Yamaha Corporation of America
National Presenting Sponsor
Since 1887, when it began producing reed organs, the Yamaha Corporation in Japan, has grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of a full line of musical instruments, and a leading producer of audio/visual products, semiconductors and other computer related products, sporting goods, home appliances and furniture, specialty metals, machine tools, and industrial robots. Yamaha owns numerous subsidiaries and affiliates in overseas markets in addition to a number of related companies in Japan. The Yamaha Corporation of America was established in 1960 and offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. YCA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan, and is the largest of all global subsidiary companies. Learn more www.yamaha.com.
FJM
Official Uniform Sponsor
Fred J. Miller Inc. (FJM) has over 55 years of experience in all phases of pageantry, during which it has developed an unparalleled reputation within the industry. FJM is a family owned business and each family member is involved in all aspects of the pageantry activity. FJM Inc. brings to you the customized service and knowledge of the industry to make your performers look their absolute best. Learn more www.fjminc.com
Music Travel Consultants
Official Travel Partner
Founded in 1986, Music Travel Consultants has established itself as a leader in specialized student music group tours. Each program is custom-designed to meet the group's needs, and, best of all, there are no hidden costs. Three award-winning former band directors lead MTC's staff, and its operations team has over 150 years of combined group travel experience to over 150 countries! MTC's sales staff consists exclusively of past and present music educators, music parents and music advocates, each of whom has unique insight into the needs and demands of traveling student music groups. Learn more www.music-travel.com
Wenger Corporation
Official Equipment Sponsor
The Wenger Corporation was established in the basement of Harry Wenger in Owatonna Minnesota in 1946. He and his wife Ruth would travel to state music conventions and take orders for products like the Sousaphone Chair that helped students support the bulky instrument. By 1970 Wenger grew from $3 million to $21 million with the introductions of popular new product lines. Today Wenger employs over 500 manufacturing, marketing and sales professionals and offers nearly 600 products and sell all over the world. Wenger is a classic American success story. For over 60 years this has been a place where good people have put hard work behind good ideas. Learn more www.wengercorp.com
Remo, Inc.
Corporate Sponsor
Remo is an American drumhead and banjo head company founded by Remo D. Belli in 1957. Remo D. Belli experimented with PET film as a possible material for the production of drumheads after World War II due to its consistency in tonal qualities and resistance to weather changes. Throughout the 1960s, it was a fight to gain market acceptance, as purist jazzmen preferred the sound of natural calfskin. Rock drummers, however, appreciated the added durability and attack. In addition to drumheads, Remo also produces drumsets and ethnic percussion instruments. Learn more at www.remo.com
NAMM
Strategic Advocacy Partner
NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry. Founded in 1901, NAMM has been the engine driving the music products industry, enabling both large and small businesses to maximize productivity and reduce the costs of doing business. With more than 9,000 Members in the United States and 100+ other countries, NAMM is ultimately dedicated to expanding the market and giving people of all ages the opportunity to experience the proven benefits of making music. Learn more www.namm.org
Vic Firth, Inc.
Associate Sponsor
For over 40 years, Vic Firth has been a leader in design, innovation and technology. He has pioneered new concepts and methods to constantly improve upon the manufacturing process, resulting in the world's best drumsticks and mallets. The company began when Firth, who had been performing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 12 years, was asked to perform pieces, which he felt required a higher quality drumstick than those that were currently being manufactured. Firth decided to design a set of his own sticks. Today, the Vic Firth, Inc. product line has grown two products to approximately 300 products in its catalog, and the company manufactures 12 million sticks a year. Learn more www.vicfirth.com
DANSR
Associate Sponsor
DANSR is the U.S. importer for Vandoren products and North American Importer of Denis Wick mouthpieces and mutes. Our mission is very clear: We want to make you the most successful musician, dealer or educator you can be. On this site you'll find information on products, tips for better teaching and ways to improve your bottom line. It's our vision to help you be successful, our passion to follow through and provide you exactly what you need and if we do so the results will be extraordinary. Learn more www.dansr.com
SmartMusic
Associate Sponsor
SmartMusic is award-winning learning software with the power to transform music learning. Students of all ages and skill levels can play or sing with professional accompaniments, making practice both rewarding and fun. SmartMusic gives students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of music from the world’s largest accompaniment library featuring thousands of titles for band and orchestra, solo contest repertoire, popular method books, jazz, and skill-building exercises. Smart Music is a product designed by MakeMusic, the world leader in software and systems for music educators and musicians. Learn more www.smartmusic.com
Center X Productions
Program Sponsor
Marching Show Concepts responded to the needs and requests of top-level clients with an innovative platform for totally custom field shows on a national scale, Center X Productions. A success out of the gate in 2007, Center X Productions syncs the nation’s high profile drill designers with original works by the best marching band composers and guarantees exclusive performance rights at each competition location. These competitive shows offer the best of the best and make it easy to produce award-winning performances at an affordable price. Now, well recognized at field show competitions everywhere, Center X Productions continues to maximize the strengths and talents of students across the nation with their out-of-the-box productions, written to each group’s exact specifications and requirements. Learn more www.centerxproductions.com
Jolesch Photography
Official Photographer of Music for All
Jolesch photographs over 1,000 events across the United States each year. Using our original time-proven methods we work along with our clients to make sure photographs are taken as efficiently and unobtrusively as possible, ensuring that your event goes smoothly. Whatever your function, we can accommodate to take excellent photos that preserve the moment forever. With over 30 years of history, our reputation as America’s premier group and event photographer is well-earned. Jolesch specializes in graduation parties, marching band contests, sports, music festivals, weddings and etc. Learn more www.jolesch.com
Mr. Video Productions
Strategic Partner
Mr. Video Productions was formed in 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska, as a small, local-event video company. Mr. Video designed and developed a one-of-a-kind business management system. This system was written and designed specifically to handle large-scale data entry and fulfillment needs for speculation event video production and currently manages in excess of 33,000 different video products. Mr. Video developed relationships in the scholastic community and is today regarded as the most-trusted name in scholastic video services. Today, Mr. Video boasts an exceptional staff of videographers traveling the country continuously, logging enormous camera hours and providing customers with expert event videographer skills. Learn more www.mrvideoonline.com
PepWear
Strategic Partner
For more than 20 years, PepWear has been commemorating high school experiences. We started out selling t-shirts at band competitions, and now PepWear attends more than 800 school-related events throughout the United States each year. Originally called Music T’s, PepWear was formed in 1987 when a father realized that band kids weren’t getting the recognition they deserved for their musical accomplishments. Over the years, we expanded our offerings to serve any group needing custom apparel and merchandise—whether a sports team, marching band, church youth group, corporation or charity event. Not only are we creating great memorabilia, we are also supporting nonprofit organizations running music and sporting events all over the country. Learn more www.pepwear.com
Drum Corps International (DCI)
Strategic Partner
From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Through the annual DCI Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 17 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League. Learn more www.dci.org
Winter Guard International (WGI)
Strategic Partner
WGI was founded in 1977 to draw together the growing winter guard activity, standardize rules, and provide leadership and guidance. WGI Sport of the Arts is the world's premier organization producing indoor color guard and percussion ensemble competitions. As a non-profit youth organization, WGI serves as the leading governing body of the winter guard and indoor percussion activities. WGI offers a network of Regional contests in the U.S., Canada, and Europe culminating in an annual International Championship in April. Now entering its 33rd year, the sport continues to evolve and grow. Learn more www.wgi.org
Percussive Arts Society
Strategic Partner
The Percussive Arts Society is the world's largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, our mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. For over 45 years the Percussive Arts Society has been serving all levels of percussion performers as well as the percussion industry. Each year PAS hosts the largest percussion convention in the world, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), featuring the top names in drumming and percussion. Learn more www.pas.org
Jazz Education Network (JEN)
Strategic Partner
The Jazz Education Network is founded in the spirit of collaboration, creativity and commitment. Professionals in music education, business, industry and journalism, all believing in creative collaborations, support the organization. JEN has applied for a non-profit status as an educational service organization and all that relates to it. The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. Learn more www.jazzednet.org
NAfME
Strategic Partner
The National Association for Music Education, among the world's largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME's mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME's resources have been largely responsible for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. Learn more www.nafme.org.
