Smaller Indiana

Making people and ideas findable

We had the opportunity to check out the Percussive Art’s Society’s new downtown Indianapolis Rhythm Discovery Center (www.rhythmdiscoverycenter.org) this afternoon at their public opening. The exhibit definitely broadened my understanding of what percussion actually means and allowed me to try out some instruments that I’ve long since my days playing baritone with IU’s Marching Hundred and the Bluecoats, been dreaming to put my own beat-deficient hands on. All in all, we enjoyed our journey through the center very much, especially the glass enclosed storage room whose museum quality lighting gave a romantic presence to these all too overlooked works of human artistry.

Other than the strangely under-designed acoustic control of the central live performance space making it difficult to think at times, something that I questioned is the seemingly narrow history on display. True, much of today’s music and especially rhythm, comes from Africa. Yet, this surely cannot be the only roots worthy of a show of significance in this setting. For instance, there seems to be missing any emphasis on the importance of percussion in Asian culture (like Japan whose Gaguka is one of the world’s oldest styles of court music still being performed) or Native American culture (who tie the drum into nearly aspect their lives from birth to battle to celebration and to spirituality), to name two of many missing in the bunch. Possibly these will be shown as the exhibit is refreshed in the future, but I left feeling that the whole story had not been told and that visitors are lead to believe that all percussion comes from one part of the world. I’m not a historian on the matter. So, maybe it does, but as rhythm means so much to so many around the world now, the Discovery Center would be the prefect place in which to put this on display.

Despite this, I am still pleased to see such a unique and alive attraction coming to Indianapolis and will definitely recommend others visit, learn, and play. I hope to hear if others have had a chance to visit the center and, if you have, some thoughts on your experience.

Tags: center, discovery, drum, percussion, rhythm

Share Twitter

Reply to This

Discussion Forum

Justina Guthrie

Facebook and marketing 1 Reply

Started by Justina Guthrie. Last reply by Rae Kridel Jan 28.

Stephanie Daily

Do you Twitter? 12 Replies

Started by Stephanie Daily. Last reply by Doreen Long Jan 27.

Colleen Patterson

Downsized & Following Your Passion

Started by Colleen Patterson Jan 19.

Linda Rendleman

BWC Director Position Available

Started by Linda Rendleman Jan 18.

Nicci Williamson

Looking for Vendor Events 5 Replies

Started by Nicci Williamson. Last reply by Jennifer Summers Dec. 31, 2009.

Amy Lowe

Do you have creative and unique marketing ideas? 5 Replies

Started by Amy Lowe. Last reply by Tammy Rimer Dec. 2, 2009.

Stephanie Daily

*Sassy in August* 19 Replies

Started by Stephanie Daily. Last reply by Stephanie Daily Aug. 14, 2009.

Linda Rendleman

Women Workshop for Intentional Change

Started by Linda Rendleman Jul. 30, 2009.

Jen Cavalcanti

Calling all Sassy Ladies!

Started by Jen Cavalcanti Jul. 30, 2009.

Stephanie Daily

Sassy Women like Sassy Deals 2 Replies

Started by Stephanie Daily. Last reply by Stephanie Daily Jul. 29, 2009.

About

Pat Coyle Pat Coyle created this Ning Network.

Help

A few things to consider before joining Smaller Indiana:
1. Please use your real name (first and last) when you sign up, or we cannot open your account

2. Please do not use logos or commercial images for your profile photo

3. Events should be posted in the events calendar

4. You can post pretty much anything you want on your own personal page (self promotion, etc), and you can change the style of your personal profile page to reflect your corporate identification if you so choose.

5. Please keep all comments civil and polite. It's OK to feel strongly about a subject, and it's OK to be critical of ideas, but please refrain from personal attacks of any kind.

If you witness or experience any issues, please contact admin@smallerindiana.com and we will look into the matter.

6. "Blatant self-promotion" is discouraged on SI, and "spam" is not welcome. Please be considerate of your fellow members.

Smaller Indiana is supported by its members, and by corporate sponsors. If you're interested in learning more about sponsorship, please call Pat Coyle at 317 332 7878.

© 2010   Created by Pat Coyle

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service