PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY TO CONTINUE LEGACY OF PMC
T he Percussion Marketing Council (PMC), the non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting drumming and percussion, has announced that its board of directors has voted to officially dissolve the organization. In a simultaneous and unanimous decision, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) has been selected to inherit the PMC’s assets and continue its legacy of market development and percussion advocacy through some of PMC’s programs, including International Drum Month, Drumset in the Classroom, and Drum Teacher Finder. For more than 30 years, the PMC/Play- Drums.com has served as a link between the percussion industry and the public, creating initiatives that lower the barrier to entry for aspiring drummers. By transitioning these
continue but thrive.” “We are honored to be entrusted with the legacy of the Percussion Marketing Council,” said Joshua Simonds, PAS executive director. “PAS and PMC have always shared a common goal: to inspire and educate drummers and percussionists. By integrating these additional market-development programs into our existing framework, we can provide even more resources to educators, retailers and the next generation of drummers.” The transition of assets and program man- agement is expected to be completed by June 30. During this time, both organizations are working closely to ensure a seamless handover for industry partners and program participants. {playdrums.com; pas.org} accomplishments underscore the enduring value of music education and reflect the collective commitment of educators, administrators, families and community leaders who cham- pion its importance. “Music education plays a vital role in culti- vating vibrant, connected communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “The 2026 Best Communities for Music Edu- cation recipients exemplify how meaningful access to music fosters creativity, collaboration and lifelong learning. We are proud to recognize their leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage in music.” “Access to music education is a true cata- lyst for belonging, expression and shared purpose,” added Julia Rubio, NAMM Founda- tion executive director. “When communities invest in music, they invest in the potential of every student.” New this year, The NAMM Foundation introduced the BCME Opportunity Award, an initiative that provides direct financial sup- port to further strengthen and sustain music education programs that serve communities in need. Four BCME-winning schools and districts were selected to receive the inaugu- ral award of $5,000 each. Award recipients were selected based on demonstrated financial need and the projected impact of funding, as demonstrated in their Opportunity Award application. {nammfoundation.org/bcme}
efforts to PAS, the industry ensures that the “spirit of the PMC” will remain a permanent fixture in the global percussion community. “PMC has done incredible work over the decades to grow the drumming community from the ground up,” said David Jewell, PMC board chair. “As we look to the future, there is no better home for these programs than the Percussive Arts Society. Their educa- tional infrastructure and global reach will ensure that our flagship initiatives not only
NAMM Foundation Honors 2026 ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ N AMM has announced the recipients of the NAMM Foundation’s 2026 Best
applications are independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in educa- tion and the arts. This thorough process ensures that recognition reflects measurable achievement and sustained commitment. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools — including public, private, charter and parochial institutions — have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to music education. This year’s honorees represent a diverse cross-section of communities across the country, including many first-time recipients alongside districts and schools that have achieved con- secutive years of recognition. These sustained
Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award. Now in its 27th year, the award rec- ognizes and celebrates school districts and individual schools across the U.S. for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education. Recipients are selected through an ap- plication and review process that evaluates key indicators including district support, instructional time, participation rates, fa- cilities and community support. To uphold the program’s integrity and credibility, all
14 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2026
Powered by FlippingBook