NAMM Announces 6th Annual Wanna Play? Award Recipients
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) presented Wanna Play? Awards on the last day of its world-famous NAMM Show Jan. 22 to honor eight companies from outside of the music products industry that use music products in their television ads, helping to inspire people to make music.
The recipients of the 2011 Wanna Play? Awards are:
• SunTrust Bank for its Rock Stars In the Financial Industry print ad
• freecreditscore.com for its Credit Fail TV ad
• Cheetos for its Piano TV ad
• Chase for its Ultimate Rewards print ad
Pictured left to right: NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond stands with singer, songwriter and guitarist Chelsea Williams, who was at the 2012 NAMM Show's Sunday Breakfast Session to accept a Wanna Play? award on behalf of Chevy for its "Shine" TV ad, and Mark Hriciga, vice president of advertising and user experience at Experian Consumer Direct, there to accept a Wanna Play? award on behalf of freecreditscore.com and its TV ad called "Credit Fail."
• Target for its Music Teacher TV ad
• Heineken for its The Entrance TV ad
• Rocksmith for its Rocksmith Launch TV ad
• Chevy for its Shine TV ad
Mark Hriciga, vice president of advertising and user experience at Experian Consumer Direct, was at the presentation to accept the award on behalf of freecreditscore.com and its TV ad called “Credit Fail.” And singer, songwriter and guitarist Chelsea Williams was also at the presentation to accept the Wanna Play? award on behalf of Chevy for its “Shine” TV ad.
The Wanna Play? Awards are an extension of NAMM’s Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to inspire people of all ages to become active music makers, from taking lessons to purchasing their first instrument or software. NAMM recognizes major companies that have encouraged people to pursue—or perhaps revisit—their passion for playing an instrument through their promotion of products or initiatives.
For example, Chevy’s commercial features an aspiring guitarist and singer yearning to be recognized for her talents.
In addition, Target spotlights a teacher breaking out into song and playing the piano to emphasize what kids are going to need when they head back to school.
"It’s great to see that companies realize the impact that playing instruments can have on people and are using this to connect their brands with consumers,” said Scott Robertson, director of public relations for NAMM.
About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 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 approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).
Media Contacts
NAMM Communications - John Dolak, Director
johnd@namm.org
619.735.4028
VITTEK PR – Josh Vittek
josh@vittekpr.com
760.505.5674
The Lippin Group
namm@lippingroup.com
201.317.6618
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making. NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services. For more information, visit NAMM.org, and learn more about NAMM’s Vision, Mission & Objectives at NAMM About Page.