Yamaha SupportED Publication Offers All the Essentials for Instrumental Band and Orchestral Teachers

BUENA PARK, Calif(May 9, 2016) – SupportED is a new publication written specifically for instrumental band and orchestral teachers. It serves as an active platform to share everything from updates on educational initiatives to practical teaching tips. Launched by the Band & Orchestral division of Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA), the publication will appear online quarterly and will be distributed twice a year as a printed version.

“As the industry leader in support of music education, Yamaha has a deep commitment to inspire, empower and equip music educators by offering helpful resources to them,” said John Wittmann, director of artist relations and education for the Yamaha Band & Orchestral division, and editor for SupportED. “This magazine was created to help hard-working band and orchestral directors be the best teachers they can possibly be. Directors have many different needs, and our hope is that through SupportED, we can reach and assist as many of them as possible.”

Recurring features in each issue will include practical tips, inspirational stories about schools that have overcome programming challenges, instrument spotlights, a clinic calendar, and in-depth interviews with Yamaha artists.

World-renowned saxophonist Dr. Kenneth Tse was the featured artist in the first issue’s cover story. His drive to be a musician propelled him forward from his early days as a self-taught music student in Hong Kong to virtuoso performances on stages all over the world. The inaugural segment of “Tips for Success” was written by prominent electric violinist/clinician, Christian Howes, who offered his five-step planning guide to prepare teachers to bring a guest artist into their school music program. The initial “Success Story” went behind the scenes at Canton, Georgia’s Teasley Middle School to reveal how parents, staff and community members won $20,000 in band instruments and provided more playing opportunities for eager young students.

The second edition of SupportED shines the light on more resources designed to help directors. The cover story takes a look into what makes the highly acclaimed trombonist and composer Wycliffe Gordon tick as he continues to grace schools worldwide with his larger than life presence. There are articles about improving relationships with school administrators, innovative ways to approach ear training, and help in understanding the crucial changes in legislation that will affect instrumental programs.

Additional information about Yamaha SupportED is available at http://www.yamahasupported.com.