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Supplier Scene

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Details: Written by MMR; Parent Category: News; Category: Supplier Scene; Published: 17 February 2015

On-Stage presented its third annual Dealer of the Year award at the 2015 Winter NAMM Show. Established in 2012, The Dealer of the Year award is presented to On-Stage dealers who have shown exceptional growth, customer service, and commitment to the On-Stage family of brands. This year’s award was presented to Kraft Music. Ben Kraft, Brandon Zunker, and Jamie Medina were on hand at the On-Stage Booth to accept the award.

In 2014, Kraft Music demonstrated the largest On-Stage products sales growth among all authorized dealers. On-Stage brands include On-Stage Stands, Hennessey, DrumFire, Hot Wires, and Audio Spectrum. Kraft Music’s commitment to On-Stage brands illustrates the win-win relationship between On-Stage and its dealers, moving both sides towards continued success.

Read more: On-Stage honors Kraft Music

Supplier Scene

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Details: Written by Paige Tutt; Parent Category: News; Category: Supplier Scene; Published: 17 February 2015

MusicNomad Equipment Care’s Humilele, a humidifier for the ukulele, will now be included with every Kala Elite Ukulele sale. The Elite Ukulele is Kala’s newest American made high end ukulele.

“Kala wants to ensure our customers understand the critical nature of proper humidification of their ukuleles. That’s why we chose the Humilele humidifier,” says Mike Upton, founder of Kala Brand Music Company. “MusicNomad’s Humilele is the perfect size for the ukulele and with its special anti-drip Humid-i-bar insert that holds a lot of water, it gets the job done with less maintenance,” says Upton.

Supplier Scene

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Details: Written by MMR; Parent Category: News; Category: Supplier Scene; Published: 16 February 2015

The Krewe of Endymion Parade, started at City Park and Orleans Avenues in New Orleans, and from there took visitors on a journey that figuratively at least reached far beyond the confines of the Crescent City. Built around the theme “Fantastic Voyages,” the largest and most legendary of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades, featured floats depicting 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Gulliver’s Travels, and other tales of transcendent journeys. Accenting it all, along with 2,650 masked revelers tossing beads to the crowds are Geyser RGB Foggers from CHAUVET DJ and Video Panels from CHAUVET Professional.

“Chauvet products are a key part of our design,” said Ray Ziegler of RZI Lighting (New Orleans), which does most of the lighting and special effects lighting for Endymion. “Being in New Orleans at Mardi Gras, the Endymion floats have to be very lush and rich visually to capture the imagination. Yes, the Chauvet products certainly contributed to this look.”

People

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: People; Published: 16 February 2015

Gakki Co. Ltd., holder of the Ibanez guitar and Tama drum brand names, has announced the appointment of Kimihide “Ken” Hoshino as the company’s new president. He succeeds Toshitsugu “Tom” Tanaka who, beginning in 2004, led the company into an era of sharply increased sales and prosperity. Tanaka will continue his work with the company in the capacity of advisor.

Upfront

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: Upfront; Published: 16 February 2015

Music now resonates through 27 of the nation's most underserved schools and districts thanks in part to renewed Turnaround Arts support from the NAMM Foundation. Grants to the tune of $214,000 for musical instruments, music teachers, and arts integration into other subject areas will support phase II Turnaround Arts. Turnaround Arts, a President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) program, is a public-private partnership that uses the arts to help narrow the acheivement gap, increase sutdent engagement and improve the culture and climate in the country's highest poverty schools.

Supplier Scene

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: Supplier Scene; Published: 15 February 2015

One of the most talked about music-related films in years, Acadamy Award-nominated Whiplash, also gives some high profile screen time to Evans drumheads. Check out the clip below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF3NAlZuYmI&feature=youtu.be

People

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: People; Published: 15 February 2015

Conn-Selmer has announced that one of the nation’s leaders in music education and highly-regarded music industry professional, Tom Bracy, has joined the company as the newly created director of educational programs within the Division of Education.

“It is with much enthusiasm we welcome Tom Bracy to the Conn-Selmer Division of Education,” says Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, vice president of Education. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to the ongoing expansion of our growing outreach programs and a rich history of organizational and administrative success.”

People

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: People; Published: 13 February 2015

Yamaha has announced the appointment of Chris Marr as national account manager for the company’s Pro Audio & Combo Division. His main priorities will be managing sales relations with Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend.

Prior to working for Yamaha, Marr gained experience as the key account and territory sales manager with Peavey Electronics Corp. During his time there, he exceeded expectations and earned multiple accolades for his achievements, including several divisional top sales and Salesman of the Year. By acquiring and managing some of the largest national instrument retail accounts, including Guitar Center, Marr increased the company’s territory sales.

Supplier Scene

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Details: Written by MMR; Parent Category: News; Category: Supplier Scene; Published: 11 February 2015

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) honors OMG Music LLC in Noblesville, IN with the Milestone Award for 25 years of service in the music products industry. The award recognizes retailers and manufacturers who have succeeded over the years through best practices and strong community standing to reach a landmark anniversary.

”In 1990 we started out with a goal of trying to sell quality guitar straps for a fair price. In 2015 the founding partners, Brett Marcus and Larry Greene, are still leading the company” said Mark Blasko of OMG Music in Noblesville, IN. “We utilize their experience every day to help independent dealers reach new levels of profitability in the accessories category.”

Upfront

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Details: Written by Christian Wissmuller; Parent Category: News; Category: Upfront; Published: 10 February 2015

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has announced that it has completed an asset sale of the KMC Music wholesale distribution business including the trade name B & J Music, and certain proprietary brands to JAM Industries, Ltd. JAM Industries is one of the largest global leaders in the MI, Pro Audio, and Consumer Electronics wholesale distribution business.

KMC Music is one of the largest independent distributors of musical instruments and accessories, and is a leading wholesaler of musical instruments, accessories and lighting equipment. FMIC will provide short-term transitional support as part of the transaction. Financial and other terms of the deal are not disclosed.