Yamaha Scores Big at Winter NAMM 2007
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Attendees filled Yamaha's four display booths at Winter NAMM 2007, as the company accepted a host of industry awards and sponsored numerous popular concerts, underscoring Yamaha's status as the world's premier musical instrument manufacturer.
"The palpable excitement and energy displayed at Winter NAMM established positive momentum for the rest of the year," stated Terry Lewis, senior vice president, Yamaha Corporation of America, Music Marketing Group. "Our ability to continually provide the most innovative and highest quality musical products in the world is directly linked to the strong relationships and collaborations we enjoy with our dealers, our service providers and our artists. It was heartening to see such a great turnout this year."
Yamaha Dealer Concert Dazzles
A great Yamaha tradition continued on Friday, January 19, when some of the music industry's brightest and most respected stars took the stage at the sold-out 2007 Yamaha Dealer Concert.
Artists that performed included: the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire; top producer and singer/songwriter Richard Marx; singer/songwriter and a founding member of Styx, Dennis DeYoung; New Orleans' renowned Dr. John; Tony Award-winner Heather Headley; leading producer and singer/songwriter Tommy Sims; and hot new artist Teddy Geiger. Emmy Award-winner Wayne Brady hosted the unforgettable event, which included a full orchestra, all-star house band and gospel choir. Disney's California Adventure® Park's beautiful Hyperion® Theater was the setting for the evening's breathtaking performances.
Divisions Display Innovative Products, Host Ground-Breaking Events
To most effectively showcase its offerings, Yamaha's Pro Audio and Combo Division (PAC) displayed its wares in two different locations. The Music Production, Live Sound, Digital Pianos, Portable Keyboards and Accessory departments set up shop in the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott. A steady stream of visitors viewed the new products and listened to presentations by expert performers and technicians; an impromptu performance by Stevie Wonder on the new Motif synthesizer drew a large crowd.
The booth also hosted a well-attended media tour, along with several award ceremonies: Musical Merchandise Review magazine bestowed its Dealer's Choice Award in the Pro Digital Piano Line of the Year category to the CP300 and CP33 stage pianos; Music & Sound Retailer also presented a range of awards, including Best Software Product of the Year to Steinberg's Cubase 4, Best New Mixer/Console to the EMX5014c and Best New Keyboard/Sound Module to the YPG-625 – which also won the award for 2006 Product of the Year.
Yamaha Guitars and Yamaha Drums occupied space in the Convention Center's Main Hall. The latest electric guitar and bass offerings hung on an attractive and inviting display wall. The acoustic guitar nook featured an intimate stage that hosted performances by George Lynch, Frank Gambale and Dave Lopez. In addition, six-string ace Johnny Hiland stopped by to strum the new CPX900 acoustic-electric guitar.
Yamaha guitar artists had a great time signing autographs and meeting with fans at booth autograph sessions. Long lines snaked around the corner as attendees waited to meet Wes Borland, Frank Gambale, George Lynch, Troy Van Leeuwen, Robby Takac, Lee Sklar, Lee Ritenour, Al Jourgensen, Marco Mendoza, George Pajon, Jr., Troy Sanders, Chris Poland and Robbie Pagliari.
Yamaha Drums set up risers to dramatically showcase its drum kits, including the stunning 40th Anniversary Washi Drum Set, which attracted a throng of admirers. Product specialists showed off the new DTXPRESS IV electronic drum set as passersby tapped on the dozen or so snare drums set up at the booth's edge.
Yamaha drum artists who signed drum heads for eager fans included Steve Gadd, Jerry Marotta, Ndugu Chancler, Larry Lelli, Paul Brochu, Felix Pollard, Wolfgang Haffner, Phil Ehart, Ray Brinker, Khari Parker, Pete Merriweather, Bogie Bowles, John "JR" Robinson, Charles Collins, Russ Miller, Herb Shucher, Russ Kunkel, Prairie Prince, Sonny Emory, Ivan Hampden, Ralph Humphrey and Sean Paddock.
Rogers Drums displayed its new product line in Hall D on the main floor of the Anaheim Convention Center, the venerable brand's first showing at NAMM in decades.
Rogers Drums, founded in 1849, is one of the most sought-after vintage drums. In summer 2006, Yamaha Corporation of America acquired the intellectual property rights to Rogers at auction following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Brook Mays Music Company.
Yamaha's PAC Dealer Meeting, one of the highlights of the weekend, featured all of the division's new products. Cheech Marin hosted an entertaining and informative presentation. Marketing managers Wayne Hrabak and Mark Anderson played supporting roles in skits with Marin that showed off the STAGEPAS 500 and the PSR-S500 arranger workstation, respectively. Highlights included a drum solo by Paul Brochu, who built a complex theme on the 40th Anniversary Washi Kit, and a demonstration of the DTXPRESS IV by product specialist Chris Cash. Wes Borland showed off the capabilities of his new signature guitar during a solo that began with intricate fingerpicking and ended with crunchy power chords. Special guest, country guitar session sensation Albert Lee, played a five-minute solo on the new APX900 acoustic-electric model.
Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division showcased its Yamaha Certified Sales Professional Program. This series of online audiovisual-based training modules is designed to provide detailed information to help dealers with an overall understanding of Yamaha Band & Orchestral instruments, including woodwind & brass, percussion and string instruments.
Also unveiled were the YBL-830 Xeno Bass Trombone and YBL-822G Xeno Bass Trombone. The horns, designed with the assistance of key orchestral players and soloists throughout the world, are the newest addition to the world-class line of Xeno brass instruments.
The B&O Division also showcased its TP-3100 Series Timpani. Offering improved sound and increased transportation ability, the TP-3100 series is ideal for percussion instructors, band directors and students, and is a great set to use when practicing at home or in rooms where space is limited and moving the timpani often is a requirement.
Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary of String instrument production, Yamaha recently manufactured its 100,000th string instrument, a SV-120 Silent Violin. This instrument, along with a Silent Violin and Silent Cello, was donated by Yamaha to NAMM's Museum of Making Music. The company also displayed a fully collapsible Silent Cello, as well as Student Acoustic Cellos.
Also displayed were the 800 Series wooden recorders, which are finely handcrafted of seasoned woods and produce a warm, rich tone, as well as Tuba Feet and Mallet Instrument Bar Bags. Visitors to the booth enjoyed performances by such Yamaha artists as trumpet player Wayne Bergeron, string quartet Bella Rumore, vibraphonist Emil Richards, trombonist Andy Martin and flutist Jim Walker.
Visitors to Yamaha's Piano Division were offered a glimpse of the future of music education with demonstrations of "Remote Lesson," a pioneering, Internet-based educational application for its Disklavier Series of reproducing pianos. The application enables a student to play an exercise or a piece on a Disklavier piano in one location, while a teacher can sit listening, watching and critiquing at a second Disklavier, connected via the Internet, hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Attendees were impressed with the demonstration, which featured Product Specialist George Litterst communicating and collaborating in real-time with Yamaha staff and piano students located at Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. in Manhattan.
The piano division also unveiled the strikingly stylish Modus H01 digital piano, which features a sophisticated, slim style, inspired by the success of the Clavinova Slimline. Also debuting was the Disklavier 2.0 Upgrade for the Mark IV series, which includes such revolutionary new capabilities as Disklavier Music Store and Disklavier Radio. Enhancements to the Clavinova CLP Series were also launched, including the CLP-265GP and CLP-295GP, and new polished ebony finishes for the CLP-220 and CLP-230. Finally, a luxurious new satin walnut finish for Yamaha's Cable-Nelson brand acoustic was revealed.
For an unprecedented sixth consecutive year, the Yamaha Disklavier took top honors as "Product of the Year" in the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) "Dealer's Choice" Awards. In addition, Yamaha acoustic pianos were named "Acoustic Piano Line of the Year" and for the third year in a row, the Clavinova Series was recognized as "Home Digital Piano Line of the Year." MMR editor Don Johnson and Publisher Sidney L. Davis were on hand to present the awards to Yamaha executives on January 18.
The Yamaha Music Education Systems Division held its Junior Original Concert (JOC) Series on Friday, January 19 and Saturday January 20, in the Marquis Ballroom. These entertaining performances drew raves from numerous NAMM attendees.
The concerts featured three outstanding Yamaha Music School students performing their original compositions. Emily Tu, age 11, a student at the Bergen Yamaha Music School in Paramus, N.J. performed "Scherzo in C Minor," for solo piano; Benjamin Brosche, age 13, a student at the Fredericksburg Yamaha Music School in Fredericksburg, Va. performed "Rapid Fire," for piano, bass, drums, and saxophone; and Isaac Quinones, age 7, a student at Heid Yamaha Music School in Appleton, Wisc. performed "Searching for Dupont Circle."
Yamaha Corporation of Japan President Shuji Ito, Yamaha Corporation of America President Yoshi Doi and Yamaha Corporation of America Music Education General Manager Miki Yoshimori attended the concert and gathered with the accomplished young performers for a photo session prior to the Friday performance.
On Saturday, Yamaha Music Foundation Managing Director Kazunobu Yamada and Deputy Senior General Manager Tatayuki Yotsuji of the International Music Education Division, Yamaha Music Foundation attended the concert and posed for pictures with performers, co-performers, teachers and staff at the conclusion of the show.
The Institutional and Commercial Services (ICS) Department highlighted the newly-launched Music In Education (MIE) 3XG system. The MIE3XG system features an extension of applications that are changing the way music is taught. The printed books for the system were developed jointly with Hal Leonard, more user-friendly cabling provides teachers with a better environment, the keyboard is a new color and the voice structure has been rearranged. In addition, education iMacs will be provided with the MIE3XG.
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.
 Yamaha's donation of a Silent Cello, Silent Violin and its 100,000th string instrument manufactured to NAMM's Museum of Making Music.
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Yamaha Dealer Concert Dazzles
A great Yamaha tradition continued on Friday, January 19, when some of the music industry's brightest and most respected stars took the stage at the sold-out 2007 Yamaha Dealer Concert.
Artists that performed included: the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire; top producer and singer/songwriter Richard Marx; singer/songwriter and a founding member of Styx, Dennis DeYoung; New Orleans' renowned Dr. John; Tony Award-winner Heather Headley; leading producer and singer/songwriter Tommy Sims; and hot new artist Teddy Geiger. Emmy Award-winner Wayne Brady hosted the unforgettable event, which included a full orchestra, all-star house band and gospel choir. Disney's California Adventure® Park's beautiful Hyperion® Theater was the setting for the evening's breathtaking performances.
Divisions Display Innovative Products, Host Ground-Breaking Events
To most effectively showcase its offerings, Yamaha's Pro Audio and Combo Division (PAC) displayed its wares in two different locations. The Music Production, Live Sound, Digital Pianos, Portable Keyboards and Accessory departments set up shop in the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott. A steady stream of visitors viewed the new products and listened to presentations by expert performers and technicians; an impromptu performance by Stevie Wonder on the new Motif synthesizer drew a large crowd.
 At the ceremony marking the YPG-625 as the winner of the 2006 Music & Sound Awards for Product of the Year and for Best Keyboard/Sound Module, Music & Sound Retailer editor Brian Berk (l) looks on as Mark Anderson (m), marketing manager for portable keyboards, and Tom Sumner (r), vice president and general manager for Yamaha's Pro Audio & Combo Division, share a smile.
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Yamaha Guitars and Yamaha Drums occupied space in the Convention Center's Main Hall. The latest electric guitar and bass offerings hung on an attractive and inviting display wall. The acoustic guitar nook featured an intimate stage that hosted performances by George Lynch, Frank Gambale and Dave Lopez. In addition, six-string ace Johnny Hiland stopped by to strum the new CPX900 acoustic-electric guitar.
Yamaha guitar artists had a great time signing autographs and meeting with fans at booth autograph sessions. Long lines snaked around the corner as attendees waited to meet Wes Borland, Frank Gambale, George Lynch, Troy Van Leeuwen, Robby Takac, Lee Sklar, Lee Ritenour, Al Jourgensen, Marco Mendoza, George Pajon, Jr., Troy Sanders, Chris Poland and Robbie Pagliari.
Yamaha Drums set up risers to dramatically showcase its drum kits, including the stunning 40th Anniversary Washi Drum Set, which attracted a throng of admirers. Product specialists showed off the new DTXPRESS IV electronic drum set as passersby tapped on the dozen or so snare drums set up at the booth's edge.
After awarding the Tour Custom drum kit with the 2006 Music & Sound Award for Best Drum Set, Brian Berk (l), editor of Music & Sound Retailer, shakes hands with Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. Next to them are Jim Haler, product manager, Yamaha Drums, and Tom Sumner (far right), vice president and general manager of Yamaha's Pro Audio & Combo Division.
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Rogers Drums displayed its new product line in Hall D on the main floor of the Anaheim Convention Center, the venerable brand's first showing at NAMM in decades.
Rogers Drums, founded in 1849, is one of the most sought-after vintage drums. In summer 2006, Yamaha Corporation of America acquired the intellectual property rights to Rogers at auction following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Brook Mays Music Company.
Yamaha's PAC Dealer Meeting, one of the highlights of the weekend, featured all of the division's new products. Cheech Marin hosted an entertaining and informative presentation. Marketing managers Wayne Hrabak and Mark Anderson played supporting roles in skits with Marin that showed off the STAGEPAS 500 and the PSR-S500 arranger workstation, respectively. Highlights included a drum solo by Paul Brochu, who built a complex theme on the 40th Anniversary Washi Kit, and a demonstration of the DTXPRESS IV by product specialist Chris Cash. Wes Borland showed off the capabilities of his new signature guitar during a solo that began with intricate fingerpicking and ended with crunchy power chords. Special guest, country guitar session sensation Albert Lee, played a five-minute solo on the new APX900 acoustic-electric model.
 Trumpet artist Wayne Bergeron performs at the Yamaha Band & Orchestral booth at Winter NAMM 2007.
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Also unveiled were the YBL-830 Xeno Bass Trombone and YBL-822G Xeno Bass Trombone. The horns, designed with the assistance of key orchestral players and soloists throughout the world, are the newest addition to the world-class line of Xeno brass instruments.
The B&O Division also showcased its TP-3100 Series Timpani. Offering improved sound and increased transportation ability, the TP-3100 series is ideal for percussion instructors, band directors and students, and is a great set to use when practicing at home or in rooms where space is limited and moving the timpani often is a requirement.
Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary of String instrument production, Yamaha recently manufactured its 100,000th string instrument, a SV-120 Silent Violin. This instrument, along with a Silent Violin and Silent Cello, was donated by Yamaha to NAMM's Museum of Making Music. The company also displayed a fully collapsible Silent Cello, as well as Student Acoustic Cellos.
Also displayed were the 800 Series wooden recorders, which are finely handcrafted of seasoned woods and produce a warm, rich tone, as well as Tuba Feet and Mallet Instrument Bar Bags. Visitors to the booth enjoyed performances by such Yamaha artists as trumpet player Wayne Bergeron, string quartet Bella Rumore, vibraphonist Emil Richards, trombonist Andy Martin and flutist Jim Walker.
 During a demonstration of the ground-breaking Disklavier "Remote Lesson" capability, Product Specialist George Litterst, located on the show floor in Anaheim, communicates live with Disklavier Product Specialist Bill Brandom at Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. in Manhattan.
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The piano division also unveiled the strikingly stylish Modus H01 digital piano, which features a sophisticated, slim style, inspired by the success of the Clavinova Slimline. Also debuting was the Disklavier 2.0 Upgrade for the Mark IV series, which includes such revolutionary new capabilities as Disklavier Music Store and Disklavier Radio. Enhancements to the Clavinova CLP Series were also launched, including the CLP-265GP and CLP-295GP, and new polished ebony finishes for the CLP-220 and CLP-230. Finally, a luxurious new satin walnut finish for Yamaha's Cable-Nelson brand acoustic was revealed.
For an unprecedented sixth consecutive year, the Yamaha Disklavier took top honors as "Product of the Year" in the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) "Dealer's Choice" Awards. In addition, Yamaha acoustic pianos were named "Acoustic Piano Line of the Year" and for the third year in a row, the Clavinova Series was recognized as "Home Digital Piano Line of the Year." MMR editor Don Johnson and Publisher Sidney L. Davis were on hand to present the awards to Yamaha executives on January 18.
 Yamaha Corporation of America President Yoshi Doi, Yamaha Corporation of Japan President Shuji Ito, and Yamaha Corporation of America Music Education General Manager Miki Yoshimori join Yamaha Music School students Emily Tu, age 11, Isaac, Quinones, age 7 and Benjamin Brosche, age 13 prior to the Yamaha JOC concert. |
The concerts featured three outstanding Yamaha Music School students performing their original compositions. Emily Tu, age 11, a student at the Bergen Yamaha Music School in Paramus, N.J. performed "Scherzo in C Minor," for solo piano; Benjamin Brosche, age 13, a student at the Fredericksburg Yamaha Music School in Fredericksburg, Va. performed "Rapid Fire," for piano, bass, drums, and saxophone; and Isaac Quinones, age 7, a student at Heid Yamaha Music School in Appleton, Wisc. performed "Searching for Dupont Circle."
Yamaha Corporation of Japan President Shuji Ito, Yamaha Corporation of America President Yoshi Doi and Yamaha Corporation of America Music Education General Manager Miki Yoshimori attended the concert and gathered with the accomplished young performers for a photo session prior to the Friday performance.
On Saturday, Yamaha Music Foundation Managing Director Kazunobu Yamada and Deputy Senior General Manager Tatayuki Yotsuji of the International Music Education Division, Yamaha Music Foundation attended the concert and posed for pictures with performers, co-performers, teachers and staff at the conclusion of the show.
The Institutional and Commercial Services (ICS) Department highlighted the newly-launched Music In Education (MIE) 3XG system. The MIE3XG system features an extension of applications that are changing the way music is taught. The printed books for the system were developed jointly with Hal Leonard, more user-friendly cabling provides teachers with a better environment, the keyboard is a new color and the voice structure has been rearranged. In addition, education iMacs will be provided with the MIE3XG.
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.