Dan Del Fiorentino receives the 2009 Sandy Feldstein Service Award from RPMDA
The 2009 RPMDA Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, attracted over 200 attendees, including 45 exhibitors and approximately 40 first-time attendees. A number of members arrived a day early for a sightseeing trip to the Snowbird Resort and Kennecott copper mine, the world's largest. A highlight of the convention week was dinner in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, with spectacular views of the city's Temple Square, followed by a concert by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. The RPMDA audience was on its feet a number of times as it was treated to gorgeous renditions of traditional hymns and American folk songs, many arranged by music director and conductor Mack Wilberg and published by RPMDA member companies. Sesame Street's own Bob McGrath, whose appearance was made possible through the generous support of NAMM, also received a warm and enthusiastic standing ovation for his closing address, during which he shared the power of music-making to change lives with his personal stories and humorous anecdotes. Members of the audience were all smiles when Mr. Bob invited them to "Sing a Song" with him.
A highlight of every convention is the announcement of the recipient of the Dorothy Award, given for a lifetime of service and achievement in the music industry, at the closing banquet. It is the highest honor bestowed by RPMDA. This year's honoree was Keith Mardak, CEO of the Hal Leonard Corporation. He is pictured (above, right) with RPMDA's 2009 Sandy Feldstein Service Award honoree Dan Del Fiorentino, historian for NAMM and curator of NAMM's Oral History Project.
"Where People and Ideas Connect"
Despite challenging economic times, RPMDA members were enthusiastic, energized and eager to learn from each other. Watch for the summer issue of The Measure for a complete convention round-up, and mark your calendars for the 2010 RPMDA Convention in Oklahoma City, OK, April 14-17.
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