An improvised jam session between Dr. Arvin Scott and Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, percussionist of Widespread Panic, shouldn’t seem out of place in the Athens music scene.

Tonight, The Melting Point houses the “Beat the Drum” benefit concert as a fundraiser for Scott’s “Drumming for Success” foundation, which focuses on children ages three to 16 and gives them free lessons on percussion instruments while striving to build character and cooperation.

Dr. Scott is no stranger to the music industry and boasts a career spanning 40 years in the business. With performances ranging from the Umbria Jazz Festival, Olympic events and an opening slot for James Brown, Scott’s music career has been full of highlights. In 1996, however, one show in particular stuck with Scott. He performed a jazz show where two children were fascinated by his drum kit. During intermission, he gave them a tour and let them keep some drumsticks.

“I received two beautiful thank you letters from the boy and his sister that expressed how much that experience and the sticks meant to them,” said Scott. “As a result of their heartfelt letters, I was inspired to start a community drumming program that evolved into ‘Drumming for Success,’ now in its ninth year.”

Ortiz later helped conceive the fundraiser idea.

“It’s for needy students who show they do have potential and want to put effort toward making good grades and staying out of trouble,” he said.

In 2000, Dr. Scott was awarded the “Best Supporter for the Music Scene” honor by “Flagpole Magazine,” and University groups focused on counseling and learning disabilities also have honored him.

“I believe that my responsibility as UGA faculty extends beyond campus and should include service to the surrounding community,” said Scott. “[The program is] one of my attempts, as an individual, to make a meaningful difference in the world. There is magnetism in good causes.”

The show itself uses the same spirit that Scott and Ortiz possess when it comes to music and making a difference.

“I just go in with the attitude of wanting to learn,” said Ortiz. “You learn a little something when you walk out of there because Dr. Scott is an educator.”

Scott and Ortiz will begin with their own percussion duet, and then the audience participates in “community drumming” with the duo.

“It all seems spontaneous, but I lead and organize the rhythms using my background in African, Caribbean and Brazilian percussion and jazz,” said Scott. “Sunny and I, with the help of other experienced musicians, maintain the foundation of the rhythms so that others can be free to join the rhythmic excitement and add their own interpretations.”