Arcata Percussive Institute

Arcata Percussion International (API.) is a foundation dedicated to facilitating the dissemination of classical percussion and various folkloric systems (percussion, dance and song) to the community through performance and educational outreach. API. has two performance groups that are available to schools and public or private events. Dundun Fare is an ensemble that is dedicated to the performance of West and South African folkloric percussion. Headed by Joe Bishop this ensemble has been a performing group for 3 years, and has played for many schools and community events in the area. Bloco Firmeza is a ensemble that is dedicated to the performance of Brazilian folkloric percussion for carnival (samba batucada, samba reggae, maracatu, frevo, and baiao.) Headed by Amy Cadle this ensemble has been performing for 2 years and has played many community events in the area. API. faculty tour to schools to perform or do workshops in various styles of percussion. Once we obtain the proper facility, API. will start offering after-school programs with various percussion/musical related themes taught by the API. faculty. The core faculty have been studying together approx. 4 years both in the community and in the percussion program at Humboldt State University. All members of the faculty either have or are working on a percussion or an education degree from H.S.U. All members have been involved in the study of at least one folkloric system for more than 2 years and some for more than 10 years. All members of the faculty have been playing percussion most of their lives, and are passionate about the music we play and the opportunity to share it among the community with an emphasis on the youth.