Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Hi Everyone,

I want to invite every drummer to come to Houston on Sunday, October 21, 2007, 
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

http://percussioncenteronline.com/texasbigbeat.html - go to this page and 
scroll down to Registration Options and click on it to register for the 
event.

Texas BigBeat is a statewide drumming event raising funds to provide 
educational programs for underprivileged, special needs and at-risk children 
so that they can create a positive and productive future for themselves. 
Proceeds from this event will go to Cherish Our Children International (COCI) 
a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.  All contributions will support COCI 
programs in the greater Houston area. COCI stands for a world in which each 
child has the opportunity to live life fully and to make their unique 
contribution. To do this COCI works to develop and fund projects and programs 
that provide a brighter future for the world's most vulnerable children. 

In Houston, Texas COCI supports the No More Victims Program, whose focus is to 
assist at risk children in preventing the continuing cycle of addiction, 
abuse, violence and incarceration by providing a safe facility for them to 
go. By supporting the high school age children they are more able to 
positively help their younger siblings. No More Victims serves over 800 
students at M.D. Smiley High School where nearly 70 percent of the students 
are economically disadvantaged. 

Goals:

·         Raise $100,000 for COCI for educational programs that help children 
develop strong self-esteem, musical abilities and life skills that give them 
a chance to create a positive and productive future for themselves.

·         Gather 550 drummers to play together and create a new Guinness World 
Record. (Current record is held by Woodstick event in Seattle with 533 
drummers.)

·         Honor drummers of all ages and all levels for their love of drumming 
and provide them with an opportunity to have their drumming make a difference 
in our communities.

·         Unite musicians throughout Texas to generate support for educational 
programs for children.

How You can Make a Difference in the lives of these children:

    * Sign up as a Texas BigBeat Sponsor. Check out the Sponsorship 
Opportunities.
    * Ask your company to sign up as a Texas BigBeat Sponsor.
    * Register to be a Texas BigBeat drummer and spread the word to other 
drummers.
    * Create your own "Personal Fundraising Page" and send emails to friends 
and family about the opportunity to support your fundraising efforts and/or 
download a Texas BigBeat Donation form and give your friends, family, 
co-workers and band members a chance to contribute to the future of 
underprivileged, special needs and at-risk youth.
    * Ask your employer to donate matching funds to the Texas BigBeat.

Drummers and non-drummers of all ages and all levels of experience are invited 
to register as Texas BigBeat participants and to generate contributions for 
the Houston area educational programs supported by Cherish Our Children 
International to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged, special 
needs and at-risk youth.

The Texas BigBeat event is being organized by the Percussion Center, Houston's 
only specialty drum and percussion store, along with other sponsoring 
corporations, businesses, associations and non-profit organizations.  This 
event is modeled after the Seattle Woodstick event. Seattle is pleased to 
have some friendly competition.  We know that Texas drummers can do it bigger 
and better!

This event is about Texas drummers raising money to support children in 
getting an education that empowers them to create new possibilities for our 
youth, our families and our communities. Cherish Our Children International 
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible 
to the full extent of the law. 
 
Date:  Sunday, October 21, 2007, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Venue:  Humble Civic Arena, 3 miles east of Intercontinental Airport, 8233 
Will Clayton Parkway

Contact Information:

Donna Fisher
Percussion Center
713-468-9100
http://www.texasbigbeat.com
texasbigbeat@...


-- 
Stephanie Ellison
www.deafdrummer.org

The real meaning of enlightenment is to gaze with undimmed eyes 
on all darkness - Nikos Kazantzakis 1883-1957, Greek Writer

"You have the right to remain helpless. Should you choose to waive this right, 
anything you do may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right 
to an assailant. If you cannot find one for yourself, the court will release 
one for you." --Steve Munden (from Cooper's Commentaries)