"Battle of the Bands" Benefit Concert Brings Wounded Soldiers the Gift of Music
BUENA PARK, Calif. — More than 1,000 people rocked out as nine bands competed in a "Battle of the Bands" concert at Cohanzie Fire Department-Pavilion in Waterford, Conn. in early August. The concert raised $16,000 in support of Operation Music Aid, with a good portion of the funds attributed to the donation work provided by the Waterford Ambulance Association and Waterford Fire Department.
Developed by Yamaha dealer George Hauer at Madison Music Center in Madison, Conn., Operation Music Aid is a program which donates musical instruments to hospitalized military members who fought in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Over 350 instruments have already been shipped to Walter Reed (Washington, D.C.) and Brooke Army (Fort Sam Houston, Texas) Hospitals.
A special raffle and silent auction were also held. Raffle prizes included a Yamaha Billy Sheehan Signature Model-bass guitar, Yamaha five-piece drum set and a 1968 Les Paul Reissue guitar. The silent auction featured such gifts as a Yamaha PSR-E203 keyboard and a Yamaha F-325 guitar, as well as a personally autographed Grease poster signed and donated by John Travolta.
"Yamaha has been with us from the beginning," states Madison Music Center owner George Hauer. "Their generosity and specifically the help of Portable Keyboard Marketing Manager Mark Anderson, has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated their complete commitment to Operation Music Aid. They are truly a fantastic organization."
The "Battle of the Bands" grand prize winner was awarded a 10-hour recording session at Digital Protocol studio, second place received $500 and third place received $250. Local radio personalities and Yamaha dealers judged the bands based on the quality of original material and performance.
"Yamaha works diligently to make the creation of music and playing an instrument accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances," says Mark Anderson, marketing manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "It's extremely gratifying to play a part in Operation Music Aid and know that our instruments are providing wounded soldiers with music as a healing tool."
About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer based products targeted at both the amateur and professional markets.
 Yamaha Drums and Guitars |
A special raffle and silent auction were also held. Raffle prizes included a Yamaha Billy Sheehan Signature Model-bass guitar, Yamaha five-piece drum set and a 1968 Les Paul Reissue guitar. The silent auction featured such gifts as a Yamaha PSR-E203 keyboard and a Yamaha F-325 guitar, as well as a personally autographed Grease poster signed and donated by John Travolta.
"Yamaha has been with us from the beginning," states Madison Music Center owner George Hauer. "Their generosity and specifically the help of Portable Keyboard Marketing Manager Mark Anderson, has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated their complete commitment to Operation Music Aid. They are truly a fantastic organization."
 Yamaha Named Official Sponsor of Battle of Bands Concert |
"Yamaha works diligently to make the creation of music and playing an instrument accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances," says Mark Anderson, marketing manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "It's extremely gratifying to play a part in Operation Music Aid and know that our instruments are providing wounded soldiers with music as a healing tool."
About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer based products targeted at both the amateur and professional markets.