National Perc Day

A diverse group of people playing various percussion instruments, wearing vibrant clothing from different cultures, in a lively outdoor setting.. — National perc day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to celebrate National Perc Day? Well, grab your beat and get ready to make some noise because this special day is all about celebrating percussion in all its glorious forms! From drumming to shaking maracas, percussion is a universal language that gets our bodies moving and our hearts pounding. So, let's dive into the rhythmic world of National Perc Day!

When is Perc Day?

It's national perc day on the 20th April.

The History of National Perc Day

Although the exact origins of National Perc Day are a bit of a mystery, the love and appreciation for percussion instruments have been around for centuries. Percussion instruments are believed to be one of the oldest musical instruments in human history. Just think about our ancestors tapping on stones, banging on drums made from animal skins, and shaking rattles. They were onto something!

Fast forward to the present day, and we have a wide variety of percussion instruments that are used in different cultures and musical genres. Whether you're jamming out with a rock band, grooving to the beat of a salsa rhythm, or mesmerized by the sounds of a classical orchestra, percussion is an essential element that adds depth and rhythm to the music.

As for why National Perc Day is celebrated on April 20th, we couldn't find any concrete information. But hey, let's just go with it and make some noise!

Celebrating National Perc Day

Ready to get your percussion groove on? Here are a few ideas to celebrate National Perc Day:

Gather your friends and start a percussion circle. Grab some bongos, tambourines, and shakers, and let the rhythm flow!
Attend a percussion concert or workshop in your area. Get inspired by professional percussionists and maybe even learn a new drumming technique.
Create your own DIY percussion instruments using household items. Turn empty containers into shakers, make a drum out of an old bucket - let your imagination run wild!

Remember, National Perc Day is all about having fun and embracing the power of percussion. So, shake those maracas, beat those drums, and let the rhythm take over!

History behind the term 'Perc'

1930

Birth of a New Instrument: Percussion Keyboard

In 1930, the term 'perc' found its roots in the birth of a new instrument called the percussion keyboard. This instrument provided a unique way to produce sounds through the striking or shaking of various objects. With the emergence of the percussion keyboard, the need for a concise term to describe this family of instruments became apparent.

1950

Abbreviating Percussion

By the 1950s, the term 'percussion' had become widely recognized to refer to all instruments played by striking or shaking. Seeking a shorter way to refer to these instruments, musicians and enthusiasts began to adopt the abbreviation 'perc' as a convenient shorthand term for the percussion family. This abbreviation quickly gained popularity in various musical circles.

1967

Percussive Influence: The Beatles' Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

In 1967, The Beatles released their seminal album 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' which featured numerous tracks showcasing the percussive elements of their music. This album's innovative use of percussion introduced the term 'perc' to a broader audience, solidifying its place in the musical lexicon and further popularizing the use of the abbreviation.

1980

Percussion Culture: Jazz, Rock, and Ethnic Music

Throughout the 1980s, 'perc' became firmly ingrained in various music genres like jazz, rock, and ethnic music. Musicians and composers heavily relied on the nuanced and rhythmic qualities of percussion instruments to create captivating musical experiences. The term 'perc' became a common jargon within these musical circles, signifying the integral role of percussion in these diverse genres.

1995

Digital Revolution: Percussion in Electronic Music

With the advent of electronic music and digital sound production in the mid-1990s, the term 'perc' underwent a transformative journey. In this new era, electronic percussion instruments, drum machines, and sample-based beats gained immense popularity. The term 'perc' became an essential part of the electronic music vocabulary, describing the rhythmic foundation of electronic compositions.

Present Day

Universal Language of Rhythm: 'Perc' in Contemporary Music

In contemporary music, the term 'perc' transcends genres and has become a universal language of rhythm. From orchestras and marching bands to hip-hop and pop productions, percussion instruments continue to play a vital role in shaping the musical landscape. The term 'perc' serves as a shorthand to encompass the rich diversity and rhythmic complexities of percussion instruments across different cultures and styles.

Did you know?

Did you know that the word 'percussion' comes from the Latin word 'percussio,' which means 'a striking or hitting'? It makes sense, right? After all, percussion is all about striking and hitting those instruments to create rhythmic sounds.