NAMM supported several activities during December at the 60th Annual Midwest Music Clinic, an event focused on bringing music directors into contact with the best published music, new and established teaching techniques, and the latest products and services for the music educator. As part of NAMM’s commitment to music education, this event helps strengthen partnerships and advocacy efforts across the industry.

The conference featured an appearance by Bob McGrath of Sesame Street, who just completed a multi-city Sesame Street Music Works performance tour in NAMM Member retail venues across the country. McGrath, whose association with NAMM Member companies goes back over 30 years, gave an inspiring keynote address and signed copies of his latest music CD.

The SupportMusic Coalition, led by NAMM and MENC, hosted a live conference call from the event; many NAMM Member company coalition affiliates were able to attend in person, sparking new relationships. To help music educators reinforce to community leaders the need for support to music programs in schools, NAMM distributed more than 1,000 SupportMusic Community Action Kits during Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser’s workshops and from the NAMM exhibit booth. 

NAMM also supported related meetings of the Music Achievement Council and the National Association of Band Instrument Manufacturers. In addition, the Executive Committee of the American Music Conference used the Midwest Clinic as an opportunity to gather members for its annual meeting.

In the continued effort to preserve and promote the music products industry’s history, NAMM Resource Center Librarian/Historian Dan Del Fiorentino conducted Oral History interviews with Bob McGrath of Sesame Street; Larry Rast of Wurlitzer Piano Lab; Harry Begian, a band director icon; Col. Gabriel of the United States Air Force Band; Marilea Zajec, who gave great insight on the history of Midwest Clinic; George Shorney of Hope Publishing; John Morgan of Gem Stone and Conn, who received the Industry Award; Chuck Barnhouse of Barnhouse Music Publishing; Ron Modell, band director and writer for the Instrumentalist magazine; and Mark Kelly, long-time board member at Midwest Clinic. NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond was in attendance for the Milestone Awards, recognizing long-time industry member companies. Del Fiorentino also presented a program on the 60th anniversary of Midwest Clinic and its history.

To find out more about NAMM’s music advocacy efforts or to get involved and order a SupportMusic Community Action Kit, log on to supportmusic.com. Log on to namm.org/resource-center to learn more about the NAMM Resource Cetner and Oral History program.