On Saturday, March 4th, over 700 children and their families attended Rice Gallery’s 2nd Annual Children’s Day, Fun with Drums! The event showcased Conversation, a colorful, percussion installation by Brooklyn artist David Ellis, on view in the gallery.
David spoke about the installation and participants could tour the gallery on their own using a free Family Guide.
On the gallery plaza, children filled “ocean” drums with beads or birdseed, then decorated them with markers. Crowds clapped and chanted along with an African drumming demonstration by Rice University percussion students, and enjoyed an energetic performance by the University of Houston Steel Drum Band. Also, children could try drumming on a trap drum set, courtesy of the Houston Percussion Center.
In between all these activities, people relaxed on the courtyard, and enjoyed free ice cream, water, and “make-your-own” trail mix.
Special thanks to the Rice Percussion Ensemble and Director Richard Brown, Houston Percussion Center and Jim Calvert, and the University of Houston Steel Drum Band and Director Blake Wilkins.
In-kind support for this event was provided by Blue Bell Creameries, L.P., and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
