Green, a skilled musician, could be touring the world and performing in major venues. Instead, he has chosen to focus on teaching and mentoring the next generation, using music as a tool for personal growth and cultural connection.

A Lafayette native, Green’s love for percussion began in childhood when he experimented with beats on his school desk. That early interest evolved into a career that led him to establish Pucci Percussion over a decade ago. It started when Leigha Porter’s mother invited him to provide drumming for her daughter’s dance classes. From there, Pucci Percussion grew into a structured program where students now perform at festivals, private events, and civic gatherings.

Students at Pucci Percussion learn to play traditional African drums like the slit drum, djun djun, and djembe, as well as Latin instruments such as the conga and bongo. More than just playing, they explore the instruments’ cultural significance, deepening their understanding and appreciation for the music.

Beyond music, Pucci Percussion serves as an emotional outlet for students. With a background in mental health, Green sees drumming as a way to help young people channel emotions constructively. Many students arrive feeling frustrated or anxious, but by matching emotions to rhythms, they leave class feeling lighter and more confident.

Another vital part of Pucci Percussion’s mission is connecting students with their African heritage. Green emphasizes that while Cajun and Creole cultures are celebrated in the region, many people don’t realize their deep African influences. Drumming offers young musicians a way to explore their history and develop a sense of identity.

As Pucci Percussion’s reputation grows, so does its impact. The group is regularly invited to perform at Lafayette and Acadiana events, reinforcing its role as a cultural ambassador.

In addition to performances, older students have taken on leadership roles, such as teaching music to pre-kindergarten children in St. Landry Parish. Pucci Percussion also took 16 students and adults to New York City, where they studied at the Harlem School of the Arts, learning from some of the country’s top percussionists.

To support its expansion, Pucci Percussion now operates with its main base at PARC Village on Moss Street. This creative hub provides young musicians access to professional artists, fostering inspiration and growth. Green believes that this environment makes artistry feel like a realistic and attainable path for his students.

With every lesson and performance, Pucci Percussion continues to shape young musicians and enrich the community. Green’s vision is for even more youth to embrace drumming—not just as a musical skill, but as a means of self-expression and personal development.

“If we shine, then the whole city shines,” Green says. Through rhythm and mentorship, Pucci Percussion is helping students find their beat—one drum stroke at a time.