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!
Harmony Without Boundaries: Percussion Play's Journey with the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
At Percussion Play, we believe in the power of music and community to transform lives. Our journey towards making a meaningful impact led us to partner with the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, who provide exceptional support for children with Down syndrome and their families.
The Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is dedicated to promoting the development, education, and inclusion of children with Down syndrome. They provide specialized services to help these children reach their developmental goals, succeed in school, and become valued members of their communities.
Our involvement with the Association supports the Teenage Group Socials, a vibrant initiative aimed at promoting true inclusion. Seeing the daily challenges that the members and their families face reminds us of the significance of our contribution.
We have heard heartwarming stories like Max's, a dedicated member of the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association: “I have been going to Portsmouth Down Syndrome...
Podcast Episode Two: Beyond Books - How Libraries are Tuning Into Music Outdoors
In the second episode of our new podcast, "Music Made for the Great Outdoors," we will delve deeper into the fascinating ways in which libraries are embracing music within their community offerings. This exploration will include insights from academia, representatives from the American Library Association, and firsthand experiences from a library that has seen significant benefits from incorporating an outdoor music area.
Today, libraries are not just about books; they are transforming into community hubs that offer a variety of cultural and educational experiences. This transformation includes the incorporation of music into their array of services. From organizing lively drum circles that bring people together through rhythm, to creating serene outdoor spaces dedicated to Music Gardens, where individuals can enjoy and interact with musical instruments in a natural setting. Additionally, libraries are enhancing the outdoor experience with Storywalks, which combine the joy of reading...
Transform Your Town with Music: Grants up to $50,000 for Vibrant Community Projects
The T-Mobile Hometown Grant program is currently open for applications until Monday, September 30 at 11:59 pm CT.
This program is intended for towns with populations of 50,000 or fewer and provides grants of up to $50,000. The goal is to support the growth and prosperity of small towns and rural communities. This presents an exciting opportunity to use the grant to develop outdoor musical spaces that can enhance public areas with the magic of music.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has distributed over $13 million to more than 300 communities across 47 states. The funds have supported a wide range of projects, including enhancing public tech infrastructure, creating new recreational trails, restoring historic landmarks, and adding outdoor musical spaces.
Don't miss out on this chance to bring a lasting, positive impact to your hometown with the help of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant...
Joining the Buzz of National Pollinator Week (June 17-23)
As we celebrate National Pollinator Week from June 17 to 23rd, it's a great time to think about the important role that pollinators play in our ecosystem and find new ways to support their health. In addition to traditional methods, one innovative approach is to incorporate outdoor musical instruments into communal and individual green spaces. This not only enhances our gardens but also harmoniously supports our vital pollinators.
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators such as bees, birds, bats, and other insects are vital for the production of over 100 crops in the United States. They help plants reproduce and ensure the availability of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and contribute to diverse and resilient ecosystems.
The decline in pollinator populations due to various factors calls for immediate and innovative solutions to ensure their survival and the health of our planet's ecosystems. National Pollinator Week aims to raise awareness and encourage actions...
Meet Andy Barnes: The Newest Note in Percussion Play's Symphony of Success!
Meet our newest addition to Percussion Play, Andy Barnes, who joins our Sales and Marketing Team.
Andy, with a rich background in customer success and account management, has recently become a valuable addition to our sales team. His prior experience as a sports teacher has provided him with a unique skill set to effectively engage with children using our outdoor musical instruments.
Andy will be working closely with the entire sales team and our global network of resellers. Keep an eye out for him at industry conferences and exhibitions, as he'll be available to assist with any inquiries you might have. Don't hesitate to say hello and strike up a conversation!
Here are a few things to know about Andy...
Are you musical? If I were to answer this honestly, I’d say I am far from musical! However, do I think I can sing and play air guitar? 100%!
The best thing about our instruments is that anyone can play them, no matter their musical ability – and I’m...
Brand New Podcast 'Music Made For The Great Outdoors' Launches
Our brand new podcast, Music Made for the Great Outdoors celebrates communities embracing the benefits of creating music in outdoor settings. This series showcases the individuals, groups, and communities that have discovered and are advocating for the extraordinary benefits of outdoor musical instruments in various outdoor settings for people of all ages and abilities. Join us on this auditory journey as we discover the innovative ways in which communities across the globe are embracing the outdoors as their stage.
In our first episode, we explore how making music in the great outdoors supports our senior communities. This episode explores how one elder care community is benefiting from a music garden and delves into the impact music can have on cognition, mental health, and physical health. Doctors and researchers will explain their pioneering and latest research,...