(CLEVELAND, Ohio) - As drumming continues to remain one of the fastest growing segments within the musical instrument industry, the various benefits of drumming and percussion are increasing in visibility and validity. In addition to serving as a creative and artistic outlet, drumming is also now gaining recognition among researchers and scientists when it comes to serving as a therapeutic tool, according to Pat Brown, International Drum Month chairman and Percussion Marketing Council co-executive director.

"We all know that percussion is a great outlet for letting off steam and exhibiting creative energy," said Brown. "However, recent studies have shown that percussion, and drumming in particular, can boost the immune system, which goes a long way towards reducing stress and improving one's health. This is important information and, as International Drum Month approaches, we're pleased to be able to share it."

In fact, in a USA Today article titled "The Rhythm of Life," a study led by neurologist Barry Bittman of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, Pa., found that patients who took part in group drumming, or drum circles, experienced increased levels of disease-fighting immune system cells, also known as natural killer cells. In an industry-sponsored study, Bittman tested the blood chemistry of 111 healthy people in a series of experiments. Bittman says participants in all groups experienced a drop in cortisol, an indicator of stress. However, only the group of active drummers had a significant increase in natural killer cells. As an explanation, Bittman attributes this difference to the stress-reducing benefits of self-expression, camaraderie and rhythmic drumming.

It is indeed true that sound waves have a profound effect on the cells of our bodies. As an example, contemporary medical practices such as ultrasound, used for healing scar tissue and reducing inflammation, actually helps the immune system produce more disease fighting cells. Thus, drumming or percussion activities can boost your immune system.

This year's PMC International Drum Month theme is "Discover Your Inner Drummer," which the PMC hopes will motivate and encourage people of all ages, cultures and musical backgrounds to become drummers. The group will bring its message to the public through a variety of print and broadcast media during November - specifically aiming for increased visibility and participation from the virtually untapped teen, female, baby boomer and Latin communities.

To receive more information on International Drum Month or schedule an interview, please contact Formula at 310.578.7050.

About Percussion Marketing Council: Formed in 1995, the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) is the percussion industry's trade organization comprised of diverse companies that are involved in all aspects of percussion products, services and accessories. More than just a governing body, the PMC is a nonprofit organization that promotes music participation and its many benefits. PMC is governed by a board made up of a representative group of its members who work together to develop programs for creating more players of all types of drum and percussion instruments.

In addition to International Drum Month and a variety of public relations-oriented campaigns, the PMC has developed a range of drumming programs for children, teens, adults, parents and families, including:

• Developmental Drumming - A program that reaches out to two- to seven-year-old children and their parents as well as child care centers, corporate day care providers, and population centers
• Roots of Rhythm - A new initiative that will be developed in collaboration with The International House Of Blues Foundation, Roots of Rhythm will provide a World Percussion curriculum and hands-on training sessions for fifth and sixth grade classroom teachers by the fall of 2004
• PLAYDRUMS First Drumming Experience - A comprehensive project that brings CD-ROM and Web-based educational materials containing two"first drum" lessons (Introduction To The Drumset and Introduction To Conga Drumming) to music stores and private drum instructors