industry news

HaMaR Revised website With over 150 compositions to choose from and an enlarged group of complimentary tutorial samples, the new HaMaR website has some- thing for players and teachers. The site has nearly 200 items to view, including HaMaR Music Direct. View, play, purchase, and print on demand many of the digital compositions. The catalog has music for all levels of proficiency and includes a snare drum series, method series, and music for percussion ensemble, bass drum, timpani, mallets, wind ensemble, and orchestra. Visit the site at www.hamarpercussion.com. KICKPORT New distributors in Europe and Central and South America To support the growing popularity of the KickPort and CajonPort with drummers and percussionists around the world, KickPort Inter- national, LLC has announced the expansion of its distribution in the European music market. Joining KickPort’s international distribution network are Box Of Trix (Germany, Austria); PB Music (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg); Soitin Laine (Finland); Tonastodin (Ice- land); Bode S.r.l. (Italy); GE Musikk (Norway); Music Distribucion (Spain, Portugal); Korg UK, Ltd. (UK); and Music World, Ltd. (Ukraine). KickPort International, LLC has also announced the expansion of its distribution in the Central and South American music markets. Joining KickPort’s international distribution network are Distribudora Gohner (Mexico); Prado Unique Repercusions (Honduras); Dream Argentia (Argentina); Sonotec Electronica LTDA (Brazil); Cobalto (Chile); and Music City (Venezuela). For updates and contact information visit kickport.com/contact. LATIN PERCUSSION LP donates Egg Shakers to Kenyan orphanage Latin Percussion recently donated over 100 of its popular Egg Shakers to the St. Theresa House of Hope Children’s Home in Lake Elemintita, Kenya. The donation was made to support the charitable ef- fort spearheaded by Sunniva Sorby with assistance from her sister Bet- tina Breckenfeld through the American Foundation for Children with AIDS.

American Foundation for Children with AIDS Representative Sunniva Sorby with child from House of Hope.

OCTOBER 2011 28 percussion newS www.pas.org www.pas.org percussiON nEWS 29 OCTOBER 2011 The St. Theresa House of Hope Children’s Home was opened in While attending the festival, students have the opportunity to perform 2007 to care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that in the AFA Summer Concert Series, which presents many free concerts Kenya is home to 2.4 million orphans, 60% of whom have been or- throughout Houston. phaned by the disease. The orphanage is part of a nationwide effort to Sponsorship of the AFA Summer Music Conservatory is part of combine the resources of government, international agencies, charitable Pearl’s continuing efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of mu- organizations, and community groups to help care for these children. sic education to students of all ages and backgrounds. For more infor- On their most recent trip to Kenya, Sunniva and Bettina handed out mation on Pearl’s education and artist programs, visit www.pearldrum. the LP Egg Shakers to all the children in the orphanage. “The young com. ladies…were renewed with hope when we paid them a visit and shared the Egg Shakers that LP graciously donated,” said Bettina. “The place PERCUSSION MARKETING COUNCIL erupted into song and movement when we distributed these shakers. Jespersen and Jewell named new executive officers We made a lot of kids very happy!” The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) has announced the ap- If you would like to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to the pointment of Bob Jespersen and David Jewell as Executive Officers. American Foundation for Children with AIDS, you can do so online at PMC officers serve as equal Co-Executive Directors, each responsible http://bit.ly/kidswithaids. for specific areas of guidance, direction, and benefit to all PMC Mem- bers and the percussion industry. MARIMBA ONE Jespersen is the National Call Center Director/Regional Sales Man- New customer-friendly website ager for KMC Music, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn. Bob’s Marimba One, maker of concert marimbas, has launched a brand- 30-year career with KMC Music includes diverse sales and customer new customer-friendly website. The new site is designed to give users service management positions throughout the U.S. an easy-to-navigate environment in which to explore marimbas, mallets, Jewell is the Marketing Manager of Yamaha Drums, headquartered and accessories. in Buena Park, Calif. Dave brings years of percussion industry experi- The website is the direct result of research conducted over the last ence as a full-time player, over 14 years with Milano Music in Arizona, year into what customers want. “We’ve conducted several researches and the past 13 years with Yamaha. He will assume direction over the both informally and in connection with California State University PMC’s marketing strategies. (Humboldt) School of Business Marketing Dept., and have integrated The PMC Board consists of the following individuals volunteering the results into the way our new site works for customers,” says Ron and serving the PMC—Executive Officers: Brad Smith (Industry Rela- Samuels, founder of Marimba One. “Our website visitors want to tions), David Jewell (Marketing-Promotions), Bob Jespersen (Retailer understand about sound. They want to know: How does one level of Program Application & Development), and Karl Dustman (Headquar- keyboard differ from another on a marimba? What is the difference ter Operations/ Financial-Legal-Membership). Advisory Board: Billy between resonators? What do existing customers say about these various Cuthrell (Event Marketing, Website, Promotions), Phil Hood (New combinations?” Membership Development), Dr. Craig Woodson (Roots of Rhythm, The website rebuild was done by Accelerant Design of Arcata, Cali- Program Director), and Brian LaRue (New Membership Develop- fornia. ment). PEARL NAMM Foundation Grant Art department expands The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) recently announced Pearl Corporation has hired two new Art Department employees, that the organization was one of 35 recipients nationwide to receive a Garrett DeLozier and Bill Tyler. DeLozier, a native of Sevierville, NAMM Foundation 2011–2012 program grant. The PMC’s “PER- Tenn., is a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Tennessee – Nash- CUSSION! The Rhythm of Life Through Making Music” funding will ville, receiving his BFA in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. help the further development and growth of the organization’s Percus- DeLozier comes from a background of freelance editing of short narra- sion in the Schools and Roots of Rhythm Programs. Percussion in the tives, commercials, documentaries, and animated shorts. Originally from Schools is an educational in-school performance program targeted Mississippi, Tyler has over 20 years of professional graphic arts experi- to introduce and provide professional percussion playing experiences ence, specifically in art direction and graphic design for over 200 album to elementary through high school levels. Roots of Rhythm produces covers. A graduate of Millsaps College, with two years of architecture multiple teacher/trainer workshops throughout the U.S. while working training, Tyler has worked with MCA Records, Billboard magazine, and with a variety of educational venues including MENC, House of Blues numerous independent labels and publishers. Foundation, and others. AFA Summer Music Conservatory support Percussion in the Schools dealer promotion with Keith Carlock This summer, Pearl/Adams supported the American Festival for the The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC), in conjunction with Arts as part of an ongoing effort to advance the quality of percussion internationally recognized drummer Keith Carlock, announced its Per- performance by supporting music education programs and artists that cussion in the Schools (PITS) dealer program for 2011. inspire and inform students. The American Festival for the Arts pre- Building on the success of the 2010 “Win Chad Smith” campaign, sented the AFA Summer Music Conservatory for its 16th year, held PMC followed up this year by inviting NAMM retail music dealers to at Houston ISD’s Pershing High School, June 20–July 22. Founded in nominate a school district for hosting a Keith Carlock all-school per- 1993 by Houston composer and arts advocate J. Todd Frazier, American cussion concert assembly. The all-school general assembly concert pro- Festival for the Arts (AFA) provides high quality, community-based gram is targeted to junior high and high school audiences in the dealer’s music education programs and performance opportunities designed local market and will be held at the school in October. primarily for youth and, through its concert series and outreach, seeks to Through a generous grant from the NAMM Foundation, the PMC broaden the audience for both American works and the classical music has been able to grow this program consistently since its launch in 2007. repertory. This year’s summer curriculum featured programs in orchestra, The PMC’s utilization of Chad Smith, a multi-Grammy Award-win- chamber music, choir, vocal studies, jazz, piano and composition. Stu- ning artist and drumming industry ambassador, brought international dent musicians, ranging from 4th to 12th grade, came from throughout attention to this PMC educational program in 2010. The organization’s Southeast Texas to audition and enroll in the summer conservatory. mission of connecting music retailers, schools, and students in an educa-

OCTOBER 2011 30 percussion newS www.pas.org www.pas.org percussiON nEWS 31 OCTOBER 2011 tional first-time drumming experience benefits every student in atten- ZILDJIAN dance, the entire school’s music department, and the local retail music 2011 Kerope Zildjian Scholarship Winner dealer. This market development initiative will bring national awareness Zildjian has announced that Chad Crummel is the winner of the to all percussion-product categories and the entire music products in- 2011 Kerope Zildjian Scholarship. A senior at the University of Texas- dustry. Austin, Crummel is a student of Tom Burritt and Tony Edwards. Carlock is an internationally acclaimed drummer who has recorded The first round of the competition was judged by Neil Grover and and/or toured with a variety of musical luminaries, such as Sting, Steely Richard Flanagan of the Boston Symphony and Pops. Three final- Dan, James Taylor, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, and many more. In Modern ists were chosen and their unmarked CDs were sent to Cynthia Yeh, Drummer’s 2009 Readers Poll, Carlock was voted number one in three Principal Percussionist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Yeh chose categories: pop drummer, fusion drummer, and all-around drummer. In Crummel as the 2011 Kerope Scholarship recipient. The finalists were addition to studio work and live performance, he has also released an Tristan Boyd from the University of Texas-Austin, also a student of instructional DVD, The Big Picture. Tom Burritt and Tony Edwards, and Tyler Tolles from the University The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) is the percussion indus- of North Texas, a student of Mark Ford. try’s official trade association comprised of members representing the Established to pay tribute to Kerope Zildjian, who presided over one manufacturing, distribution, and publishing facets of the percussion of the most storied periods in Zildjian history (1895–1909), the schol- world. Founded in 1995, the non-profit all volunteer organization is arship is intended to encourage and reward percussionists in their pur- dedicated to increasing public awareness of drums and drumming suit of performing excellence. As the 2011 Kerope Zildjian Scholarship while creating educational and market development programs and winner, Crummel receives a $5,000 scholarship, a selection of cymbals campaigns that reach all audiences and benefit music retail merchants of his choice, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Zildjian Factory, in all regions. For further information about the Percussion Marketing where he will meet the Zildjian family, tour the factory, and personally Council and programs visit www.playdrums.com and www.rootsof- choose his cymbals. rhythm.net. For more information on the Kerope Zildjian Scholarship, visit Zildjian.com. RHYTHM BAND INSTRUMENTS New management appointments Grand opening of new Zildjian West Coast office Rhythm Band Instruments LLC has announced three new man- The Avedis Zildjian Company held an open house on June 21 to cel- agement staffing appointments, Alicia Ballew has been named Inside ebrate the grand opening of its new West Coast artist relations office in Sales and Support Manager. She holds a Master of Music degree from the CenterStaging complex in Burbank, Calif. Zildjian first opened a the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music Education de- West Coast artist relations office in 1982 in West Hollywood. In 1989, gree from Southeast Missouri State. As a General Elementary Music the office relocated to Studio City. Teacher for 2nd–5th grade students and a Middle and High School More than 200 Zildjian artists and industry friends stopped by to Music Teacher for grades 6–12, she has developed curriculum and check out the new West Coast artist relations office, as well as Zild- implemented cross-disciplinary music programs and lesson plans for jian’s new Gen16 office. The event featured a selection of Sound Lab school band, choir, and general music theory. prototypes for artists to play and provide feedback. Artists included Stirling Hewitt has been named Web Design and Brand Support Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Novak, Sheila E, Airto Moreira, Russ Miller, Specialist. Hewitt joins Rhythm Band as primary design and brand Gil Sharone, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Teddy Campbell, Aaron Spears, support manager to oversee the long-term growth and development Nisan Stewart, Gorden Campbell, Kenny Aronoff, Luis Conte, Ronald of the company’s multi-faceted web-based marketing initiative. An Bruner Jr., Danny Seraphine, Mike Malinin, Michael White, Vince accomplished drummer and specialty percussionist, Hewitt will also Wilburn and others. be developing and coordinating new video training and educational The event was hosted by John DeChristopher, Vice President, Art- content for our employees, dealers, international distributors and their ist Relations & Event Marketing Worldwide; Kirsten Matt, Artist affiliates. Relations Manager–West Coast & Latin America (who manages the Chris Pittman has been named Inside Sales and Support Manager. West Coast office); and Sarah Malaney, Artist Relations Manager–East A highly successful music retail sales manager, merchandiser, trainer, Coast. Other Zildjian personnel in attendance included Debbie Zild- and buyer with extensive purchasing experience in large chain-store jian, Vice President of Human Resources; Paul Francis, Director of Re- environments, Pittman brings depth and insight from his roots in the search & Design; Matt Read, R&D/Quality Engineer; Steve Tirpak, early ’90s with South Texas Music Center in Houston, New Store Regional Sales Manager; Mike Brucher, Zildjian Sales Rep for South- Coordinator and Sales Manager with Mars Music, a buyer with Brook ern California; and Derek Zimmerman, Gen16 Business Manager. Mays Music Group and Music and Arts Centers, and a multi-unit According to DeChristopher, “Having a presence in Los Angeles store manager with Mr. E’s Music, a full-line chain of stores in the Fort is important to Zildjian for a variety of reasons, not the least of which Worth area. is being accessible to our artists. Zildjian has enjoyed a long relation- ship with CenterStaging, so it was only natural for us to be here. We’re VATER excited about our new home and its location, which is arguably at the Kim Thompson visit w center of the L.A. music scene.” Vater artist Kim Thompson (Mike Stern/Beyonce) recently visited Vater’s Factory in Massachusetts for the first time. Kim got to see every step of Vater’s production process first hand, including seeing the Vater 7A Wood (her stick of choice) being turned on a lathe. During her stay in Boston, Kim also appeared for a clinic with Di- Censo’s Drum Shop, in Weymouth, Mass. Kim opened the clinic shar- ing details about her musical journey from the time she was a kid up until present projects. The clinic was then directed towards the spiritual and emotional side of performing music and drumming.

OCTOBER 2011 32 percussion newS www.pas.org www.pas.org percussiON nEWS 33 OCTOBER 2011 OCTOBER 2011 34 percussion newS www.pas.org