Winter Namm 2006: A Series Of Triumphs For Yamaha
ANAHEIM, Calif. — New technologies – big news – talented kids – seasoned pros – and an unprecedented winning streak: Yamaha Corporation of America's exhibits at the Winter 2006 NAMM Show in January 19-22 in Anaheim had it all.
Highlights of the show included a pair of gala performances – Friday evening's dealer concert featuring Brian Wilson, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Cole, k.d. lang and Gavin DeGraw with host Randy Jackson, and Saturday evening's sold-out "Yamaha Drums Presents Groove All Stars," which welcomed a who's-who of percussion talent to one stage in nearby Cerritos.
"Winter NAMM is the event our industry looks forward to throughout the course of the year, and each year our goal is to provide our dealers with the best new products, latest ideas and, when we can, top entertainment as a show of gratitude for their support," says Yamaha Corporation of America Music Marketing Group senior vice president Terry Lewis. "It is always gratifying to see how many of the world's top artists come out to support our industry that in turn supports them."
On Thursday morning, Lewis took part in a high-profile breakfast panel about the future of music education and the music products industry along with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, business guru Sir Ken Robinson, Peavey Electronics Corporation CEO Hartley Peavey and music legend Mick Fleetwood. The next morning, the Orange County Register cited Lewis's call for "more awareness of music's role in cultivating creativity and promoting wellness" on its front page.
Dealer Concert
Yamaha dealers were treated to a special concert on Friday, January 20 at Disney's California Adventure Park's Hyperion® Theater. The unforgettable evening featured extraordinary performances by everyone from today's hottest stars to legends and pop icons, and it was hosted by American Idol's Randy Jackson.
The evening began with platinum-selling Gavin DeGraw belting out hits such as "Chariot" and "I Don't Wanna Be." This was followed by k.d. lang with mesmerizing renditions of songs including "Constant Craving" and "Hallelujah." Jazz legend Al Jarreau lent his silky voice to the well-known tunes "We're in This Love Together" and the energetic "Boogie Down."
Natalie Cole, daughter of legendary Nat "King" Cole, wowed the audience with "Unforgettable," accompanied by a video display of her father singing along. Sarah McLachlan then showed off her amazing piano stylings with renditions of "Angel" and "Building a Mystery." Closing the show was Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Brian Wilson singing Beach Boys favorites such as "Good Vibrations" and "California Girls." The encore featured the evening's performers joining Wilson on "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Barbara Ann" while the audience sang along.
The Future of Music and Sound
Hosted by Yamaha product specialist Craig Knudsen, The Future of Music and Sound was an innovative music and technology presentation that showcased the Yamaha Disklavier's remote learning applications, outlining how teachers can instruct students in real time using Disklavier pianos hundreds, even thousands of miles apart.
The event concluded with a Yamaha "Remote Session," in which the Tyros2 and other Yamaha instruments including a WX-5 Wind MIDI Controller, DTXTREME IIS Electronic Drum Kit and Silent Electric Bass performed in a seamless virtual jam via the Internet with Yamaha product specialist Jarrod Radnich, who participated with a remote connection from Disneyland's "Tomorrowland."
Music Marketing Group Highlights
Elsewhere, exciting news and activities from Yamaha's various musical divisions spanned the length and breadth of the huge annual show.
The Yamaha Pro Audio and Combo Division(PAC) stormed Hall C with what Guitar marketing manager Bryan Savage called "a massive showing" of guitars and drums. The booth showcased a wide array of drum kits, including the limited edition 30th anniversary Steve Gadd kit, and also featured a special display with a drum set, bass, and guitar (along with a motorcycle) adorned with artwork by renowned tattoo artist Ed Hardy. The inviting booth also included a giant wall of guitars and an intimate acoustic guitar room that attracted droves of visitors. One of the most buzz-worthy concerts of the entire show, Groove All Stars, attracted an enthusiastic crowd of percussion devotees, and Yamaha Drums announced a major initiative to distribute Paiste Cymbals to independent music stores, which will increase the visibility of both companies.
Saturday's sold-out Groove All Stars performance at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts featured artists who have worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Tommy Aldridge, Zachary Alford, Eddie Bayers, Michael Bland, Bobby Blotzer, Tom Brechtlein, Gerry Brown, Matt Cameron, Keith Carlock, Ndugu Chancler, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Russ Kunkel, Jerry Marotta, Marvin McQuitty, Russ Miller, Andy Newmark, Chris Parker, John "JR" Robinson, Oscar Seaton, Ian Wallace, and Dave Weckl. Rick Marotta doubled as the evening's emcee, and was a key asset to the event's success and one of the musical highlights.
Yamaha artists came out in force to support Yamaha products and meet with fans at booth autograph sessions. Lines were long to see guitar superstars including Wes Borland, Frank Gambale, Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner Overdrive), James Black (Finger Eleven), Amir Derakh (Orgy), Ryan Shuck (Orgy), Ty Tabor (King's X), Doug Pinnick (King's X), Marc Rizzo (Soulfly), Mike Scaccia (Ministry and Rigor Mortis), Phil Lipscomb (Taproot), Nathan East, Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age), Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Billy Sheehan, Lee Sklar, Lee Ritenour, Abraham Laboriel, Chris Poland (OHM), and Robbie Pagliari (OHM).
Yamaha Drums hosted its superstar drummers with booth appearances by: Jerry Marotta, Tom Brechtlein, Felix Pollard, Andy Newmark, Jamey Tate, Matt Cameron, Bogie Bowles, Gregg Field, Ian Wallace, Steve Schaeffer, John Robinson, Charles Collins, Ndugu Chancler, Zachary Alford, Gerry Brown, Pat Forero, Russ Miller, Dave Weckl, Herb Shucher, David Spinozza, Peter Erskine, Ralph MacDonald, Oscar Seaton, Ralph Humphrey and Steve Gadd.
Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division showcased its YTR-9445NYS Artist Model C Trumpet, the YTR-9335NYS Artist Model Bb Trumpet and the YTR-9335CHS Artist Model Bb Trumpet at the show. Each Artist Model instrument is the result of extensive collaboration between skilled craftsmen and prominent musicians – in this case Yamaha Brass Designer Bob Malone and musicians Robert Sullivan and John Hagstrom. Also on display was the YCB-826S, a completely handcrafted Orchestral C Tuba, which retails for approximately $30,000. The Carbon Fiber Bow Premiere Kit includes three CBB-101 Standard model Carbon Fiber Violin Bows, one CBB-103 Intermediate model Carbon Fiber Violin Bow and two CBB-301 Standard model Carbon Fiber Cello Bows in a unique display case.
The B&O Division also introduced Grand Symphonic Concert Snare Drums – Yamaha is the first company to offer a stave constructed Rosewood shell – and Signature Series Trumpet Mouthpieces from Robert Sullivan and John Hagstrom.
In addition, the division held a press conference on Friday, January 20 to announce the winner of an essay contest it held last autumn to celebrate the milestone production of its 10 millionth wind instrument. Dr. Ella Steinberg, the band director at Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway, Calif., secured the honor – along with $20,000 in Yamaha wind instruments for her school – by relating how Yamaha has stood as a symbol of quality throughout her personal and professional life.
A second prize of $5,000 in Yamaha wind instruments has also been awarded to essayist M. Joseph Fischer of River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md. Visitors to the booth enjoyed performances by such Yamaha artists as violinist Christian Howes, saxophonist Frank Catalano, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, violinist Lisa Haley and vibraphonist Emil Richards.
Visitors to Yamaha's Piano Division exhibit were dazzled by a wide array of exciting demonstrations and events, including the Disklavier's chic and luxurious "Living Room" display, a "show-and-sell" setting that exemplified the optimum selling environment for the instrument. This display also featured ongoing demonstrations of one of the most exciting Mark IV features – Video Sync – which allows users to capture and replay the video image of a piano performance, with the Disklavier replaying the performance perfectly in sync.
And the entire Yamaha Disklavier line, led by the Wi-Fi-enabled Disklavier Mark IV, broke new ground when it was named – for the fifth consecutive year – as "Product of the Year" in the 12th annual Dealers' Choice Awards hosted by Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) magazine. The Yamaha Clavinova was also chosen as "Digital Piano of the Year" for the second consecutive year. MMR editor Don Johnson and Publisher Sidney L. Davis were on hand to present the awards to Yamaha executives on January 20.
That same day, recording auditions for the 3rd International Piano-e-Competition commenced at Yamaha headquarters in Buena Park, Calif. All the Disklavier-recorded material was made immediately available for on-floor presentations at the Yamaha Artist Services area of the Yamaha NAMM Piano booth for retailers and visitors to experience and enjoy.
The Yamaha Music Education Systems Division held its Junior Original Concert (JOC) Series on Friday, January 20 and Saturday January 21 in the Marquis Ballroom. Hosted by Kathy Anzis, the events featured 12 Yamaha Music School students, including 12-year-old Gabriel Dotson; 11-year-old Anna Grimes; 10-year-old Joey Chang; nine-year-olds Jessica Grimes, Lindy Schubring and Amanda Peterson; seven-year-olds Timothy Bi and Erin Bradley; and six-year-olds Delcia Peterson, Karalyn Schubring, Rahul Ramesh and Sasha Chappell, performing their original compositions developed through the internationally acclaimed Yamaha Method curriculum. All of the featured performers were taught under Heidi Grimes at the East Valley Yamaha Music School in Mesa, Ariz. Anzis took the opportunity to acquaint those in attendance with the unique, high-quality features of the Yamaha Music Education System for children.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.
Highlights of the show included a pair of gala performances – Friday evening's dealer concert featuring Brian Wilson, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Cole, k.d. lang and Gavin DeGraw with host Randy Jackson, and Saturday evening's sold-out "Yamaha Drums Presents Groove All Stars," which welcomed a who's-who of percussion talent to one stage in nearby Cerritos.
Gavin DeGraw |
On Thursday morning, Lewis took part in a high-profile breakfast panel about the future of music education and the music products industry along with NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, business guru Sir Ken Robinson, Peavey Electronics Corporation CEO Hartley Peavey and music legend Mick Fleetwood. The next morning, the Orange County Register cited Lewis's call for "more awareness of music's role in cultivating creativity and promoting wellness" on its front page.
Dealer Concert
Yamaha dealers were treated to a special concert on Friday, January 20 at Disney's California Adventure Park's Hyperion® Theater. The unforgettable evening featured extraordinary performances by everyone from today's hottest stars to legends and pop icons, and it was hosted by American Idol's Randy Jackson.
The evening began with platinum-selling Gavin DeGraw belting out hits such as "Chariot" and "I Don't Wanna Be." This was followed by k.d. lang with mesmerizing renditions of songs including "Constant Craving" and "Hallelujah." Jazz legend Al Jarreau lent his silky voice to the well-known tunes "We're in This Love Together" and the energetic "Boogie Down."
Natalie Cole, daughter of legendary Nat "King" Cole, wowed the audience with "Unforgettable," accompanied by a video display of her father singing along. Sarah McLachlan then showed off her amazing piano stylings with renditions of "Angel" and "Building a Mystery." Closing the show was Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Brian Wilson singing Beach Boys favorites such as "Good Vibrations" and "California Girls." The encore featured the evening's performers joining Wilson on "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Barbara Ann" while the audience sang along.
The Future of Music and Sound
Hosted by Yamaha product specialist Craig Knudsen, The Future of Music and Sound was an innovative music and technology presentation that showcased the Yamaha Disklavier's remote learning applications, outlining how teachers can instruct students in real time using Disklavier pianos hundreds, even thousands of miles apart.
The event concluded with a Yamaha "Remote Session," in which the Tyros2 and other Yamaha instruments including a WX-5 Wind MIDI Controller, DTXTREME IIS Electronic Drum Kit and Silent Electric Bass performed in a seamless virtual jam via the Internet with Yamaha product specialist Jarrod Radnich, who participated with a remote connection from Disneyland's "Tomorrowland."
Music Marketing Group Highlights
Elsewhere, exciting news and activities from Yamaha's various musical divisions spanned the length and breadth of the huge annual show.
The Yamaha Pro Audio and Combo Division(PAC) stormed Hall C with what Guitar marketing manager Bryan Savage called "a massive showing" of guitars and drums. The booth showcased a wide array of drum kits, including the limited edition 30th anniversary Steve Gadd kit, and also featured a special display with a drum set, bass, and guitar (along with a motorcycle) adorned with artwork by renowned tattoo artist Ed Hardy. The inviting booth also included a giant wall of guitars and an intimate acoustic guitar room that attracted droves of visitors. One of the most buzz-worthy concerts of the entire show, Groove All Stars, attracted an enthusiastic crowd of percussion devotees, and Yamaha Drums announced a major initiative to distribute Paiste Cymbals to independent music stores, which will increase the visibility of both companies.
Saturday's sold-out Groove All Stars performance at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts featured artists who have worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Tommy Aldridge, Zachary Alford, Eddie Bayers, Michael Bland, Bobby Blotzer, Tom Brechtlein, Gerry Brown, Matt Cameron, Keith Carlock, Ndugu Chancler, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Russ Kunkel, Jerry Marotta, Marvin McQuitty, Russ Miller, Andy Newmark, Chris Parker, John "JR" Robinson, Oscar Seaton, Ian Wallace, and Dave Weckl. Rick Marotta doubled as the evening's emcee, and was a key asset to the event's success and one of the musical highlights.
Yamaha artists came out in force to support Yamaha products and meet with fans at booth autograph sessions. Lines were long to see guitar superstars including Wes Borland, Frank Gambale, Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner Overdrive), James Black (Finger Eleven), Amir Derakh (Orgy), Ryan Shuck (Orgy), Ty Tabor (King's X), Doug Pinnick (King's X), Marc Rizzo (Soulfly), Mike Scaccia (Ministry and Rigor Mortis), Phil Lipscomb (Taproot), Nathan East, Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens of the Stone Age), Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Billy Sheehan, Lee Sklar, Lee Ritenour, Abraham Laboriel, Chris Poland (OHM), and Robbie Pagliari (OHM).
Yamaha Drums hosted its superstar drummers with booth appearances by: Jerry Marotta, Tom Brechtlein, Felix Pollard, Andy Newmark, Jamey Tate, Matt Cameron, Bogie Bowles, Gregg Field, Ian Wallace, Steve Schaeffer, John Robinson, Charles Collins, Ndugu Chancler, Zachary Alford, Gerry Brown, Pat Forero, Russ Miller, Dave Weckl, Herb Shucher, David Spinozza, Peter Erskine, Ralph MacDonald, Oscar Seaton, Ralph Humphrey and Steve Gadd.
Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division showcased its YTR-9445NYS Artist Model C Trumpet, the YTR-9335NYS Artist Model Bb Trumpet and the YTR-9335CHS Artist Model Bb Trumpet at the show. Each Artist Model instrument is the result of extensive collaboration between skilled craftsmen and prominent musicians – in this case Yamaha Brass Designer Bob Malone and musicians Robert Sullivan and John Hagstrom. Also on display was the YCB-826S, a completely handcrafted Orchestral C Tuba, which retails for approximately $30,000. The Carbon Fiber Bow Premiere Kit includes three CBB-101 Standard model Carbon Fiber Violin Bows, one CBB-103 Intermediate model Carbon Fiber Violin Bow and two CBB-301 Standard model Carbon Fiber Cello Bows in a unique display case.
The B&O Division also introduced Grand Symphonic Concert Snare Drums – Yamaha is the first company to offer a stave constructed Rosewood shell – and Signature Series Trumpet Mouthpieces from Robert Sullivan and John Hagstrom.
In addition, the division held a press conference on Friday, January 20 to announce the winner of an essay contest it held last autumn to celebrate the milestone production of its 10 millionth wind instrument. Dr. Ella Steinberg, the band director at Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway, Calif., secured the honor – along with $20,000 in Yamaha wind instruments for her school – by relating how Yamaha has stood as a symbol of quality throughout her personal and professional life.
A second prize of $5,000 in Yamaha wind instruments has also been awarded to essayist M. Joseph Fischer of River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md. Visitors to the booth enjoyed performances by such Yamaha artists as violinist Christian Howes, saxophonist Frank Catalano, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, violinist Lisa Haley and vibraphonist Emil Richards.
Visitors to Yamaha's Piano Division exhibit were dazzled by a wide array of exciting demonstrations and events, including the Disklavier's chic and luxurious "Living Room" display, a "show-and-sell" setting that exemplified the optimum selling environment for the instrument. This display also featured ongoing demonstrations of one of the most exciting Mark IV features – Video Sync – which allows users to capture and replay the video image of a piano performance, with the Disklavier replaying the performance perfectly in sync.
And the entire Yamaha Disklavier line, led by the Wi-Fi-enabled Disklavier Mark IV, broke new ground when it was named – for the fifth consecutive year – as "Product of the Year" in the 12th annual Dealers' Choice Awards hosted by Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) magazine. The Yamaha Clavinova was also chosen as "Digital Piano of the Year" for the second consecutive year. MMR editor Don Johnson and Publisher Sidney L. Davis were on hand to present the awards to Yamaha executives on January 20.
That same day, recording auditions for the 3rd International Piano-e-Competition commenced at Yamaha headquarters in Buena Park, Calif. All the Disklavier-recorded material was made immediately available for on-floor presentations at the Yamaha Artist Services area of the Yamaha NAMM Piano booth for retailers and visitors to experience and enjoy.
The Yamaha Music Education Systems Division held its Junior Original Concert (JOC) Series on Friday, January 20 and Saturday January 21 in the Marquis Ballroom. Hosted by Kathy Anzis, the events featured 12 Yamaha Music School students, including 12-year-old Gabriel Dotson; 11-year-old Anna Grimes; 10-year-old Joey Chang; nine-year-olds Jessica Grimes, Lindy Schubring and Amanda Peterson; seven-year-olds Timothy Bi and Erin Bradley; and six-year-olds Delcia Peterson, Karalyn Schubring, Rahul Ramesh and Sasha Chappell, performing their original compositions developed through the internationally acclaimed Yamaha Method curriculum. All of the featured performers were taught under Heidi Grimes at the East Valley Yamaha Music School in Mesa, Ariz. Anzis took the opportunity to acquaint those in attendance with the unique, high-quality features of the Yamaha Music Education System for children.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.
 |
| © 2010 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved. |