Renowned Jazz Drummer Donates Yamaha Drumline to Frederick Douglass High School Drum Corps
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Earth, Wind and Fire's former drummer Sonny Emory presented the Frederick Douglass High School drum corps with a new Yamaha drumline on Thursday, October 26. The donation included marching percussion instruments, multi-toms, bass drums, tenor drums and carriers.
This gift was made possible by Yamaha's Band and Orchestral Division, Bette Midler, WXIA-TV's "11 Alive," and Jackson's Music Store. Proceeds from the June "Nurturing the Gift" concert featuring Bruce Hornsby and Francine Reed also contributed to the donation. The presentation included performances by Emory as well as more than thirty members of the high school drum corps.
An alumnus of Frederick Douglass High School, Emory is committed to educating young drummers. "Music is the essential ingredient to a well-rounded education," said the famed Atlanta drummer. "We hope this gift will inspire these students to keep music in their lives and take positive steps toward the future."
Emory occupied the drum chair of Earth, Wind & Fire for 13 years. A Grammy-award winner, he has also performed with Stanley Clarke, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, Bruce Hornsby, Al Jarreau and Boz Skaggs. His latest project is the deep funk band State of the Art. He also teaches percussion at Georgia State University.
"Sonny Emory has a reputation for not only being an exceptional drummer, but a generous and caring individual," states Yamaha Band and Orchestral Division Percussion Marketing Manager Troy Wollwage. "We are delighted to be associated with him and his charitable endeavors on behalf of music education."
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamahapercussion.com.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. Products include: acoustic and digital pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio products, wireless content, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets. Yamaha Corporation of America also owns Yamaha Exporting, Inc., a subsidiary engaged in exporting many products and materials to overseas markets including Japan.
 Yamaha representative David Suter, Sonny Emory and Jackson's Music Store Owner Doug Dryden with members of the Frederick Douglas High School drum corps. |
An alumnus of Frederick Douglass High School, Emory is committed to educating young drummers. "Music is the essential ingredient to a well-rounded education," said the famed Atlanta drummer. "We hope this gift will inspire these students to keep music in their lives and take positive steps toward the future."
 Sonny Emory conducts the Frederick Douglass High School drum corps. |
"Sonny Emory has a reputation for not only being an exceptional drummer, but a generous and caring individual," states Yamaha Band and Orchestral Division Percussion Marketing Manager Troy Wollwage. "We are delighted to be associated with him and his charitable endeavors on behalf of music education."
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamahapercussion.com.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. Products include: acoustic and digital pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio products, wireless content, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets. Yamaha Corporation of America also owns Yamaha Exporting, Inc., a subsidiary engaged in exporting many products and materials to overseas markets including Japan.