There are a lot of stories that, as Editor of The Retailer, I write every single year: “Born In The U.S.A.,” “Salute To Lesser-Publicized Music Products,” “Independent Retailer Roundtable” and several others. None of them, however, brings me greater pleasure and psychic income than writing this piece, which we colloquially call “The Good Stuff.” Here, we celebrate the music products manufacturers whose charitable, philanthropic and community-minded initiatives and activities serve to inspire the entire industry, and to make our world that much better.
Happily, there were so many good works this past year that, once again, we could not include every company that reached out to share its charitable efforts. So, consider what follows to be just a taste…a mere sampling of what your peers and colleagues are doing. Perhaps you will be, as I have been, inspired to do some “Good Stuff” of your own.
Hal Leonard Corp.
For decades, Hal Leonard Corp. and its executives, Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg, have been among the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s most important and active benefactors, helping to provide under-served youth across Milwaukee with safe places, academic help, warm meals and access to caring adults. Their support has allowed the organization to expand to 44 locations and serve more than 41,000 children and teens each year.
Going beyond the basics, Mardak and Vandenberg are committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality instruction and experiential learning, regardless of their circumstances. In 2014, their significant support allowed more than 1,000 Club members to learn drama, music and financial literacy via the following organizations: First Stage Milwaukee, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and Junior Achievement. Most Club members could never have dreamed of access to individualized instruction from such highly regarded professionals; Mardak and Vandenberg truly unlock doors by providing these opportunities.
First Stage is one of the country’s most acclaimed children’s theaters. Club kids now have access to its programming at all levels. Last season, 200 members from the Daniels-Mardak Club attended one of six different First Stage productions. Kids also participated in First Stage’s production residency, with 10 students performing in a culminating presentation at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
Nearly three dozen Daniels-Mardak Club members in grades six through 12 received instruction in piano, bass, guitar or drums from Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. As part of the program, 20 members participated in MYSO’s Calypso Camp, including a public performance. The Jazz Elements program provides music training—and the development of associated life skills—to students with limited access to such opportunities elsewhere, with music instruction increasingly being removed from their schools.
More than 60 Club members participated in guitar and drum lessons through the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Specifically, at the Lincoln Avenue Club, students constructed and painted their own drums, whereas, at Urban Day School, kids learned Afro-Caribbean drumming. At 81st Street School, the Suzuki Style Guitar Program offered both large classes and small-group lessons. Teachers commented that their students learned teamwork, communication, confidence, discipline and performance preparation as part of their experience.
Last summer, funding from Mardak and Vandenberg allowed nearly 800 Club members to visit Junior Achievement’s BizTown and Finance Park programs, which simulate real-life financial scenarios for children and teens. Attendees from 27 different Club locations completed personal finance curriculum for several weeks prior to their visit. As a result of their visit, 97 percent of students reported they’d learned how important it is to stay in school, as well as to continue their education after graduating.
Electro-Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix (EHX) recently donated a Tone Tattoo multi-effects pedal and a Ravish Sitar pedal (total retail value: more than $600) to Habilitat, The Place of Change, for its annual Habilitat Luau fundraising auction. Habilitat, located in Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the nation’s foremost long-term rehabilitation centers for substance abuse and alcohol addiction. Founded in 1971, it is a self-supporting non-profit organization. In addition, EHX donated $1,000 to Team Josie in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Team Josie was created by Vintage Guitar magazine’s Founder, Alan Greenwood, whose grandniece, Josie, lost her battle with leukemia in 2007 at the age of 3½. To date, Team Josie has raised more than $60,000 for charity.
D’Addario & Co.
The D’Addario Foundation, which is solely funded by D’Addario & Co., feels strongly that music-education programs are a priority for a healthy community. Over the past 30 years, it has donated more than $10 million to award grants and to support more than 200 non-profit music-education programs worldwide. This past year, the D’Addario Foundation donated more than $500,000 to non-profit music-education programs, and it spearheaded several new initiatives to foster the growth of music communities worldwide.
The D’Addario Foundation had many 2014 highlights. One was starting its own El Sistema-inspired string lesson program, providing 35 students free instruments and lessons three days a week for two hours a day on Long Island NY. El Sistema’s approach to music education emphasizes intensive ensemble participation from a young age, group learning, peer teaching and a commitment to keeping the joy and fun of creating music ever-present.
Another highlight was hosting the D’Addario Performance Series, which is a biannual program that provides two of the world’s best young, emerging guitarists an opportunity to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Often, this is their U.S. debut. The Foundation also announced the West Coast Edition of the D’Addario Performance Series through a partnership with the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts.
And how’s this for a fitting capstone to 2014? For the second year in a row, the Foundation received the Outstanding Community Service Award during this year’s Music & Sound Awards presentation.
Shure
Shure has always operated under an established set of Core Values, which were created by the company’s Founder, S.N. Shure, 90 years ago. One of the basic tenets of these Core Values is that Shure will be a good corporate citizen to its local community and the industries it serves. Shure participates in many corporate and associate-based charitable and philanthropic activities, which include product donations, food drives, associate volunteerism and a variety of company-matching donation programs. Each year, Shure donates products to cultural institutions and organizations like museums, theaters, performing arts centers and numerous youth music-education programs.
“We have a strong desire to support the major cultural institutions in Chicago, which have such a positive effect on our quality of life,” stated Rose L. Shure, Chairman, Shure Inc. “It seems quite natural to contribute our equipment and our expertise to meet their needs for the audio products we manufacture.”
Shure associates are continually seeking new and creative ways to give back to the community. Some examples include making plarn (plastic yarn) out of plastic bags that is then crocheted and made into sleeping mats for the homeless; participating in the Special Olympics plane pull; engaging in the annual Chicago Cares Serve-A-Thon and J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Race; and serving as mentors for the First Robotics science and engineering mentoring program.
Financial charitable support is facilitated through the company-sponsored United Way payroll donation program, as well as a matching program through which the company matches donations made by its associates to charitable organizations of their choosing. In times of crisis, Shure increases this matching program to support relief efforts for things like natural disasters and tragedies.
“We always try to follow the example of our Founder, S.N. Shure, in everything we do,” noted Sandy LaMantia, Shure’s President and CEO. “He cared deeply for people: not just his family, friends and Shure associates, but also for the larger community of mankind. Our continued commitment to being good corporate citizens is a tribute to him.”
Alfred Music
Alfred Music, in collaboration with Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, delivered 95 Daisy Rock Girl Guitars: Girl’s Ukulele Starter Packs in Atomic Pink, totaling more than $7,000 of musical instruments and curriculum, in support of Ukuleles for Ukraine, a project that was created by Quinn Boylan and Mark Griffiths to provide an orphanage of 100 children in Cherkasy, Ukraine with basic supplies. These include clothes and medicine, along with musical instruments to give the children their first music lessons.
“As the worldwide leader in educational print music, it is our core mission to help the world experience the joy of making music,” stated Ron Manus, Alfred Music’s CEO. “By partnering with Daisy Rock Girl Guitars to support this event, we are helping to strengthen a music program that will provide music-making opportunities for young people who may otherwise not have received an education in music.”
This recently released starter pack includes a Daisy Rock Ukulele in Atomic Pink, as well as a matching gig bag and the Girl’s Ukulele Method with accompanying CD. The ukulele is constructed with Daisy Rock Girl Guitar’s trademark “slim and narrow” neck, feminine design on select wood and quality components. The wood neck and arched fingerboard with simple and clean white dot inlay round out the ukulele’s look, sound and feel.
“We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Alfred Music and Daisy Rock Girl Guitars,” remarked Quinn Boylan. “Thanks to their support, we’ll be able to bring instruments to this orphanage, and encourage the creativity and musicality of children who are parentless and lack the opportunities we’re used to.”
KMC Music
Manufacturers, dealers and musical instrument industry guests who want to tee off at the KMC Music Golf Tournament can book their tee times now for June 8. It was recently announced that the 28th annual event will be held at the Blue Fox Run Golf Course in Avon CT. “This annual event has been part of the DNA of KMC for 28 years,” remarked KMC Music’s President, Mark Terry. “And, now that KMC Music is part of the JAM US MI Group, this tradition is going to continue for, hopefully, 28 more years! It’s simply one of the most important events on the KMC calendar, and we know it is a tradition that the entire MI industry looks forward to every year.”
The 2015 event should generate enough money to reach the $150,000 mark in total donations generated to date for the Paul Newman-created Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, according to tournament organizer Roger Hart, KMC Music’s Vice President of Merchandising. “For many years, the event raised money for several charities, but, since 2006, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has been the sole beneficiary of the outing.”
The event promises to be just as challenging and fun-filled as the previous 27 events. The day will begin with a shotgun round of golf, lunch and a post-event evening of dinner and entertainment. Platinum and Gold level sponsorship programs are available. The Platinum Level costs $1,250 and includes a hole sponsorship, corporate signage, branding in all print materials, four rounds of golf (inclusive of cart, lunch, cocktail reception and dinner) and four beverage tickets. The Gold Level costs $625 and includes corporate signage, branding in print materials, two rounds of golf (inclusive of cart, lunch, cocktail reception and dinner) and two beverage tickets.
Sponsorship of one beverage cart is available for $1,500 and includes corporate signage, branding in print materials, four rounds of golf and four beverage tickets. Sponsorship of three drink stations is available for $625 each and includes corporate signage, branding in print materials, two rounds of golf and two beverage tickets. The individual golfer fee is $225 and includes the round of golf, lunch, cocktail reception and dinner.
Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., donated digital pianos and synthesizers to six new Notes for Notes Recording Studios at Boys & Girls Clubs and after-school facilities across the country. The donated instruments will be used by the Notes for Notes team to help give youth the opportunity to explore, create and record music for free, particularly in high-need geographic areas that are also removing arts from the curriculum.
“Music can be a very powerful outlet for today’s youth to express themselves in a positive way, and it can also be a great tool for developing an individual’s self-esteem,” said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instrument Division. “We are proud to support a worthy cause such as Notes for Notes, and we’re excited to bring our electronic musical instruments to the new recording studios, enabling the aspiring musicians of tomorrow to fine-tune their skills.”
Notes for Notes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that designs, equips and staffs after-school recording studios inside Boys & Girls Clubs and after-school facilities, offering youth the opportunity to explore, create and record music, free of charge. At the core of the organization is a focus on putting youth on positive paths with music as the first step.
“Exploring sound through amazing instruments such as the PX-5S and XW-G1 can unlock the musical potential some youth never imagined they had,” enthused Philip Gilley, CEO/Co-Founder of Notes for Notes. “Taking what was only imagined and sharing it with the world is true empowerment, and we are so thankful to Casio for helping us create those opportunities every day.”
Córdoba Guitars
Córdoba Guitars has been creating quality nylon-string guitars and ukuleles for the modern musician for years; along with this dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, Córdoba is also devoted to sharing these instruments with organizations devoted to music education and awareness. In 2014, Córdoba donated 35 guitars to the Fender Music Foundation, which was created in 2005 with the mission of providing instruments to school music classrooms, after-school programs and music-therapy programs.
The Museum of Making Music, an interactive museum where visitors can discover the history of music and instruments, received a Córdoba C7 classical guitar and two Córdoba ukuleles. Córdoba Guitars also donated 10 UP100 ukulele packs to Danielle Pellizzeri’s organization, UkeCANdoit, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring young people to overcome their challenges and discover their passions.
Harman
The Harman Volunteer Committee has been making great strides in helping its community and creating a greater sense of camaraderie on the Northridge CA campus. A group of employees spanning the Harman Professional and Lifestyle divisions comes together once a month to discuss and plan philanthropic activities throughout the year. The Harman Volunteer Committee’s activities serve to help prevent domestic violence, hunger and disease, while also aiding in animal rescue. “We have had huge success not only raising money for different charities, but also having our 280 employees volunteer their free time to various causes,” Co-Chairman Mike McCarthy said.
“We feel that working locally is important, and we are committed to giving back to this community, which has given so much to all of us,” noted Bryan Bradley, GM of JBL Professional and AKG Professional, as well as a Harman Volunteer Committee member.
Examples of charitable contributions in the past year include volunteering for, and participating in, the 5-10K Walk/Run for the Center for Assault Treatment and Services; donating to, raising money for and participating in the Great Strides Walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; raising supplies and donations for the LA Mission after it burned down last year; and volunteering and donating food during Thanksgiving at the Valley Food Bank. The year culminated with the fulfillment of holiday wish lists for all the children and mothers at the Haven Hills Abuse Shelter. The entire Harman staff bonded over a “wrap party” to adorn their “adopted” children’s presents.
“It was truly amazing,” McCarthy said. “It just warms your heart to see your fellow employees working together to help those less fortunate. It really is what the Harman Volunteer Committee is all about.”
A Passion To Serve: One Man’s Transformative Experience
As I’m finding out, there’s a pretty large contingent of “non-music” people in the music industry. Although I’m sure there are myriad anecdotes of what drew us into it, I’d like to share a slightly different story, while holding the common thread. The music business is always about passion. Sometimes, though, it’s also about jumping off the figurative cliff, even without a whole lot of logical reasoning. The important thing is how our passion creates an energizing and encouraging effect, one that is self-perpetuating.
Our story starts in the middle. We’ve been in business for a little while—this year is number 67—and our “in” to the trade is supplying music folders for choirs, orchestras, marching bands and so forth. Our affiliation with organizations like NAMM and the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA) not only introduced us to some wonderful and inspiring people, but also showed us how their lives were forged by music. Coming from a strictly manufacturing background, we found this attitude more than just compelling: we found it captivating. We became involved and began to support music-centered causes, such as arts education, Guitars not Guns, Little Kids Rock, etc. Then, we were asked by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to donate folders for its National Ensemble.
NAfME was kind enough to invite us to the concert in June 2012 at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. To make a long story short, although our company donates products and money, I was challenged to donate something I’ve never donated before: my time. This was the “jumping-off-the-cliff decision,” because I hadn’t done anything like this in the past…nothing even close. Throwing all logic aside, my daughter and I left for Kenya three weeks later. (She volunteered at a medical clinic, whereas I served at orphanages.)
To be truthful, the airport in Nairobi isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing one I’ve ever visited. But the transfer at night into the town of Kikuyu was like entering a different world. If you’ve ever had a “What the [BLEEP] did I get myself into?” moment…well, it was kind of like that. Once daylight came, our orientation was at the Westgate Mall, then we went to visit the orphanage and then we were pretty much on our own. My first day solo was spent getting lost trying to find the orphanage and figuring out the Matatu minibus system (which is another story in itself). What I did find on that first day was a lot of really nice and helpful people. As each day went by, we got to know our new neighborhood and became friends with a lot of the people we saw on our routine. But the kids in the orphanage were a much different story.
As I am learning, there’s a lot that’s needed in Kenya, and people deal with things the best they can. When kids at orphanages see foreign visitors, their first inclination is to be forward and ask for things…and then more things. And then more things. It’s just the way it is. Most visitors don’t return, so we’re looked at as a kind of resource to them. But, as time goes by, a very interesting and unexpected thing happens: you get to know them. These children have little. (And, by “little,” I mean limited water to drink, often no food to eat, sleeping sometimes six per bed, etc. And these are the more fortunate ones.) But, yet, they make up such a happy family. Their compelling story and captivating spirit soon became the reason to get up each morning and spend the day with them.
As time went by, I got to know them even better. They wanted to have careers, such as being doctors, pilots and secretaries. Eliud Ngunda wanted to be a lawyer because, he said, he wanted to help people. I was—and I still am—faced with a question: if these beautiful kids with such stifling challenges want a better life, is there anything I can do to try to help? In the same way that music is the passion that motivates for many (including myself), these kids have affected me and motivated me.
Frustration is a common word to describe situations such as those in Kenya. Many good efforts have been attempted, but they have come up short. It really is one step forward and one step back. In my short history here, it is by far the prevailing tendency to experience this and then to stop any future support. I’ve had quite a few such experiences myself. My conclusion, though, is you get frustrated at adults, at decisions, at organizations, etc., but it shouldn’t mean that these children suffer through no fault of their own. This is why I continue to make the effort, even while the odds are against me.
So, you might be asking yourself, why am I having this discussion, which isn’t particularly music-related, in The Retailer? It’s because I believe the same premise applies: find something you’re passionate about and follow through on it. As for music, I admit I didn’t always quite understand the music the kids were singing. But, walking on Sunday mornings and hearing music coming from every corner of Kikuyu was a magical experience.
As for me? I’m writing this on a plane to Nairobi to see some kids from whom I’ve been away for too long. My efforts are to continue telling their story, because it’s not only a compelling one, but also, my heart tells me, one that’s worthwhile. I’ll also try to help in any small way I can. (For example by assisting with the orphanage lease, paying tuitions for some of the kids, providing money for food, coordinating running water systems to orphanages, working on building projects and making time for a lot of playing with the kids.)
Finally, I’m humbled to have received many gracious offers of support (money, clothes, school and medical supplies). I am only the courier, but I get to experience the genuine appreciation that such generosity brings. So, to all who have helped, thank you.
—Art Livingston, President,
Marlo Plastic Products, Inc.
The Music People (TMP)
The Music People (TMP) has chosen to give back in a way that only true “music people” can. Over the past year, the company has given many monetary and instrumental donations to various worthy entities. In the late summer of 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Viral Campaign swept the nation, reaching into both the musical instrument and the pro-audio industry. In response to a challenge from one of their customers, several members of the TMP team went under the bucket and challenged others in the industry, including MI manufacturers and retailers, to do the same. In addition to getting soaked with ice water, TMP also made a monetary donation to ALS, and also matched donations from its employees.
The Music People has always spread the gift of music to young people and music-education programs, and 2014 was no exception. Last year, TMP made monetary or product donations to T3 Triple Threat Youth Mentors, Mishkan Learning Center, Epoch Arts and Hartford Camp Jam. T3 Triple Threat Youth Mentors is a music, acting and dance company that supplies mentoring to at-risk and disadvantaged children. Mishkan Learning Center is a learning entity that specializes in assisting disadvantaged and at-risk teens. Epoch Arts is a neighborhood program that aims to assist kids in learning, experiencing and engaging with the arts. It aims to build communities, to educate young people and, as a result, to share similar objectives. Hartford Camp Jam’s purpose and mission is to teach young musicians how to become effective band members. TMP is proud to continue its mission of supporting future musicians.
Hurricane Katrina happened nearly a decade ago. However, New Orleans and the surrounding areas are still struggling to rebuild and regain their arts programs, especially in the education system. So, when TMP’s President, Jim Hennessey, heard students in the Northwest Catholic High School’s music program were collecting instruments for students in New Orleans area schools, he made a donation. “Our overall objective is to help those in need, as well as to serve those in our industry,” Hennessey affirmed. “Music can be very empowering, and we’re hoping our small contributions can make a large change in the well-being of many.”
National Educational
Music Company (NEMC)
National Educational Music Company (NEMC) last year completed its third annual Music Is Life contest by presenting the winning performance group, The Reading Intermediate HS Jazz Band of Reading PA, with a prize package worth $11,000. NEMC’s Music Is Life contest is a nationwide video performance competition open to any school-based performance group, including bands, orchestras, choirs and small ensembles. Applicants are required to submit a short performance video to showcase their talents, with the winner selected on the company’s Web site by popular vote. Conducted by NEMC with prize support from F.E. Olds and Conn-Selmer, the contest’s grand prize winner received a new F.E. Olds four-valve euphonium, a Selmer baritone sax and a check to the band boosters for $1,000.
Reading Intermediate HS Jazz band director Charlie DiCarne said, “We are grateful for the new instruments and proud to have been selected. The students all work very hard, so it’s great for them to be recognized. We have a growing program in a fiscally constrained environment, so the additional instruments will be put to good use.”
According to NEMC’s President, David Benedetto, the contest “was designed to stimulate creativity, recognize achievement and help school music groups work toward a common goal that fosters teamwork.”
ESP Guitars
Each year, in the United States alone, more than 100,000 underage girls are trafficked for sex, and more than 35 million people today are held in slavery worldwide, per FBI statistics. Rock Against Trafficking (RAT) is a 501(c)(3) organization established to fight for the end of child slavery worldwide. ESP Guitars has lent support to its campaign by raising awareness and donating instruments for the organization’s projects and events.
“It’s appalling that this terrible violation of human rights continues to grow while most people are completely unaware that it’s happening,” said ESP’s Senior Vice President, Jeff Moore. “ESP is happy to be able to lend a hand to the Rock Against Trafficking organization, spreading the word via any means necessary.”
Rock Against Trafficking was founded by Gary Miller, an internationally renowned English music producer, composer, arranger and songwriter. The organization uses the power of music and the entertainment industry to generate proceeds and critical resources to fund the most effective charitable platforms, which work directly to rescue and rehabilitate abused children, to prosecute perpetrators and to create global awareness of the horrors of child labor and sex trafficking.
RAT has recently gathered a group of artists for a special recording project called “Set Them Free,” a collection of covers by Sting and The Police that will include Slash and Fergie, members of Journey, Heart, Julian Lennon, En Vogue, Carlos Santana and others. ESP participated in the project, helping to raise awareness by giving away instruments and promoting a song cover contest to its base of customers. ESP also supported RAT’s large live-music fundraising event during Grammy week in February.
Peavey Electronics
Peavey Electronics continues to make a positive impact through its Corporate Citizenship program. With a focus on wellness, the arts and youth organizations, the company supports a wide range of initiatives each year through financial contributions, as well as donations of products and services. “We firmly believe in the importance of taking what we have and using it to make the world a better place,” said Mary Peavey, President of Peavey Electronics. “Peavey has always been a strong advocate for supporting the community and working with passionate groups and individuals to better the planet.”
Peavey provides ongoing sponsorship of an award-winning corporate wellness program that is provided free of charge to its employees and their families. The program offers individually tailored support in areas that include nutrition, exercise and stress management. Peavey also supports the Go Green Initiative, which focuses on teaching adults and children to improve their quality of life by making healthy, sustainable choices. “Through this program,” said Peavey, “we believe we are teaching children to be environmental stewards for a lifetime.”
Peavey also works to enrich people’s lives through arts education. A member of the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Board of Commissioners and a former Texas “Arts in Community” award recipient, Mary Peavey is an ardent patron of the arts. “Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to see the positive impact that Mississippi’s art makes in the lives of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures,” Peavey noted. “The creative spirit of Mississippi has inspired generations of musicians, writers and visual artists around the world.”
In celebration of that spirit, Peavey sponsors the annual Mississippi Governor’s Arts Awards, which honor individuals who, and organizations that, contribute to the state through exceptional vision and creativity. “One of this year’s featured recipients,” said Peavey, “was Craig Wiseman: one of American country music’s most decorated songwriters. He has written well over 300 songs, 100 charted singles and 19 number-one hits, including his collaboration with Tim Nichols, ‘Live Like You Were Dying,’ which was recorded by Tim McGraw.”
Korg USA
Korg USA has established a reputation of being a responsible corporate partner for several charitable and philanthropic organizations. “Korg has long been committed to enhancing the lives of musicians and inspiring others to be active members of the community in which we live and work,” remarked Korg USA’s President, Joe Castronovo. “Our goals and vision for the company go beyond products and profits. We enjoy supporting employees’ charitable interests, and encourage staff to get involved and make a difference.”
This past year, Korg USA organized a company-wide food drive resulting in 500lb. of food collected for Long Island Cares, Long Island’s first food bank. Founded in 1980 by the late Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and activist Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares has evolved into one of the region’s most comprehensive hunger-assistance organizations. In addition to supporting the organization’s annual events both financially and with volunteers, Diana T. Cecchini, the CFO and VP of Finance for Korg USA, serves on the Board of Directors for Long Island Cares.
Korg USA also supports The Musicology School of Long Island by donating musical instruments and equipment from its full line of brands to the performance-based music school. “Musicology’s mission is to elevate the level of education across all musical genres,” shared John Ortenberg, Chief Vibe Officer for Musicology. “Korg has been a key part of our success by providing us with the best gear on the market. Korg’s commitment to our endeavors has been instrumental in our success.”
Korg USA has provided monetary donations and products to charities that include The Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association’s Guitars in the Classroom Initiative and the Teaching Guitar Workshop to help school music educators start or enhance classroom guitar programs. Korg USA has also donated tiny pianos to the Sunrise Day Camp and guitars and ukuleles to Camp Can Do, both summer camps for children with cancer. Korg USA has provided administrative resources, office space and instruments to The Miracle Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those diagnosed with cancer, for which Castronovo is on the Board of Trustees.
PreSonus
Music students from the Tipitina’s Foundation’s Tipitina’s Internship Program have discovered a great opportunity to rehearse and learn recording in a first-class professional recording studio, thanks to PreSonus. The Tipitina’s Foundation, a non-profit organization created from, and partially supported by, the famous Tipitina’s music club of New Orleans, operates a statewide network of workforce-development and job-skills training centers, serving more than 2,400 Louisiana musicians, filmmakers and other digital media workers, known as Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Ops. These Co-Ops provide amenities such as computers, Internet connections, printers, telephones, graphic design tools, and music and video editing systems to musicians who can’t afford, or who don’t otherwise have access to, office and basic music-production resources. Musicians also benefit from a variety of tutorials and on-site technical support.
PreSonus first established a relationship with the Tipitina’s Foundation in 2010, donating gear and providing technical support. Since December 2014, PreSonus has provided studio space for the Baton Rouge class of Tipitina’s Foundation interns, a weekly mentorship program under the direction of Chris Thomas King. Every Tuesday evening, approximately 10 students record and rehearse at PreSonus’ professional-caliber recording studio, in rooms that were custom designed by the Walters-Storyk Design Group. Eventually, Tipitina’s Foundation students from around Louisiana will record a special Tipitina’s album in PreSonus’ studio.
“Since most PreSonus employees are Louisiana musicians, the Tipitina’s Foundation is very special for us,” noted PreSonus’ Director of Education, John Mlynczak. “We are proud to host the Foundation’s recording sessions and rehearsals at our facility, and it’s fun to see and hear the kids improve their musical skills every week.”
Tipitina’s Foundation Executive Director Bethany Paulsen added, “We’re delighted that PreSonus would invite us to their home and provide these exciting opportunities for our kids to learn and record in a professional environment.”
Yamaha
For the seventh consecutive year, Yamaha Cares participated in the Southern California Half Marathon and 5K races to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County for Type 1 juvenile diabetes research. In January, about two dozen Yamaha staff members and friends completed one of the two races. In addition, more than 100 individuals contributed donations: the highest number of participants since the program’s inception. The more than $17,000 raised this year, thanks to matching funds from Yamaha Cares for each donation, brings the grand total of overall donations to just over $77,000. Children’s Hospital of Orange County is one of just a handful of research facilities in the U.S. trying to find a cure for Type 1 juvenile diabetes.
“When I started this fundraising tied in with the races, there was no way I could have imagined what a success it would evolve into,” said Dave Jewell, Marketing Communications Manager, Yamaha Corp. of America. “Each year, more and more people get involved…whether it’s running in one of the races, pledging financial support or both. This year, it jumped to an even higher level in so many ways. And, on top of the money that’s raised for such an important cause, everyone who participates does so with a true attitude of caring, which attests to the spirit of giving at Yamaha and beyond.” Jewell began to raise funds and awareness for the hospital after doctors diagnosed his daughter, Katrina, with Type 1 juvenile diabetes in 2005.
A significant change this year was that Jewell created a CrowdRise campaign, called KatrinaKures, to encourage online donations. Also, merchants from the area of California where Jewell lives and works, including the Corner Bakery Cafe in Anaheim Hills and the Olive Garden in Orange, donated the food for the post-race gathering, adding to the total funds that will be donated to the center. An informal group of friends from the LA Fitness where Jewell works out, known as “The Gym Ratz,” also contributed to the community spirit that marked the campaign this year.