RCC Indoor Percussion Shines at PASIC 2024: A Milestone for BD Performing Arts

BD Performing Arts Celebrates RCC Indoor Percussion’s Groundbreaking PASIC 2024 Performance

RCC Indoor Percussion’s debut at PASIC 2024 marked a defining moment for BD Performing Arts (BDPA) and the indoor percussion community. Taking the stage at one of the world’s most prestigious percussion conventions, RCC’s performance showcased the ensemble’s artistry, innovation, and leadership, solidifying its place as a key stakeholder in the global percussion landscape.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

Since its founding in 2001, RCC Indoor Percussion has embodied BDPA’s mission to foster excellence in the performing arts. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into an internationally recognized BDPA program with six WGI World Championship titles. Along the way, RCC has become a trailblazer in indoor percussion, inspiring countless performers and ensembles around the world.

RCC’s invitation to PASIC 2024 was the culmination of decades of growth and innovation. For years, indoor percussion has operated outside of the  traditional percussion community. RCC’s appearance at PASIC represented not just an opportunity for performance, but a moment to raise awareness  and highlight the value of indoor percussion as an art form.

Ron Nankervis, CEO at EGI Sport of the Arts, remarked, “WGI was thrilled to play a role in RCC's appearance at PASIC. Our continued partnership with BDPA and the Percussive Arts Society exemplifies how marching arts organizations can collaborate to showcase a champion in the indoor percussion activity in an educational setting.”

A Statement for the Percussion World

“Our PASIC participation was about showcasing the entire indoor percussion activity and the unique art form that it is,” said Joy Liu, RCC Program Director. “Indoor percussion is an integral part of the larger percussion community. It was an opportunity to share our vision, celebrate the progress of this program, and inspire others to see the limitless potential of this activity.”

Creative Director Tony Nuñez emphasized the broader impact of RCC’s performance. “We wanted to bridge the gap between other genres of percussion with marching percussion. This was a statement that indoor percussion can enrich the percussion community.”

Joshua Simonds, Executive Director at the Percussive Arts Society, added, “The indoor marching percussion activity has always brought an exciting element to PASIC. We celebrate all forms of percussion at PASIC, and the RCC showcase concert and educational sessions allowed attendees to enjoy one of the most talented, innovative groups in indoor percussion today. We are grateful to the RCC community and our partners at WGI for helping make this idea come to life.”

A Performance of Innovation and Depth

RCC’s PASIC performance was a reflection of its creative journey, featuring highlights from its 2022, 2023, and 2024 productions. Designed to offer a glimpse into the RCC experience, the showcase blended music, movement, and storytelling in a way that captivated the audience.

“We wanted to give the audience a sense of what it’s like to be part of RCC,” said Nuñez. “This wasn’t just a performance; it was an immersive experience that captured the intensity, creativity, and artistry that define indoor percussion.”

Front Ensemble Caption Head Brian Dinkel noted the importance of connecting with the audience on a deeper level. “Indoor percussion is about more than technical precision. It’s about storytelling, emotion, and creating a connection with the audience. We wanted to show how this art form can move and inspire people in unique ways.”

A Catalyst for Collaboration

For BDPA, RCC’s PASIC debut was about more than showcasing talent—it was an opportunity to foster dialogue and collaboration within the percussion world. By representing indoor percussion on such a prominent stage, RCC helped bridge the perceived gap between concert percussion and the marching activity.

“This was an invaluable opportunity to build relationships between communities,” said Dinkel. “Our hope is that our presence at PASIC encourages others to see indoor percussion as a legitimate and vital part of the percussion world.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For the members of RCC, performing at PASIC was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It was truly a dream come true,” said bass drummer Reid Shimabukuro. “To represent indoor percussion on this stage was beyond anything we could have imagined.”

Joy Liu hopes that RCC’s PASIC appearance will inspire future performers and educators to embrace indoor percussion. “We want students, educators, and audiences to see the value of this art form. Indoor percussion offers unique opportunities for growth, creativity, and connection. This performance was about paving the way for the next generation.”

Looking to the Future

As BDPA reflects on RCC’s success at PASIC 2024, the organization remains committed to championing the indoor percussion activity. RCC’s performance was not just a celebration of how far the ensemble has come, but a bold statement about where it—and the activity as a whole—is headed.

“This performance was about creating a legacy,” said Nuñez. “We want the percussion community to see indoor percussion as an essential part of the community's future. RCC is proud to lead the way.”

For BDPA, RCC’s PASIC debut is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and passion. It is a moment of recognition, inspiration, and progress—one that solidifies RCC’s role as a leader in the percussion world and sets the stage for even greater achievements to come.