SchoolJam USA News

San Diego Teen Band ‘Jazz Avenue’ Named ‘Best Teen Band in the USA‘ in Third Annual SchoolJam USA Competition

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:56:42 +0000

Awarded with $5,000 for their Music Education Program, $1,000 in New Gear and a Professional Music Video Recording Session, Southern California Teens Head to Frankfurt, Germany to Headline Original SchoolJam Competition

Anaheim, Calif. – Jan. 23, 2012 – A crowd of nearly 500 gathered at Downtown Disney District on Saturday, Jan. 21, for NAMM’s third annual SchoolJam USA, a national teen battle of the bands that rewards aspiring musicians and their respective school music education programs with more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. The event, produced by National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), took place during the world-famous NAMM Show held at the nearby Anaheim Convention Center.

Competing against seven other finalist bands from across the U.S., San Diego ensemble, Jazz Avenue, took first place for the coveted title of “Best Teen Band in the USA,” $5,000 for their school music education program, $1,000 toward the purchase of new band gear, a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, and a grand-prize trip of a lifetime to perform at the 2012 SchoolJam Germany finals in Frankfurt this March.

Describing how the band felt about sweeping the competition, saxophonist John Avery responded, “It’s beastly. All the bands were so good. It’s just ridiculously amazing that we won.”

The troupe’s music teacher, Tamara Paige, of San Diego’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), was on hand to share in their win, commenting that the $5,000 prize will go a long way in the strengthening their music education program.

"Ranging from Jazz Fusion to Indie Rock to Hip Hop, this year produced the most diverse group of SchoolJam USA bands yet," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "It’s abundantly clear that regardless of genre, kids are as passionate as ever about playing music and keeping school music programs alive, and NAMM is committed to offering avenues, such as SchoolJam USA, that provide teens with an outlet to express their musical creativity."

The event was hosted by teen pop sensation Greyson Chance and former “American Idol” contestant Shaun Barrowes. The Diamond Bar Marquis Show Choir joined Barrowes to open the evening with his latest single, “Live for Music,” while later in the evening Chance performed hits “Hold On ‘Til the Night” and “Waiting Outside the Lines” from his 2011 debut album Hold On ‘Til the Night.

Of the more than 100 hopeful musical groups that applied to compete this year, eight talented teen bands hailing from cities across the U.S. made it to the finals event. Nearly 200,000 votes were cast for the bands during the four-week, open online voting period, resulting in nearly 1.5 million page views to www.schooljamusa.com.

Jazz Avenue was awarded the winning title by a panel of judges including: Disney talent casting director Stan Freese, Irwin Kornfeld of InTune Partners and Westchester Media, Menzie Pittman from Contemporary Music Center, and Michael Smith of Peavey Electronics Company.

Second and third place runners-up included: damsel band The Hi-Tops from Jeffersonville, Ind., and Ergo We Play from Knoxville, Tenn., respectively. In addition, specific individuals and bands were recognized for their talents in the following "Best Of" categories:

Best Bass: Bayley Whitlow, The Hi-Tops
Best Percussion: Chris Petty, Squash
Best Guitar: Josh Vasquez, Jazz Avenue
Judges Prize: John Avery, Jazz Avenue
Best Keyboard: Alec Jackson, Squash
Best Vocals: Alex Zimmerman, Ergo We Play

Prizes for the "Best Of" awards were provided by NAMM Members JamHub, Inc., Peavey Electronics Corporation, Future Sonics, Kelly Concepts, ZT Amplifiers, Control One, Gruv, Inc., Mighty Bright, and Yamaha Corporation of America. Additionally, a "Fan Favorite" award was presented to The Hi-Tops, which received more than 385 text message votes for that category during the live finals competition.

Teen Pop Sensation Greyson Chance and Singer/Songwriter Shaun Barrowes to Co-Emcee and Perform at NAMM's Third Annual SchoolJam USA Finals Event

jenp — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:14:33 +0000

Young Musicians and Celebrities Gather to Inspire New Players and Support School Music Programs

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced that teen pop sensation, songwriter, vocalist and pianist Greyson Chance and singer/songwriter Shaun Barrowes will co-host and perform at the third annual SchoolJam USA finals event. The teen battle of the bands competition will take place on Jan. 21 in Downtown Disney as part of the world-famous NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

"I am honored to be a part of a program with NAMM that is encouraging students to grow their musical talents," said Chance. "Music is such an important part of my life and I am very excited to help shine the spotlight on some new talent – it's important to me to support programs like SchoolJam USA and foster ongoing music education."

Since his stirring performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" at his sixth-grade talent show was posted on YouTube and earned him national recognition as well as a record deal as the first signing to Ellen DeGeneres' record label eleveneleven, Chance has begun an extraordinary music career. In the last year, Chance has completed two North American tours, performed at the White House, the Campaign for Human Rights and Variety's Power of Youth benefit and has a recurring role on the hit FOX comedy series Raising Hope. The fourteen-year old's debut album Hold on 'Til the Night, was released earlier this year and has garnered critical acclaim.

Former season-seven "American Idol" contestant Shaun Barrowes is an award-winning singer/songwriter. Nicknamed "Hammer Hands" for his heavy-handed piano technique, Barrowes began composing music at the age of 15, and cut his first record just a year later. Following international touring and album recordings, Barrowes created a school benefit tour where a portion of proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit participating school arts programs.

"Programs like SchoolJam USA motivate kids to nurture their musical talent by giving them an opportunity they might not otherwise have," said Barrowes. "What I love most about this program is the emphasis on keeping kids' school music programs alive because music education is critical in helping students reach their full potential."

SchoolJam USA is a national program that rewards aspiring teen musicians (ages 13-19) and promotes active participation in school music programs produced by NAMM and promotional sponsors, NAfME: National Association for Music Education, School of Rock, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, TakeLessons.com, Drum Corps International, In Tune Monthly, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News.

On Jan. 21, the top eight finalist bands will perform live at Downtown Disney District in front of a panel of professional judges and hundreds of fans for the chance to take the title of "Best Teen Band in the USA." This year's judges panel includes:

Stan Freese, talent casting director, Disneyland
Irwin Kornfeld, CEO, In Tune Partners and Westchester Media
Menzie Pittman, owner and director of education, Contemporary Music Centers
Michael Smith, project manager, MI and instruments, Peavey Electronics Company

The winning band will perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany in spring 2012; receive a music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus along with cash prizes of $1,000 to purchase of new gear and $5,000 for their school music programs. The remaining finalists will also receive funds for gear and a donation to their school music programs. Music from the finalist bands can be heard at www.schooljamusa.com.
SchoolJam is part of NAMM's ongoing educational and promotional campaign to encourage people of all ages to play music through its "Pledge to Play" initiative. Launched last year, "Pledge to Play" is a national call-to-action for the 85 percent of Americans who, according to a recent Gallup poll, do not play a musical instrument but wish that they did. NAMM's "Pledge to Play" can be found at www.facebook.com/wannaplaybynamm.

For more information on Greyson Chance, please visit his website at www.greyson-official.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/greysonchance or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreysonChance.

More information and music for Shaun Barrowes can be found at http://shaunbarrowes.blogspot.com.

About SchoolJam
SchoolJam is an established music initiative, originally developed by MM MusikMedia Germany to promote popular and rock music in schools throughout Germany. The program has provided thousands of music-loving young adults with the opportunity to perform and network with their peers, increasing their love for playing music and encouraging them to become active musicians.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM is the sponsor of the Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to get more people connected with the proven benefits of playing music. For more information about Wanna Play, please visit www.wannaplaymusic.com. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elizabeth Lascaze or Amy Hamaoui – GolinHarris
Public Relations | Phone: 213-623-4200
elascaze@golinharris.com or ahamaoui@golinharris.com

Top 8 Finalists Announced

jenp — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:45:15 +0000

Nearly 200,000 Votes Cast Online to Select Nation’s Best Teen Band; Finalists to Compete for More Than $50,000 in Cash and Prizes, Including Funding for School Music Programs

CARLSBAD, Calif. , December 8, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), has announced the top eight qualifying bands in the third annual SchoolJam USA competition. The bands were chosen by a combination of public votes and a panel of music professionals. A national program that rewards both aspiring teen musicians and their respective school music programs, SchoolJam USA features the best amateur teen bands between the ages of 13 and 19.

On Jan. 21, during the weekend of the world-famous NAMM Show, the finalist bands will take center stage at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., and perform live in front of a panel of professional judges and hundreds of fans for the chance to take the title of “Best Teen Band in the USA.” The winning band will walk away with the grand prize trip of a lifetime to perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, $1,000 toward the purchase of new gear and $5,000 for their school music programs. The remaining finalists will also receive money to purchase new gear, as well as funding for their respective school music programs. Music from the finalist bands can be viewed by visiting www.schooljamusa.com.

The 2012 SchoolJam USA finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Almost Chaos (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Closer Than We Appear (Scituate, Mass.)
Ergo We Play (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Impakt (Los Angeles)
Jazz Avenue (San Diego)
Squash (Salt Lake City)
The Hi-Tops (Jeffersonville, Ind.)
The Interstellar Elevators (Weston, Conn.)

The SchoolJam USA program continues to grow exponentially with this year’s contestants hailing from more than 100 U.S. cities, including Raleigh, N.C., Chicago and Wahiawa, Hawaii. Additionally, the number of bands that entered the SchoolJam USA competition spiked by nearly 85 percent from 2010 with the online voting period drawing in more than 25,000 voters and a record-breaking 1.5 million pageviews to the website during the month of November.

“NAMM strongly supports teens’ passion to play music and keep music education programs alive in their schools,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “The SchoolJam USA program is dedicated to providing students across the country with an outlet to express themselves, the encouragement to pursue making music and a platform to showcase their musical talents.”

SchoolJam is an established music initiative, originally developed by MM MusikMedia Germany to promote popular and rock music in schools throughout Germany. The program has provided thousands of music-loving young adults with the opportunity to perform and network with their peers, increasing their love for playing music and encouraging them to become active musicians.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM is the sponsor of the Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to get more people connected with the proven benefits of playing music. For more information about Wanna Play, please visit www.wannaplaymusic.com. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Elizabeth Lascaze or Amy Hamaoui – GolinHarris

Public Relations | Phone: 213-623-4200

elascaze@golinharris.com or ahamaoui@golinharris.com

Voting Leaderboard - Week 2

jenp — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:34:44 +0000

Here are the top 10 voted bands for the second week. Keep in mind the final 8 bands are chosen not only by how many votes they get, but by a combination of the vote score (40%) and the music score (60%). Everyone's doing a great job - keep it up!

LifeSketch
Delayed Resistance
The Hi-Tops
Romance of Thieves
Fusion Beat
Jazz Avenue
Tiktok Bang
Sleepless Pacfic
Wilhelm
Evadell Drive

Voting Leaderboard - Week 1

jenp — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:18:17 +0000

Here are the top 10 voted bands for the first week. Keep in mind the final 8 bands are chosen not only by how many votes they get, but by a combination of the vote score (40%) and the music score (60%). Everyone's doing a great job - keep it up!

Delayed Resistance
LifeSketch
Fusion Beat
Romance of Thieves
The Hi-Tops
S.T. Jam
Wilhelm
Evadell Drive
Tiktok Bang
Sleepless Pacfic

Final Week to Enter NAMM’s SchoolJam USA Battle of the Teen Bands Competition

jenp — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:49:12 +0000

CARLSBAD, Calif. , October 13, 2011—The deadline is drawing near for teen bands all across America to vie for the title of “Best Teen Band in the USA,” while raising funds for their schools’ music programs.

Teen musicians between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of the band members currently registered in a U.S. middle or high school, are encouraged to enter by Oct. 21, 2011. Teen bands participating in SchoolJam USA may perform any genre of music as long as the song is original content or designated as “public domain.” For a full list of competition rules and regulations, and for information on how to enter, visit www.schooljamusa.com.

The third annual competition is produced by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), and its promotional sponsors MENC: the National Association for Music Education, School of Rock, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, TakeLessons.com, Drum Corps International, In Tune Monthly, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News.

After an online public vote and review by a panel of music industry judges, eight finalist bands will be chosen to take the stage live on Jan. 21, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif. during the weekend of the world-famous NAMM Show. The finalists will perform in the Downtown Disney District for hundreds of fans and a panel of judges comprised of music professionals to claim the title of "Best Teen Band in the USA." The grand-prize winning band will receive a trip of a lifetime to perform at the original SchoolJam Festival in Frankfurt, Germany, along with a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, $1,000 towards the purchase of new gear and $5,000 for their school music programs.

NAMM-sponsored research has shown the following benefits for kids and teens who play an instrument:

School music education programs help students achieve in other academic subjects such as math, science and reading
The vast majority of principals agree that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school
Teens see music as their “social glue” and as a bridge for building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds
Music-making helps teens release or control emotions, cope with difficult situations, and teaches self discipline
Making music provides teens with freedom to be themselves; to be different
Teens associate playing music with music literacy, listening skills, motor ability, eye-hand coordination and heightened intellectual capabilities
Music provides opportunities in school for engagement as performers, composers and intelligent listeners

SchoolJam USA and In Tune Monthly magazine are also hosting a Field Reporter Contest. Do you know an aspiring teen field reporter who wants to attend the SchoolJam USA finals in Anaheim, Calif. and display his/her journalistic talents? Find out more information to enter the competition before Nov. 1, 2011 at www.schooljamusa.com or www.intunemonthly.com.

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM is the sponsor of the Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to get more people connected with the proven benefits of playing music. For more information about Wanna Play?, please visit www.wannaplaymusic.com. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.

Media Contacts

Amy Hamaoui or Tanya Varnichpun - GolinHarris
Phone: 213-623-4200 | Public Relations
ahamaoui@golinharris.com or tvarnichpun@golinharris.com

Kymberly Drake - NAMM
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 760-438-8007 ext. 162
Fax: 760-438-8257
kymberlyd@namm.org

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

NAMM and In Tune Magazine Host 2012 SchoolJam Teen Field Reporter Contest

jenp — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:36:00 +0000

| September 23, 2011
NAMM and In Tune Magazine Host 2012 SchoolJam Teen Field Reporter Contest

NAMM has recently teamed up with In Tune magazine, a publication that is distributed to school music educators across the nation, to sponsor the 2012 SchoolJam Teen Field Reporter Contest. The contest is part of NAMM’s SchoolJam USA teen battle of the band competition that encourages teen musicians to strut their musical talents in a national battle of the bands and features the final competition during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif.

The Teen Field Reporter Contest will award one teen reporter with the chance to travel to the NAMM Show, stay at the Disney Paradise Pier Hotel, receive one badge to attend the NAMM Show Jan. 19 to 22, 2012, a chance to walk the show floor with an In Tune editor and write about the gear on display, and attend the SchoolJam USA battle of the bands to interview some of the teen musicians.

Field Reporter contestants must be between the ages of 13 and 19 on Jan. 1, 2012. (The winner will need to bring a parent or guardian over the age of 21 at their own expense.) To enter, the contestant must e-mail one 500-word article, one 90-second audio clip, or one 60-second video to info@intunemonthly.com before the Nov. 1, 2011 deadline. Be sure to write SchoolJam Teen Field Reporter in the subject line to be considered for the contest. Include a name and contact information, along with the name of the contestant’s school and music teacher, with the entry. The story entered can be about any subject—not just music—but it must be original work. Entries will be judged by In Tune magazine’s editorial team, and the winner will be chosen based on the quality of the entrant’s writing and reporting. Winners will be announced on InTuneMonthly.com on Dec. 1, 2011, and in the January 2012 issue of In Tune. If you know someone who might be interested in entering the contest and wants to learn more about it, visit www.intunemonthly.com.

Third Annual SchoolJam USA Program to Award More Than $50,000 in Cash & Prizes

jenp — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:17:55 +0000

This battle of rising stars is produced by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), and its promotional sponsors MENC: the National Association for Music Education, School of Rock, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, TakeLessons.com, Drum Corps International, In Tune Monthly, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News. The competition highlights quality musical teen talent, gathers students to support music and the arts, provides funding for school music programs, and promotes active participation in school music programs.

Unsigned teen musicians between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of band members currently registered in a U.S. middle or high school are eligible to participate and apply from Aug. 1 to Oct. 21, 2011. Bands can perform any genre of music but the song must be original content or designated as "public domain." To view full competition rules and regulations, and for information about how to apply, visit www.schooljamusa.com.

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011, participating bands' submissions will be posted on the SchoolJam USA website, where online voting will be open to the public. Eight finalist bands will be chosen by a combination of the public vote and by a panel of musical professionals. On Jan. 21, during the weekend of the world-famous NAMM Show, the top-ranking eight finalists will take the big stage in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., and perform live in front of a panel of professional judges and hundreds of fans for the chance to take the title of "Best Teen Band in the USA." The winning band will walk away with the grand prize trip of a lifetime to perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as receive a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, $1,000 toward the purchase of new gear and $5,000 for their school music programs.

"NAMM is looking forward to crowning the next SchoolJam USA champion at our show in Anaheim," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "So right now, we encourage all of the teen bands out there to take their shot at greatness by entering this competition and adding recognition to the list of benefits they get from playing music."

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM is the sponsor of the Wanna Play? campaign, a public awareness initiative designed to get more people connected with the proven benefits of playing music. For more information about Wanna Play?, please visit www.wannaplaymusic.com. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elizabeth Lascaze or Amy Hamaoui – GolinHarris
Public Relations | Phone: 213-623-4200
elascaze@golinharris.com or ahamaoui@golinharris.com

Ohio Teen Band Peligro 614 Wins 2nd Annual SchoolJam USA Competition

jenp — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:07:30 +0000

Ohio Teen Band Peligro Wins SchoolJam USA Title, Named Best Teen Band by NAMM and Music Industry Leaders

A crowd of hundreds gathered at the Downtown Disney District on Saturday to cheer on 10 teen bands from across the country as they battled for the national title of "Best Teen Band" at the second annual SchoolJam USA. Peligro from Gahanna, Ohio took home the first-place platinum record in the live competition presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) during the weekend of the music industry's celebrated NAMM Show. Competing against nine other finalist bands, Peligro won SchoolJam USA's platinum album-shaped trophy and the coveted grand-prize trip to Europe in April, to perform at the 2011 SchoolJam Germany finals in Frankfurt, a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, and $1,000 towards the purchase of new band gear. Additionally, the band received $5,000 for their school music programs, and each of the other finalist bands were awarded with cash and other prizes for their bands and respective school music programs.

SchoolJam USA is a national program that rewards aspiring teen music makers, between the ages of 13 and 19, and their school music programs with funding and prizes, as well as the opportunity to perform live before the public and a panel of music industry professionals. Of the more than 150 eager bands that applied this year, 48 talented teen bands hailing from more than 20 U.S. cities made it to the semi-finals. More than 112,000 votes were cast during a four-week, open online voting period, narrowing down the top 10 finalist bands. "NAMM is committed to ensuring that music education remains part of schools' core curriculum," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "SchoolJam USA is one of the many creative and inspiring avenues that support teens by raising much needed funding for their school music programs." Peligro was awarded the winning title by a panel of judges including: Michael Blakeslee from MENC (National Association for Music Education), Steve Dobo from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Stan Freese from Disney, Kevin Lyman from Vans Warped Tour, and Menzie Pittman from Contemporary Music Center. Celebrity emcees Bridgit Mendler and Adam Hicks, co-stars of Disney's forthcoming original movie "Lemonade Mouth" entertained the crowd between band performances.

Other awards presented at the SchoolJam USA finals included: second-place award to the Jessica Prouty Band from northeastern Mass., and third-place award to VIA from Salt Lake City. In addition, specific individuals and bands were recognized for their talents in the following "Best Of" categories: Best Bass: Jake Bills, VIA (Salt Lake City, Utah) Best Percussion: Cam Pelkey, Jessica Prouty Band (Marblehead, Mass.) Best Guitar: John Suh, Peligro (Gahanna, Ohio) Best Horn: Orpheus (DePere, Wis.) Best Keyboard: Alec Jackson, VIA (Salt Lake City, Utah) Best Vocals: Jessica Prouty, Jessica Prouty Band (Marblehead, Mass.) Prizes for the "Best Of" awards were provided by NAMM Member Companies D'Addario & Company Inc, Evans Drum Heads, Grid 1 Audio, InTune Monthly, JamHub, Kelly Shu Company, Peavey Electronics, Phonic Corporation, Planet Waves, Takelessons.com, Yamaha, and the ZT Amplifiers. Additionally, a "Fan Favorite" award was given to the band Uprising from Raceland, La., which received more than 650 text message votes for that category during the live finals competition. About SchoolJam SchoolJam USA is an established music initiative, originally developed by MM MusikMedia Germany to promote popular and rock music in schools throughout Germany. The program has provided thousands of music-loving young adults with the opportunity to perform and network with their peers, increasing their love for playing music and encouraging them to become active musicians. In the United States, NAMM has collaborated with MENC, Music For All and the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to develop SchoolJam USA, following two successful years of SchoolJam Texas, produced by NAMM and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) in 2007 and 2008, in conjunction with the original SchoolJam in Germany. 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).

NAMM Announces SchoolJam USA Judges for 2010-2011 Finals

jenp — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:02:59 +0000

Amid Nationwide School Budget Cuts, Music Industry Leaders Partner with NAMM to Inspire New Players and Strengthen School Music Programs

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced the judges panel for its upcoming SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands competition, a national program that highlights quality musical teen talent and promotes active participation in school music programs. The leading music industry veterans who will make up the judges panel and select the 2010 “Best Teen Band in the USA” at the second annual SchoolJam USA are:

Michael Blakeslee, chief operating officer and senior deputy executive director, MENC, The National Association for Music Education
Steve Dobo, director of sponsorships & promotion, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Stan Freese, talent and booking director with Disney
Kevin Lyman, acclaimed founder of the Vans Warped Tour
Menzie Pittman, owner and director of education, Contemporary Music Centers

Produced by NAMM and promotional sponsors, MENC, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, Drum Corps International, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News, the finals event of SchoolJam USA will take place at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2011, with more than $50,000 in cash and prizes awarded to the top 10 bands and their school music programs.

“Teens are excited about making music more than ever before thanks to so many great influences, not only in entertainment, but also within their local communities,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “NAMM is committed to supporting the many aspiring teen musicians through a unique program like SchoolJam USA, which also provides much-needed funding for music programs in schools across the country.”

Teen musicians between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of band members currently registered in a middle or high school in the United States, and are in an unsigned band, are eligible to participate and apply online until Oct. 15, 2010. Bands can perform any genre of music but the song must be original content or designated as “public domain.” To view full competition rules and regulations, and for more information about how to qualify and apply, visit www.schooljamusa.com.

Semi-finalists will be named on the SchoolJam USA website on Nov. 1, 2010, and online voting will be open to the public through Nov. 30, 2010. On Jan. 15, 2011, the top 10 finalists will take the big stage in Anaheim, Calif., at the Downtown Disney District, during the weekend of the world-famous NAMM Show, one of the largest trade shows in the world for musical instruments and products, for their chance to earn the title of “Best Teen Band in the USA.“ The winning band will walk away with the grand prize trip to perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as a private music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus, $1,000 towards the purchase of new gear, and an additional $5,000 for their school music program.

About the Judges:

Michael Blakeslee is senior deputy executive director and chief operating officer of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. He has served as editor of several MENC publications, including the award-winning Music Educators Journal. In 2006, Blakeslee was designated a Lowell Mason Fellow, a distinction awarded to outstanding individuals in music education. He serves as the president of American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, a youth orchestra association based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Steve Dobo is director of sponsorship and promotions for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, a post which he has held for the past 10 years. Prior to joining the Rock Hall, he served as director of events and entertainment for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Kings.

During his 36-year tenure with Disney Entertainment Productions, Stan Freese has served as the first Disney world director of bands, show director, entertainment producer, musical show director, and his current position as talent booking and casting director at Disneyland Resort. A world-renowned tuba soloist, Stan was a recipient of the Minnesota Classic Conference Fine Arts Distinguished Service Award, and in 1995, was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

Kevin Lyman is best known as the producer and creator of the hugely successful Vans Warped Tour, the longest-running traveling music and extreme sports festival in the world today. Entering its 17th year, the tour reaches more than 600,000 kids each summer. In addition to production of the Vans Warped Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Country Throwdown Tour and the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, Kevin is part owner of Side One Dummy Record Company.

Menzie Pittman is the owner and director of education at the Contemporary Music Centers in Virginia (CMC). Following a performance and teaching career spanning more than 25 years, he founded CMC in 1989, and continues to perform, teach and oversee daily operations. He has 40 years of musical experience as a drummer and drum instructor, and his work with L.A. Jazz, the Virginia Rangers and renowned guitarist, Michael Fath, has earned him several accolades.

About SchoolJam:

SchoolJam USA is an established music initiative, originally developed by MM MusikMedia Germany to promote popular and rock music in schools throughout Germany. The program has provided thousands of music-loving young adults with the opportunity to perform and network with their peers, increasing their love for playing music and encouraging them to become active musicians. In the United States, NAMM has collaborated with MENC, Music For All and the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to develop SchoolJam USA, following two successful years of SchoolJam Texas, produced by NAMM and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) in 2007 and 2008, in conjunction with the original SchoolJam in Germany.

About NAMM: