Dec 15, 2021, 14:44 PM
by
Percussive Arts Society
PASIC™ 2021 becomes one of the largest music conventions to be held in-person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA) — After a virtual-only PASIC in 2020, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) safely and successfully held its 46th annual convention, PASIC, November 10th -13th, to more than 4,500 attendees onsite at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.
Leading up to the Convention, the PAS Board of Directors unanimously voted - in addition to the previously announced mask requirements earlier in the Spring - to require all PASIC 2021 attendees to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. The PAS Board of Directors believed that, given all the data about the new variants, and current trends in the arts and culture sector, this was the right decision for the continued safety of the PAS staff, artists, members, students, volunteers, industry partners, and general attendees.
“After looking through all the data, it is obvious that the vaccine requirement did not have a negative impact on our attendance. In fact, given the direct feedback of attendees, I fully believe that we would have had significantly fewer artists and attendees had we not implemented this policy” said PAS Executive Director Joshua Simonds.
For those in attendance, there was overwhelmingly positive feedback with great enthusiasm for the full roster of clinics, workshops, performances, competitions, and interactive experiences. PASIC 2021 also included four star-studded evening concerts: Tommy Igoe and the WIM Trio, Sandbox Percussion Ensemble, the Robert Glasper Trio, and a 100th Anniversary Vibraphone concert with Stefon Harris, Joe Locke, Warren Wolf, and Jason Marsalis. Additionally, Showcase Concerts for the winners of the International Percussion Ensemble Competition resumed in person, featuring 2020 and 2021 winners, including McKinney Boyd High School, V.R. Eaton High School, University of Alabama, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, University of South Carolina, and University of Texas at Austin.
Given the continued uncertainty with the drum and percussion industry, it was unfortunate that a few companies were unable to exhibit this year, but those in attendance were thrilled with the outcome. "Sales during opening day of this year's PASIC far exceeded any in our 40 year history. There were times during the convention that our booth was so crowded people couldn't get in!” stated Garwood Whaley, President/Founder, Meredith Music Publications. Andy Zildjian, Chairman and President of SABIAN, Ltd said “PASIC is always of key importance for us. The opportunity to gather as drummers and percussionists is not only a personal highlight, but also a professional one. While the booth presence was of course going to be slightly lighter than usual this year, the students and educators were there and with enthusiasm. It attests to the strength of the percussion community and to the joy of getting together to celebrate our shared passion”.
One of the top highlights of the Convention included the formal induction of both the 2020 and 2021 classes into the PAS Hall of Fame. With the opportunity to publicly recognize and celebrate two years of Hall of Fame recipients, PAS hosted its formal Awards Banquet after nearly a decade hiatus, which was well-received by all in attendance. The 2020 Hall of Fame inductees were Leon “Ndugu” Chancler, Garry Kvistad, and Neil Peart. The 2021 Hall of Fame inductees were James B. Campbell, Valerie Naranjo, Layne Redmond, and Garwood Whaley.
PASIC 2022 is scheduled for November 9-12, 2022 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.
About PASIC
Each year PAS hosts the largest percussion convention in the world, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), featuring the top names in drumming and percussion. PASIC features over 100 concerts, clinics, master classes, labs, workshops, panels and presentations given by the finest artists from around the world and showcasing all areas of percussion — drum set, marching, keyboard, symphonic, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health & wellness. The convention’s International Drum and Percussion Expo features more than 120 exhibitors showcasing the latest in percussion instruments, gear, publications and services.
To learn more about PASIC, visit www.pasic.org
About The Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
The Percussive Arts Society has more than 5,000 members and nearly 70 chapters located throughout the United States and abroad. The Percussive Arts Society 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, our mission is to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world.
To learn more about The Percussive Arts Society, visit www.pas.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Joshua Simonds
jsimonds@pas.org