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

MAKE A MUSICAL DIFFERENCE: JOIN AMC June 30 is the last chance to sign up for AMC membership during the annual membership drive

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 22, 2005—Now is the time to help promote the benefits of music making and music education across the country. The American Music Conference (AMC), the nonprofit affiliate of NAMM, is currently undergoing its annual membership drive so that people of all ages—from tots to seniors—have the opportunity to experience music's power. Through annual public relations campaigns, events, partnerships and programs including the 100 Best Communities Survey for Music Education in America, annual PR activities on Capitol Hill and the promotion of NAMM's teen initiative The Music Edge and the New Horizons Band, AMC continues to positively influence attitudes towards the importance of music in schools and Recreational Music Making (RMM).

AMC's national efforts have swayed how school districts determine their arts budgets; have built acceptance of music making as a wellness activity; have taught children and teens that music instruction is a key component to a well-rounded education; and have helped adults muster up the nerve to start a new hobby or reconsider an old one. In 2004, AMC achieved more than 5.5 billion print and broadcast media impressions, positively shaping the way consumers think about music.

"There has never been a more important time to become a member of AMC. Your membership means more people will learn of music making's many benefits and pleasures," says Laura Johnson, associate executive director, AMC.

Be a part of these national campaigns and help AMC spread the word abut the power of music. To join and learn about the many benefits of AMC membership, visit http://services.amc-music.org/join.asp.

About AMC
The American Music Conference is dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music making, and music education to the general public. For more information about AMC and this new partnership, visit www.amc-music.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).