Elizabeth Nisbet
Sesame Workshop
212 875 6716
elizabeth.nisbet@sesameworkshop.org

CARLSBAD, Calif., August 23, 2002—What do you get when you combine cute kids, furry Sesame Street Muppets and a variety of musical instruments? Lots of awards! That has certainly been the case with the NAMM-sponsored Music Works Wonders video. The 22-minute educational tape, currently used by many NAMM retail Members to promote the benefits of music making to preschoolers and their parents, took honors at more than a dozen recent video award presentations, including the New York Festivals Competition, the Telly Awards and the International Film and Video Awards.

The Music Works Wonders video—which showcases Elmo and many of Sesame Street’s favorite Muppet characters, is one of the components created as part of the Sesame Street Music Works program, an exciting music advocacy initiative partnering NAMM and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. The video sends the messages that music is all around us, everyone can make music, and children learn and grow with music. Savvy retailers are using the Music Works kit to create a kid-friendly focus in their stores where they can display the colorful posters and play the lively Music Works Wonder video for groups of visiting preschoolers and their parents.

“NAMM couldn’t be more pleased that so many distinguished groups are honoring the Music Works Wonders video,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “We hope this acknowledgement prompts more retailers to start using these tools in their stores and get in on the ground floor of the burgeoning early childhood music products market.”

“Music has always been a key component of Sesame Street, and the Sesame Street Music Works initiative is helping lots of children see themselves as music makers, as they reap the benefits of becoming actively involved with music,” said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO, Sesame Workshop. “NAMM’s strong support has been crucial to the success of Music Works. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with this valuable Sesame Workshop partner.”

Sesame Street is viewed by over 8 million people a week in the United States and has been broadcast in more than 140 countries, making it the most widely-watched television program in the world. The winner of 84 Emmy Awards—more than any other show in history—Sesame Street has been a global pioneer in the use of television in educating young minds.

NAMM Members can order a free Sesame Street Music Works kit by calling 800-767-6266, or by sending e-mail to musicworks@namm.com

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit, educational organization making a meaningful difference in children’s lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching. Sesame Workshop is behind the award-winning programs Dragon Tales and Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat and ground breaking multi-media productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. These are among many Workshop endeavors recognized for their deep understanding of children’s developmental needs and the most effective ways to address them. Find the Workshop online at www.sesameworkshop.org

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).