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!
Legacy Garden Full of Percussion Play Instruments Features in 'The Field' for American Society of Landscape Architects
The Field is a blog authored by members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Professional Practice Networks.
Created to give members who work in landscape architecture a place to exchange information, learn about recent work and research, and share their thoughts about current happenings, we were delighted that the wonderful Quinterra Legacy Garden - full of Percussion Play instruments - was featured this month.
It tells how a vision for a peaceful, contemplative, and vibrant outdoor community space for people to be inspired, to heal, and to connect with nature became a reality. Creating a unique and special place for the whole community.
Link to The Field
Link to Case Study
Unlocking the Power of Play: How Outdoor Adventure and Music Fuel Growth and Joy
Across the country, schools have reopened their doors for the new term - school is officially back in session! As the lazy days spent in the back garden, down on the beach, or running around in the local park turn back into hurried schedules filled with early starts, homework, and extracurricular activities, we need to remember the importance of incorporating some time for free play into our children's daily lives. Free, unstructured play is fun, but it's not frivolous! Active play is required for optimal growth and development. Kids need time to run around, explore, build, imagine, and let loose with friends and family. Even as they grow older, play remains essential for learning and development, and the importance of play doesn't diminish as preschoolers become school-age children. It's crucial that children are not over-scheduled and that time is left for open-ended, unstructured play.
Play and time outside are vital for children to digest what they have learned in school and to do...
Pandemic Doesn't Stop Music Filling The Air For World Music Day
Every year music fills the air on World Music Day - the world’s largest annual free music event - and this year is no different although sadly many of the events are again having to go virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
World Music Day (also known as 'Fête de la Musique' or Make Music Day) is an annual music celebration and an open invitation to make, enjoy, perform, teach and learn music in cities around the world on June 21, the first day of summer. It celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of age, background, or skill level.
The idea originated more than 30 years ago by American musician Joel Cohen while working at the national French radio station France Musique. Joel proposed to have music celebrations on both the summer and winter solstices. The French Minister of Culture accepted half of his proposal, and on June 21, 1982, the first ‘Fête de la Musique’ was born, fast becoming a national celebration. Nowadays World Music Day...
New Case Study: Lift For Life Academy in St Louis, MO Brings Music to Life
Read our new Case Study: Lift For Life Academy
Lift For Life Academy (LFLA) is a charter school located in St Louis, MO, USA. They have recently installed outdoor musical instruments to expose the younger students to music while adding new energy to the playground.
With two Rainbow Cavatinas and a Rainbow Trio Ensemble plus a ‘major’ bunch of Harmony Bells, pupils will be able to revel in the freedom to explore a range of sounds, tempos, and dynamics.
Pandemic is Catalyst for Extending Visitor Experiences Outside
As venues adjust their procedures and reduce visitor capacities to ensure they can welcome guests back safely, there has been a renewed focus on the great outdoors that has seen outside spaces, however large or small, becoming key investment areas and successful intersections between well-being, the arts, and great family connections.
Making the most of outdoor spaces now and into the future has become a priority; with guests feeling more comfortable spending time outside where they can keep a safe distance from other visitors while enjoying their family day out.
With many museums and attractions having to rethink their programs, shift their focus, and activate their outdoor spaces to offer open-air activities, exhibitions, and events, perhaps they should look to outdoor music as a gateway to the performing arts as well as a fun, engaging family learning experience?
Due to its universal appeal, music can successfully bridge intergenerational gaps. The creation of outdoor music...
Welcome growing trend for dementia-friendly gardens in Care and Senior Living settings
Dementia Action Week 17-23 May
This is Dementia Awareness Week - an event that encourages people to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia, and many forward-thinking and progressive senior communities are doing just that through the power of music made in the great outdoors.
Over recent years we have seen a growing trend for dementia-friendly gardens in Care and Senior Living settings. The uplifting power of gardens and nature has never been in doubt – however, the benefits of music-making outdoors have now been explored and expanded to create permanent music gardens, courtyards, and parks. Worldwide, inspiring dementia-friendly outdoor spaces that entice residents, visitors, and staff outside into the fresh air to enjoy some musical fun together are being designed - and they’re having a big impact on the health and quality of life of residents living with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia.
Involvement in participatory arts and music programs has been shown...