July 28, 2023 I Event
Percussion Marketing Council Hosts ‘Drum Lesson with a Pro’
Drumming artist Ashlyn Shanafelt, left corner, gives one of the giveaway winners, Madison Gagnon, center, her live lesson.
During the month of May, the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) celebrated International Drum Month by hosting the annual “Drum Lesson with a Pro” giveaway on its website, PlayDrums.com. The giveaway attracted hundreds of entries from players of all levels and ages, who entered to win a one-hour, online live lesson with an artist.
This year’s participating artists included: Walfredo Reyes, Jr., Glen Sobel, Paul Leim and Ashlyn Shanafelt. The master drummers also attracted entries by engaging with drummers through social media channels during the celebration.
“We are grateful to have these impressive drummers participate in this year’s International Drum Month ‘Drum Lesson with a Pro’ giveaway,” said Antoinette Follett, PMC’s executive director. “The winning drummers each enjoyed an experience of a lifetime, during their private online class with a nationally recognized drummer.”
Four individuals, selected at random, each won a private Zoom video lesson with the master artist of their choice. Winners, aged 18 to 37, included Madison Gagnon of Airdrie, Alberta; Josh Sturm of Los Angeles; Bryan Connolly of Philadelphia; and Ashley Gudmundson of Clarksville, Tennessee.
In addition to the virtual Zoom lesson with a master drummer, PlayDrums.com awarded each winner $200 to spend on new gear or drum lessons at their local music store. The stores included Long and McQuade in Calgary; Guitar Center in Los Angeles; George’s Music in Berwyn, Pennsylvania; and Fork’s Drum Closet in Nashville, Tennessee.
“It’s important to the PMC that we assist retailers with tools to promote the giveaway and by awarding the winners gift cards, we’re offering another incentive to bring customers into their store,” Follett said.
