MEDIA CONTACT:
Kymberly Drake
Public Relations Manager
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 162
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: kymberlyd@namm.org

Scott Robertson, APR
Director of Marketing & Communications
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 102
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: scottr@namm.org

NAMM/SESAME STREET FLOAT WINS ISABELLA COLEMAN AWARD AT 115th ANNUAL ROSE PARADE

CARLSBAD, Calif., January 1, 2004—The music product industry’s contribution to the 115th Rose Parade, a first-time entry from NAMM, the International Music Products Association, and Sesame Workshop, was honored with the Isabella Coleman Award for Color and Color Harmony Through Floral Use.

The float, themed “Believe In Music,” was designed by Studio Concepts and was one of 48 floats in the parade. Decoration took more than 6,000 hours, and the organic materials used to create the entry included, silver leaf, poppy and sesame seeds, vibrant red and white carnations, mokara orchids and golden junipers, as well as other colorful decorations.

Accenting the parade’s theme, “Music Music Music,” some of the nation’s most recognizable and beloved characters appeared on the float as music from Sesame Street filled the air.  Sesame Street legends Bob McGrath and Roscoe Orman, along with actress/performer Sheila E. made special appearances alongside characters Rosita, Elmo, Big Bird and Abelardo.

This annual award honors Isabella Coleman, a well-respected float designer, famous for her work in the beginning years of the Rose Parade.  Studio Concepts also created the award- winning Sesame Street float that appeared in the 1999 Rose Parade.  

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.  The Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries with award-winning programs and ground breaking multi-media productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia.  Sesame Workshop and NAMM have collaborated extensively on "Music Works," a public service initiative that encourages children to explore, create and grow with music.   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).