), an annual gathering that features concerts, clinics, master classes, trade shows, and academic presentations.
- Administration of competitive events such as the PAS Drumline Championships, the PAS 40 International Snare Drum Competition, and other contests for marching, concert, and orchestral percussion ensembles.
- Maintenance of the PAS Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of percussion.
Structure
The society operates through a network of regional chapters and student chapters located in North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. These chapters host local events, workshops, and educational initiatives aligned with PAS’s mission. Governance is provided by an elected board of directors and various committees that oversee publications, conventions, and research activities.
Educational Resources
PAS provides educational materials, including instructional books, research journals, and online resources. The organization also offers scholarships, grants, and awards to support percussion research and student development.
Headquarters
The headquarters of the Percussive Arts Society is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and institutions with an interest in percussion. Members receive benefits such as subscriptions to Rhythm! magazine, reduced registration fees for PASIC, and access to a digital library of percussion literature.
Historical Notes
Since its inception, PAS has played a pivotal role in standardizing percussion instrument nomenclature, developing pedagogical curricula, and promoting the recognition of percussion as a distinct academic and artistic discipline. The organization’s conventions and publications have contributed to the dissemination of research on instrument design, performance techniques, and historical studies.