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A Monumental Event: NAMM Promotes Recreational Music Making at AARP Convention
NAMM and a group of its Commercial Members exhibited at the AARP’s Life@50+ National Event & Expo at the Washington Convention Center in September, where more than 27,000 active baby boomers and seniors learned about the social and physical wellness benefits experienced by people over age 50 who participate in Recreational Music Making (RMM).
Themed “It’s Monumental,” the convention attracted many attendees from the local D.C. area, as well as from around the country. NAMM’s Wanna Play? Pavilion was a point of interest for many people, as they could take music lessons or attend presentations (led by participating NAMM Member companies, including Alfred Publishing, Fender, Hohner, Korg, Lowrey, Panyard, Remo, Roland and Yamaha) on how, why and where to make music. A drum circle ended each day and was packed with seniors making music of their own.
“I’d never done a drum circle before, and I was feeling kind of sluggish, and now I’m off the chain—in a positive way!” said Patricia Onakoya, an AARP member from Washington, D.C. “I let off tension, and I was sitting next to someone, I didn’t know anything about them, and we had a conversation. It helped me connect with some folks. I think it’s the coolest thing. Music is soothing, it’s not restricted to a certain tune—and I found I had a little rhythm!”
NAMM’s goal to encourage and motivate the 50+ market to pick up an instrument for the first time—or for the first time in years—was a treat for several show-goers. Many of the attendees had never been introduced to the concept of RMM, but were made aware of the health and wellness benefits after spending time with NAMM staff and exhibiting NAMM Members.
“I’m 52, and I have been playing since I was about 8 years old,” said Kathleen Heckler of Bethlehem, Pa. “This summer, I took some drum classes, and it was more for health reasons than anything else! I enjoy doing the drumming and I know the health benefits are there. It was stress-relieving and I just had a great time.”
Vergil Gough of Winston-Salem, N.C., shared his positive experience in a community band: “I’ve been playing in a New Horizons band for over three years. To me it’s relaxing. We go to a lot of nursing homes, retirement centers and play for senior groups, and I really enjoy playing for those folks.”
In addition, NAMM sponsored one of the show’s biggest hits: the Young@Heart Chorus. Daily performances by this inspiring group of seniors from Northampton, Mass., drew hundreds of fans and attendees, many of whom were familiar with the chorus after the release of last year's documentary Young@Heart. The Chorus, whose average age is 81, sang some unexpected selections by artists including James Brown and Queen.
“NAMM is bringing the Wanna Play? Music Pavilion and the idea of Recreational Music Making to consumer events such as this AARP show to build excitement about our industry’s message that making music is fun and good for you,” said NAMM’s Director of Market Development Morgan Ringwald.
To learn more about NAMM-affiliated RMM programs, log on to www.namm.org.