Pearl/Adams Percussion Partnership
In 2023, the Virginia State University Department of Music entered an historic partnership with the Pearl/Adams Percussion Company. Pearl Corporation is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Adams Musical Instruments and a worldwide leading manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drums, concert and marching percussion instruments, and hand percussion. As a result of this partnership, our percussion students are able study the interpretation of percussion literature and develop the skills and understanding of the repertory necessary for individual performance ability sufficient to assure accurate and musically expressive performances. Please find the official press release of this historic partnership below.
June 13, 2023
Contact: Shawn Lafrenz
HEADLINE: VSU “Trojan Explosion” Marching Band Chooses Pearl/Adams
Nashville, TN – Pearl Corporation announces a new Athletic Bands Partnership with the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band and VSU Percussion Studio.
“The Virginia State University Department of Music is honored to enter this historic partnership with Pearl/Adams Percussion. Our motto here at Virginia State University is “Greater Happens Here.” Becoming a Pearl-endorsed institution is laying the foundation for continued greatness. It’s exciting to watch the evolution of our program and how our musicians will benefit from performing on Pearl/Adams’ world-class instruments.” — Dr. Samuel Rowley, Chairman of Music and Director of Bands
“I am truly excited to help establish the musical partnership between Pearl Drums, Adams Musical Instruments and Virginia State University. Being able to practice, rehearse and perform with industry-leading equipment will allow our students the best opportunity to develop their own musical identity. As a Pearl Artist, I am thankful for the years of support from Pearl/Adams and look forward to this new endeavor at VSU.” — Dr. Lamon Lawhorn, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Percussion Studies
“Pearl Corporation is honored to be a chosen partner of the Virginia State University Marching Band. A program of this caliber demands the best quality in performance, durability, and dependability. Pearl’s Championship Series Marching drums are already the sound of the Trojan Explosion, and we are excited to include additional VSU ensembles with the same level of support and quality equipment. We look forward to being a part of the excellence, history, and the exciting future for quality music performance and education at VSU!” — Shawn Lafrenz, Senior Marketing Manager, Pearl Corporation
Known as “The Best Band in the CIAA,” the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band is comprised of talented instrumentalists, Essence of Troy Dancers, Satin Divas Flags, Troy Elegance Twirlers, and the Commanders of Troy Drum Majors. As the largest student organization on the campus of VSU, the marching band serves as the most visible and sought after ambassador for the institution. The Trojan Explosion has performed at numerous Honda Battle of the Bands, BET’s College Hill, NBC's Today's Show, Gubernatorial Parades and most notably, the first drumline to perform at the White House.
Pearl Corporation is a division of Pearl Musical Instruments, a worldwide leading manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drums, concert and marching percussion instruments, hand percussion, and flutes. Pearl Corporation is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of Adams Musical Instruments. Pearl Corporation is based in Nashville, TN.