Yamaha Worship Forum Winner Takes Digital Piano to Church

BUENA PARK, CA (February 27, 2004) — Held throughout 2003, Yamaha's Worship Forum provided valuable information for clergy, worship leaders and church members on the latest music and worship resources from Yamaha, and demonstrated how some of the top artists in the Praise and Worship fields are using those resources. The forum also produced 12 lucky winners in its monthly sweepstakes, including Jill Maria Murdy, Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Wisconsin – a parish that places a high emphasis on using music as an element in worship. Murdy won an 88-key Graded Hammer Action Yamaha YDP-223 digital piano.

"The weighted keys of the Yamaha YDP-223 digital piano feel so realistic," states Murdy. "It's outstanding! I have it in my office, and use it when meeting with couples who are planning weddings, families planning funerals, and in preparation for my weekly liturgies. It's hooked up to my computer through the USB port, and saves loads of work when I'm doing my arranging. The keyboard is set so I can bring it into church easily. I look forward to having the beautiful string tones to use for wedding music. Thank you again for your generosity!"

Yamaha's Worship and Educator Forums were designed to provide information on selected products that music educators and church music leaders have found especially helpful, according to David Bergstrom, corporate planning manager for Yamaha Corporation of America.

"The added element of a sweepstakes provides a great way to attract new participants," explains Bergstrom. "It's the perfect chance to win a product to get a worship program going, or add to the gear you already have. This testimony is a great example of a music leader who is able to really apply those resources."

Although the Worship Forum sweepstakes has closed, the forum is still open. According to Bergstrom, Yamaha is planning to expand it further by including valuable new content and more interactive elements. The Educator sweepstakes is still open, and any teacher, administrator or student is eligible to enter for a school. Visitors to Yamaha's website can access the forums by clicking on the links on the 'What's New at Yamaha' page, or by visiting yamaha.com, selecting the drop down 'Related Links' tab, and selecting the forums for full details.

"Music takes dedication, talent and years of study," adds Bergstrom. "In return, you gain the satisfaction of enriching people's lives by passing on the ability to create and perform, be it in an educational or worship setting. Yamaha's goal is to provide the finest musical instruments for those applications."

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.