Celebrating its 45th year in drum manufacturing, Yamaha is an industry leader in supporting music education.

Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/28/2012 -- Yamaha got its start making musical instruments in 1887. At the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, a Yamaha piano and organ received an honorary grand prize. In 1967, Yamaha parlayed its substantial expertise with wood and steel from piano manufacturing into an exciting new area: building the world's finest drum kits. The drum lineup expanded to both marching and concert percussion products in late 1984, when the company embarked on its mission to become the world's leading percussion instrument manufacturer.

"As the industry leader in supporting music education, Yamaha recognizes the value of knowledge, which we share both inside and outside our organization," says Troy Wollwage, Band & Orchestral Percussion Marketing Manager. "Within Yamaha, all divisions share their latest musical technologies across platforms, which fosters innovation and creativity. Outside the organization, Yamaha has a distinguished track record of supporting music in the schools and offering informative Band and Orchestral clinics around the country at local dealerships, as well as supporting a variety of percussion events throughout the year."

The percussion department at Yamaha has a long-standing commitment and an unrivaled focus on educational endeavors. For instance, Yamaha is the only musical instrument manufacturer to sponsor all four major drum events, Drum Corps International, Bands of America, Winter Guard International and the U.S. Scholastic Band Association. Yamaha sponsored drum and bugles corps have taken 15 DCI titles and 14 High Percussion titles. In addition to supporting the Percussive Arts Society, Yamaha is actively involved with numerous state-level Music Educators Associations. In the United States, an industry leading 192 collegiate-level drumlines depended upon Yamaha during the fall season.

With the largest artist roster in the industry by far, the company enjoys fruitful collaborations with 209 percussion artists culled from the ranks of elite educators across the country – nearly 20 percent of whom hold doctoral degrees. In 2010, Yamaha spent over a quarter of a million dollars to support clinics that enhance techniques and help attendees get the most from their musical instruments. The company employs three internal marketing staff with nearly 30 years of combined experience with the company.

The marching and concert percussion product lineup is manufactured to exacting standards in Japan, China and the United States. Celebrating its 45th anniversary of making the world's top drums, Yamaha continues is mission to blend new technology with its rich history and dedication to education.

For more information about Yamaha products, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments and sound reinforcement products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Yamaha SOS program connects developing musicians with some of the top names in marching percussion.

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/25/2012 -- Yamaha is pleased to announce its 2012 Sounds Of Summer (SOS) Program. An integral part of the continuing education of thousands of percussion students nationwide, the Yamaha SOS program connects eveloping musicians with some of the top names in marching percussion.

As one of the first programs created by Yamaha after the creation of its Marching and Concert Percussion Department 29 years ago, Sounds of Summer represents the Company's long-standing commitment to not only provide young musicians with world-class instruments, but also support for music education. It is estimated that over 55,000 students have participated in a Yamaha Sounds of Summer camp.

In 2011 alone, Yamaha coordinated camps spanning 24 states across the country, teaching over 2,000 young percussionists. Each camp featured at least one talented and driven Yamaha Clinician that provided in depth, hands-on instruction during these intensive clinics.

In addition to tee-shirts and lanyards, Yamaha provides each camper with "The Marching Essentials" book series, which includes music written by top Yamaha Artists including, Jon Weber, Tracy Wiggins, Ian Moyer, Colin McNutt, Bret Kuhn, Jim Campbell, Alan Keown, Ben Maughmer and Clif Walker.

Learn more at the official Sounds of Summer web site: http://www.4wrd.it/SOS2012.

The mobile site may be accessed at http://www.4wrd.it/SOS2012MOBILE.

"As an industry leader in music education, Yamaha recognizes the value of connecting developing musicians with our talented roster of artists," says Troy Wollwage, Band & Orchestral Percussion Marketing Manager. "These outstanding and informative clinics are proof of Yamaha's unrivaled focus on education."

For more information about Yamaha products, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit usa.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments and sound reinforcement products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Yamaha's class-leading arranger workstation used by keyboardists for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Oakland A’s

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2012 -- For the last three decades, the Oakland A's have pumped recorded music into their ballpark to enhance the fan experience on game days. A few years ago, when team officials decided they wanted live music during home games, they considered the cost of installing an organ in the Oakland Coliseum – and balked.

But when management learned that a Yamaha Tyros4 arranger workstation keyboard could pinch hit for a classic organ while providing hundreds of modern instrument sounds and styles -- and that Dan "Fingers" Rodowicz could help get the crowd going during games, they let him try his hand. Since then, Rodowicz and the Tyros have been delighting fans and players alike with their musical stylings at select home games.

"Tyros is a great instrument for ballparks because it incorporates old school organ sounds along with more hip, contemporary effects," said Rodowicz, Western Regional Sales manager, Keyboard Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "It combines the magic of a live organ experience with the added surprise of recreating popular hits that sound remarkably true to the original. It really helps create a more enjoyable and memorable experience for the fans."

Beyond acclimating to the acoustics and echoes of playing in a large "doughnut shaped" stadium, Rodowicz also needed to learn the ropes in terms of MLB music "etiquette." All in-stadium musicians are required to follow Major League Baseball rules regarding music, including strictures against playing when a batter is in the box and avoiding songs that insult the umpires, such as "Three Blind Mice" or disparaging the visiting team.

While Rodowicz relies on crowd pleasers by Michael Jackson or Huey Lewis and The News, he does have the leeway to play, say, "Bad Day," by Daniel Powter, when an opposing pitcher gets pulled.

This season, Rodowicz, who grew up a Phillies fan, will perform at 20 A's home games.

For several years, The Arizona Diamondbacks' musical director Bobby Freeman has used the Tyros for in-game entertainment at the team's stadium, Chase Field. He also relies on the Tyros when he performs at community relations appearances on behalf of the team.

"People applaud when Dan is introduced, clap along when he plays a tune, and yell 'charge' at just the right time," Troy Smith, the A's senior director of marketing, told a local newspaper. "I can't claim that we've sold more tickets or hot dogs, but I am certain that fans have a lot of fun when Dan is playing."

For more information about Yamaha products, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments and sound reinforcement products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Yamaha Artist's New CD Earns Coveted Titles by Popular Music Media

Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Yamaha Artist Services Indianapolis congratulates internationally renowned trumpet soloist and Yamaha artist, Jens Lindemann, whose most recent CD, Dreaming of the Masters, has just earned the coveted titles "Solo CD of the Year" and "Solo Recording of the Year" by the popular website, 4barsrest and famed magazine, British Bandsmen, respectively. Lindemann favors a range of Yamaha horns including the YTR-9335VS and collaborated on the development of the YTR-988.

Lindemann also performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics with Yamaha (YCAA) Artist Michael Buble. There, he played a brand new, gold-plated YTR-9335VS trumpet.

"Jens is blessed with exceptional talent and an ability to play the trumpet with exceptional ease, fluidity and flair," says John Wittmann, Director, Artist Relations, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This acclaimed work showcases his outstanding musicianship and we're thrilled that it's receiving this well-deserved recognition."

According to Lindemann, "Dreaming of the Masters," which was an artful collaboration with Foden's Band, was "intentionally designed as a meeting of North American style and versatility with the classic sound of a storied British Brass Band." Lindemann, who received classical training at the esteemed Julliard School of Music in New York, has since gone on to exhibit an immense range and dexterity across genres – a factor that has solidified his status as a diverse, world-class performer.

Lindemann began performing at a very young age, and was an award-winning soloist with orchestras at numerous festivals while still in his teens. He also placed first, by unanimous juries, at both the Prague and Ellsworth Smith (Florida) International Trumpet Competitions in 1992. Since then, he has played in virtually every major concert venue in the world and has performed at London's '"Last Night of the Proms," recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, played lead trumpet with the renowned Canadian Brass and performed a solo Command Performance for the Queen of England.

Lindemann has achieved a number of distinctions in his career, including Grammy and Juno nominations, the prestigious Echo Klassik award in Germany and an honorary doctorate from McMasters University. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he is a professor at UCLA.

For more information about Yamaha, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and sound reinforcement 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, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Recorder Express Game Brings Sheet Music to Life with the Use of a Recorder as the Game Controller

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/07/2012 -- Yamaha Band and Orchestral Division congratulates longtime Yamaha friend and collaborator Artie Almeida on the win of the online version of her book, Recorder Express, for an SBO magazine "Best Tools For Schools Award." Prevailing in the "Best Teaching Tool For Young/Elementary Students" category, the game was selected by a discerning team of expert educators and administrators in attendance at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California.

Based on Alfred Publishing's award-winning Recorder Express method by Artie Almeida, the Recorder Express Game offers up to 120 folk, pop, holiday and original songs within an interactive game environment that brings sheet music to life with the use of a recorder as the game controller. Developed to make practicing both fun and interactive, the Recorder Express Game features an easy-to-understand user interface that is suitable for children to operate with little to no teacher assistance.

Harnessing a unique patent-pending technology developed to increase student motivation to practice, the game helps students advance faster and effectively shortens the learning process. Three easy steps make practicing on the Recorder Express Game easy to navigate: choose a page, choose an exercise, and play. Game designer JoyTunes offers educators a gratis Teacher Version of the game—adaptable to any curriculum—that includes printable sheet music, playback ability, and more. Additionally, teachers can connect with students online and access student performance report features such as average practice time data, time last played, and overall performance score for an engaged educational setting.

"We congratulate Artie, Alfred Publishing and JoyTunes on this wonderful recognition," said Roger Eaton, Director of Marketing, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division. "Clearly, this combination of solid music teaching and interactive learning environment is changing the way young children learn and practice the recorder."

Learn more at http://www.joytunes.com.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and sound reinforcement 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, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2012 -- Yamaha's Acoustic Conditioning Panels have been named one of 2012's Best Tools for Schools by School Band and Orchestra magazine. Recognized as the "Best Concert Band/Orchestra Teaching Tool" for classroom use, the Panels were selected by a discerning team of expert educators and administrators in attendance at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California.

"Yamaha sought to create a tool that would significantly improve the way student musicians hear their music while they practice," said Roger Eaton, Director of Marketing, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division. "The Acoustic Conditioning Panels do just that. By providing the ideal balance of acoustic absorption and scattering, they allow sound to resonate clearly and vibrantly in smaller spaces like school music practice rooms. We're delighted that the ACP panels have earned this honorable distinction."

Yamaha's Acoustic Conditioning Panels are an ultra-thin, low-cost, easy-to-set-up solution that can transform any space, big or small, into a dedicated music room with high-quality, ear-pleasing sound. Measuring only three centimeters deep, the Acoustic Conditioning Panels are easy to install virtually anywhere, and they greatly enhance sound clearness and balance from low to high frequencies, 80-4KHz, in a process enabled by the panel's unique acoustic absorption and acoustic scattering properties.

To learn more about the Acoustic Conditioning Panels, visit http://www.yamaha.com.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and sound reinforcement 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, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Yamaha Corporation of America presented a 50th Anniversary Year Partnership Award to Southern Methodist University in a ceremony on September 23.

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/15/2011 -- Celebrating a significant partnership in the Company's US history, Yamaha Corporation of America presented a 50th Anniversary Year Partnership Award to Southern Methodist University in a ceremony in Caruth Auditorium on September 23. Jose Bowen, Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts, and Sam Holland, Director of the Division of Music, accepted the award on behalf of SMU.

"This award is only given to a select group of institutions who are leaders in incorporating technology and electronics in their music programs, and whose faculty are doing outstanding work in community outreach," said Michael Inman, District Manager for Yamaha's Keyboard Division. "In addition to meeting these criteria, SMU was selected for taking an early interest in using Yamaha products in their programs, embracing music technology as fundamental to the future of music education, and for partnering with Yamaha to provide local opportunities for area educators."

Yamaha recognized that North Texas is a region notable for its sense of music appreciation. "The area has nationally recognized university piano programs, and genuine community interest – so many people here truly enjoy and seek out piano performances, more so than in other areas of the country," noted Inman. "That is why we are especially proud to honor SMU."

Other schools that have received the prestigious award include the Berklee College of Music in Boston and The San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

The award plaque will be permanently displayed in the SMU Meadows Division of Music office.

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, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The First Yamaha Drum & Bugle Corps Recently Released its iPhone and Android Apps, Now Available at the iTunes Store and Android Market

Buena Park, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/02/2011 -- Embracing leading-edge technology to connect with its fans, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, the first corps ever to use Yamaha instruments, recently released its iPhone and Android Apps, now available at the iTunes store and Android Market.

The Scouts iPhone and Android Apps offer access to remastered audio recordings of the corps from 1954-present, streaming video, photos, tour schedules and the latest news feeds. The Madison Scouts app is now available for download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market for $4.99, with most of the selling price going directly to support the corps.

"This application is a must for any die-hard Scouts fan," said Executive Director Chris Komnick. "When you download the apps, you support the Scouts and stay connected to all corps activities – as well as enjoy the music from Yamaha's exceptional instruments."

"Given the close relationship and storied history between our two organizations, it's no surprise that the Madison Scouts share Yamaha's commitment to leveraging the latest in music technology," said Troy Wollwage, Band & Orchestral Percussion Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This new app will help so many more people experience not only the Madison Scouts, but the quality and consistency of Yamaha instruments."

The Scouts are one of the most recognized drum corps throughout the world, having been a DCI Finalist 36 times in the past 39 years. The corps is a two-time DCI World Champion and continues to perform shows that ignite audiences throughout its summer tour.

Since the partnership was forged in 1985, the Madison Scouts have carried Yamaha exclusively, but that is only the beginning. The corps has lent its expertise to the testing of Yamaha percussion products in the rigors of an outdoor setting, and has contributed directly to the development of landmark offerings such as the MTS snare drum, the YMRD-2400 marimba, the YVRD-2700 vibraphone and the Multi-Frame I and Multi-Frame II. A variety of new product colors, drum wraps and coated hardware has been put through their paces in the Scouts' capable hands.

A complete timeline of the two organizations' shared history can be found online at www.yamaha.com/band.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com/press.

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, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm