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 at usa.yamaha.com
The No. 1 online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater is trusted and beloved by millions of musicians, sound engineers, band and orchestra directors, and podcasters who rely on the company to help advance their musical and creative journeys. From beginners to rock stars, music makers everywhere seek out Sweetwater’s industry-leading expertise, including in-depth product videos to inform their purchases and unrivaled post-care support. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind., and founded in 1979, Sweetwater credits its four decades of profitability to its now 3,000 employees and its deep understanding of the profound connection that music makers have with their craft, their gear, and the creative process. Sweetwater views music as a force for good, with philanthropic efforts focused on youth music education, bringing music to underserved areas, and advancing musicians’ mental well-being. For more information, visit sweetwater.com.
For over 55 years, Fred J. Miller, Inc. (FJM) has been in the business of providing quality uniforms. Recognized as a leader in pageantry arts costume design, FJM infuses innovation and creativity in every project, big or small. The FJM production and design team are among the best in the industry. Led by Michael J. Cesario, our craftsmanship has been setting new standards for decades through imaginative and inspiring design. Based on three distinct principles, Visibility, Identity, and Practicality, the FJM difference is obvious to those we serve and those who observe. Today, the standard-setting “Cesario™” uniform is worn by more Bands of America semi-finalists and finalists than all other companies combined. It has become the preference of forward-looking University Bands as well, making FJM the fastest growing band uniform manufacturer in America. Customer service is second to none and an important cornerstone in our business model. Our goal is to offer each and every client the FJM “difference” in everything we do. FJM … The Company That Changed Everything. Learn more at www.fjminc.com.
Since 1987, Music Travel Consultants, led by accomplished band directors, has become first choice for student performing group travel by hearing customers, providing industry-leading on-line services and having professional Tour Escorts direct most trips. Focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences, Indianapolis-based Music Travel successfully partners with customers to do just that, in destinations within the United States and world-wide. Over 165 years combined travel expertise earned in over 68 countries enables Music Travel Consultants to anticipate group needs and deliver group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Learn more at www.musictravel.com.
PepWear is dedicated to commemorating the achievements and accomplishments of youth, whether in music, sports, or the arts. Through their custom apparel services and official event merchandise, PepWear serves their mission of making school memories last forever. They work directly with teachers and organizers all over the country and attend more than 600 school and youth events each year. In addition to being the Official Spirit Wear Sponsor of Music for All, PepWear is also our official merchandise provider. Learn more at www.pepwear.com.
As a public research university, we focus on students and high-quality, relevant educational outcomes. Disciplinary knowledge is integrated with application. We do this in a manner that fundamentally changes students, researchers, and our external partners, who look to the university for guidance. We transform information into knowledge, knowledge into judgment, and judgment into action that addresses complex problems. Learn more at bsu.edu.
Visit Indy, a nonprofit organization, serves as the official sales and marketing arm for the city of Indianapolis. Visit Indy drives economic growth by strategically selling Indy as a destination to conventions, meetings, events and leisure travelers. According to a recent study by Vantage Strategy, 22 million people visit Indianapolis annually, generating $3.95 billion in economic impact and supporting 75,000 full-time employment positions. To learn more about the city of Indianapolis and Visit Indy, visit: www.visitindy.com.
With over 50 years of experience, StylePLUS continues to be at the forefront of trends and unique outfitting for the pageantry arts. StylePLUS has been recognized as a leader in both footwear and accessories as well as apparel design. StylePLUS empowers and encourages the youth of our industry while providing an exceptional customer experience. For more information, visit us at styleplusband.com
Since 1987, Music Travel Consultants, led by accomplished band directors, has become first choice for student performing group travel by hearing customers, providing industry-leading on-line services and having professional Tour Escorts direct most trips. Focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences, Indianapolis-based Music Travel successfully partners with customers to do just that, in destinations within the United States and world-wide. Over 165 years combined travel expertise earned in over 68 countries enables Music Travel Consultants to anticipate group needs and deliver group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Learn more at www.musictravel.com.
Bob Rogers Travel has perfected the art of performance travel. In 1981 their founder, a former music educator, saw the need for a company that understood the unique challenges of traveling with a student music group. Since then, they have become one of the top producers for Broadway, Disney Performing Arts and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (among many others). Their team of former educators, musicians and travel industry professionals have over 600 years of performing arts experience and 550 years of travel experience combined. BRT personalizes every trip so directors can easily deliver meaningful experiences for their students. Learn more at www.bobrogerstravel.com.
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 at www.dci.org.
The Jazz Education Network (JEN) is a 501 (c)(3) international non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 and is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences. JEN has membership in 23 countries, all 50 U.S. States and 7 Canadian Provinces. The organization has hosted five conferences comprised of professional and student performers, a student jazz festival, workshops, research presentations and an exhibition hall in St. Louis (2010), New Orleans (2011), Louisville (2012), Atlanta (2013) and Dallas (2014). Our 6th annual conference will be held January 7-10, 2015 in sunny San Diego at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Manchester Hotel. In addition to our annual conference we have several programs that help to advance jazz education: the JAZZ2U community outreach program, a mentorship program, a composition showcase, and scholarships and awards for jazz educators and students. You can find out more information about JEN by visiting www.JazzEdNet.org.
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 at www.nafme.org.
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 at www.pas.org.
Partnering with existing music programs around the country, United Sound is a peer mentoring program that pairs students with special needs and their typical peers in the band and orchestra setting. New Musicians (students with intellectual or developmental disabilities) are taught by Peer Mentors to play the instrument of their choice at a personally modified level. United Sound teachers, student volunteers, and generous partners, United Sound is dedicated to providing musical performance experiences to students with special needs. Visit www.unitedsound.org
Halftime Magazine highlights the sights, sounds, and spirit of the marching arts including high school band, college band, drum corps, winter guard, indoor percussion, indoor winds, all-age groups, and more. The bi-monthly print magazine and website connects instructors, students, parents, alumni, and fans with profiles, first-person accounts, and thought-provoking feature stories–because every performer and every band has a story. Visit www.halftimemag.com to read articles and to subscribe.
Marching.com is a one-stop source of high school marching band events, links, resources, news and photos. Find details of major parade and field competitions, links to marching bands on the net, and a directory of services and supplies for your marching band, color guard or drum line. www.marching.com
Marching Arts Education gives you access to the top Marching Arts Professionals, allowing you to interact and ask questions during live webinars. Serving as the premier source of information and inspiration in the marching activity, The Marching Roundtable and its host Tim Hinton release two podcasts per week featuring the top experts in the activity, sharing advice to help everyone do better, enjoy their work more, and take their group to the next level. marchingartseducation.com