Beginning yesterday and lasting until Saturday, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., could be the noisiest spot in town.Students of percussion, industry representatives and educators will join more than 500 artists, clinicians and performers congregated in Columbus for the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention ’99.The list of the artists on hand is a who’s who of the best drummers in the business, including PAS Hall of Famer Louie Bellson, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Omar Hakim and Steve Ferrone, just to name a few.The 113 events slated during the four days include drum set clinics, interactive master classes, formal concerts and a marching festival, among many other events and clinics. More than 130 exhibitors will also be at the convention displaying various percussion products, publications and services.Robert Breithaupt, vice president of Columbus Pro Percussion and president of the Percussive Arts Society, said that young drummers are going to be hearing professionals who are excited about what the young players like and what they don’t know about.”It gives young players an opportunity to see what they enjoy,” Breithaupt said. “It opens up their view about things they might not know they enjoy. It exposes kids to different genres of drumming.”Breithaupt also said that children interested in music suffer due to lack of funding in schools for music programs and the necessity for good music teachers. Because of this, the convention is a one-of–a-kind event for drummers.”There are more kids who are interested in music than there have ever been,” Breithaupt said. “There is a lack of this kind of opportunity like the PASIC for drummers.”This is the second time in its 24-year history that the event has captured the attention and blistered the ears of percussion lovers in Columbus. This year, the convention’s theme is “Legends of the Twentieth Century.”Jim Rupp, president of Columbus Pro Percussion and host of PASIC ’99, said that every year the basics of the convention stay the same, but different performers and artists are usually featured. “That is what’s great about being host, you can do whatever you want,” Rupp said.After the event closes up shop in Columbus, it will roll into Dallas and Nashville in 2000 and 2001, respectively. But in 2002, the convention will return to Columbus for a third time. Breithaupt said there are several reasons why Columbus is such a good location for the event.”Columbus is a central location to our (PAS) membership,” Breithaupt said. “But besides that, Columbus has an unusual number of fine drummers. It’s staggering the number of fine players in Columbus.”Percussion enthusiasts and anyone else who ever wanted to bang away on the skins can register on site to be a part of the convention. Registration is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. today and Friday and 7:30 until 2 p.m. Saturday. One-day individual admission to concerts, clinics and master classes is $50. Student admission for a day is $35. For two to four days, the cost is $155. A two to four day admission for students is $115.