(11/11/2022) The beats of drums could be heard through the halls of Ramsey Elementary School Oct. 28-Nov. 3, as third-fifth graders learned from Mark “Chico” Perez, a world drummer/artist in residence.

The students had the opportunity to work with Perez for 30 minutes a day during his week at the school, and in addition to learning and playing drums, explored music from different cultures. For the third graders, the experience culminated with an evening drumming program for families on Nov. 3.

Perez has been playing drums for more than 55 years and teaching children in Minnesota school districts for 30 years. He brought a high level of energy to the music room and put smiles on the students’ faces. Perez said he loves to share his knowledge with children and that the drums are an opportunity for him to teach respect, unity and the power of one.

Watch this video to learn more about the drummer in residency and view photos of students playing the drums with Perez.