12/20/2005
Media Contact:
Jo Lynn Garing, [317] 327-3690
Bill Benner, ICVA, [317] 684-7593 |
 |
Drum roll please … Percussive Arts Society to re-locate to Indianapolis, bring convention
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson today announced the re-location of the Percussive Arts Society’s (PAS) headquarters and museum to Indianapolis. The association also will bring its international convention to the city.
"Indianapolis is a community that appreciates arts, culture and music, and we are extremely proud to be the future home of the Percussive Arts Society," Mayor Peterson said. "The PAS relocation to Indianapolis not only gives us a great convention, but also brings an extensive collection of instruments and a young museum that will grow in appeal to musicians of all styles of music."
PAS, currently in Lawton, Okla., 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, its mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. It has 8,000 members with 48 U.S. chapters and 23 international chapters.
PAS will move its 12-person staff and its museum and library - which have rare and unusual percussion instruments and scores - into 15,000 square feet of space in a downtown location. Because the lease still is in negotiation, no details are available, but PAS is expected to move in during the first quarter of 2007.
The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) will come to the Indiana Convention Center seven times during a 10-year stretch beginning in 2009. The convention and trade show is expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees with an estimated economic impact of $5.4 million annually. In addition to 2009, PASIC will take place in Indianapolis in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
"Indianapolis stands out as a city that has a unique understanding of where it wants to go and how to get there. Their strategic awareness, capability to address unique situations and can-do attitude exceeded our expectations," said PAS Executive Director Michael Kenyon. "Moving the Percussive Arts Society to Indianapolis became more than a business decision. Indianapolis not only made us feel welcome but actively demonstrated potential opportunities for our organization as a partner in the community. We could not be more excited about our future in Indianapolis."
Now in its 30th year, PASIC features more than 100 concerts, clinics, master classes, labs, workshops, panels and presentations. Top percussion artists from around the world present and perform in areas that include: drumset, marching, keyboard, symphonic, timpani, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health and wellness.
"The opportunity to develop community programming, hold regional events and partner with other organizations already established in the city will allow the Percussive Arts Society to expand its impact on a national and international level," said Kenyon.
PAS joins several music organizations in Indianapolis, including Bands of America, the American Pianist Association and Orchestra America. The city also has hosted the International Violin Competition.
"We are delighted that another great music-based organization is coming to our city and we look forward having them as a community partner," said Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association’s President and CEO Bob Bedell. "This is a great example of how our Convention Center expansion will allow our hosting of two major conventions and events simultaneously."
Indianapolis was chosen from an initial list of 96 cities. Finalists included Nashville, Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio.
"Indianapolis is the right city at the right time," said Kenyon. "It has everything we were looking for to allow the Percussive Arts Society to pursue its potential."
|
