Welcome to the Percussion Play Blog
We hope you'll be a regular visitor as we share stories about the instruments we make and the people who play them.
This is where we share our passion for music in the great outdoors! We'll share with you details of exciting new outdoor music projects and designs from around the globe. We'll share with you information about the instruments we sell and a little about the inspiration behind them
Most importantly, this blog is about what we love to do the most - help you create new and exciting ways to bring music to the great outdoors.
Thank you for reading, visiting, commenting and contributing - we’re excited to have you here!
New White Paper Explores the Benefits of Outdoor Musical Instruments in Library Settings
Over on our Case Studies page, we are seeing a growing number of music-championing libraries including Scenic Regional Library, Bethlehem Public Library, Clinton Macomb Library and Oil City Library.
Many libraries across the US and the world have begun to bring musical gardens into the outdoor spaces of their public libraries and are reaping the benefits of these investments. Due to the profound and proven impact of musical play—and especially outdoor musical play—on mental health, creativity, language and literacy, developing intelligence, as a tool for intergenerational connection, and more, the incorporation of music and designated musical spaces in libraries is, and continues to be, a hugely significant venture in the pursuit of inclusivity, creativity, and innovation in these essential public institutions.
Our latest white paper, ['Creativity is...
Western PA School for Blind Children Share The Benefits of their Outdoor Music Garden With Parents & Teachers
'Future Reflections' is a magazine for parents and teachers of blind children published by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults in partnership with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.
The latest edition features an article titled Bells and Drums: Fun and Learning with Outdoor Percussion Play in which the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (WPSBC), who recently installed Percussion Play instruments on its campus in Pittsburgh, share how they are using the instruments for both lessons and recreation and why they are already thinking of getting more instruments in their outdoor space.
I'm a Rotarian Podcast Interviews Co Founder Robin Ashfield
Our co-founder Robin Ashfield was invited onto the I'm a Rotarian Podcast for an entertaining conversation on the many benefits of outdoor musical instruments and how just about everyone and anyone can begin to make music in the great outdoors.
Producer and Rotarian Gwen Jones quizzes Robin on the pentatonic scale, how Rotary can help bring music to people in the public spaces where they live, work, and commute, and why Percussion Play loves working with Rotary Clubs around the world.
Available to listen now
Percussion Play Listed in Christian School Products Magazine 2022 Top Products of the Year
Christian School Products (CSP) magazine provides the latest information and resources about products, furnishings, building supplies, technology, media, and more for today’s Christian schools. The bi-monthly publication introduces school leaders to new products that are helping schools.
Each year CSP lists the 'best of the best' products and services from manufacturers and dealers in the school market. We are delighted to announce that our outdoor musical instruments' educational and recreational benefits have been highlighted and recognized in this inspiring list.
Jody Ashfield, Founder, and CEO of Percussion Play, said 'It's fantastic that our instruments have been recognized by Christian School Products as one of the latest and greatest products available to educational facilities. The 2022 'Top...
#OptOutside and Recreate Musically This Black Friday
If you have ever wondered what #OptOutside is, have never even heard of it, or perhaps know all about it, we strongly encourage you to participate this Black Friday.
The #OptOutside movement was started by the outdoor retail company REI in 2015. The basic meaning of #OptOutside is to go outdoors on Black Friday instead of shopping!
Every Black Friday since 2015, REI closes all its 150+ stores, does not process any online payments, and gives its 12,000+ employees a paid day off to spend in nature. All this on one of the biggest shopping days of the year! The outdoor retailer's ethos was to not only encourage their employees to get outside but to inspire others to join in the movement. Active participation is encouraged using the hashtag #optoutside, through which participants are invited to share media from their outdoor adventures.
Jerry Stritzke, president, and CEO of REI, said, “We think Black Friday has gotten out of hand, and so we are choosing to invest in helping people...
Final Expo for 2022 - ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture
Our final exhibition for 2022 is almost here, and it's a big one!
We are thrilled to be back exhibiting at ASLA 2022 Conference on Landscape Architecture in San Francisco, CA, November 11-14.
The American Society of Landscape Architects organizes the ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo, known as the largest gathering of landscape architecture professionals and students in the world, which serves to gain perspective and establish new connections within the profession. It occurs annually, attracting more than 6,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors.
See you in San Francisco on Booth #1427