IN A GIVING MOOD

When it comes to giving, few industries can match MI. Manufacturers, retailers and trade organizations alike spend plenty of their time and money to ensure charities and neighborhoods, both near and far, receive a wide variety of important items, such as musical instruments, that others may take for granted. Here, we take our annual look at many of the great things our manufacturers are doing to make the world a better place, with an in-depth look at what 10 companies have done. As a companion to this story, check out this month’s “Tips From the Teacher” to see some of the efforts one retailer, San Diego Music Studio, to better a far-off land.

The D’Addario Foundation and Guitar Center teamed up to raise more than $45,000 on International Women’s Day, which it donated to the Music Education for Girls Initiative. On that day in March, half of the proceeds from all D’Addario products sold at Guitar Center and on guitarcenter.com were donated to the D’Addario Foundation. This new funding will go toward a number of opportunities, including free instrument instruction, college scholarships and all-female programming. One of the first uses of these funds is a guitar scholarship at the Musician’s Institute that will be given to a deserving young woman. The scholarship will provide financial support for the education of a talented, newly enrolling female guitar student. “The D’Addario Foundation is incredibly appreciative of the positive response and support for this initiative,” said Suzanne D’Addario Brouder, director of The D’Addario Foundation. “We are thrilled to continue to build on this valuable partnership with Guitar Center to collectively further efforts to support and encourage more young women in music. Together we can continue to make a meaningful difference.” On April 28, the D’Addario Foundation’s Ascenté Student Orchestra traveled to Princeton University to participate in an all-day seminar with world-famous conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. Ascenté, one of only 10 El Sistema programs that were chosen to participate in this opportunity, joined more than 300 children from cities across the United States for a day of music, culminating with a concert at the close of the event. The Ascenté program, conducted on Long Island, provides free instruments and instruction to high-need students and has been in operation for more than six years. Lastly, the D’Addario Foundation College Scholarship program is officially underway. More than 25 pre-qualified student applicants participating in some of the best non-profit music instruction programs throughout the country applied. Recipients will be announced soon. The scholarships help provide critical support to students covering soft expenses such as food, transportation and books for their entire tenure at college. Over half the student recipients are the first generation in their family to attend college. The majority of students being awarded scholarships plan to continue to pursue music in college.

Mike Castellano, director of digital marketing and ecommerce at Electro-Harmonix (EHX), works as cubmaster of his local Cub Scout Pack, Harrison Pack 5. “I started the Pack four years ago to create a fun, enriching activity for my two sons and the kids in my community. We have over 50 Cub Scouts participating (boys and, as of this year, girls, too) and offer activities and opportunities to learn about leadership, friendship and fun. Some of the events we hold include overnight camping trips, local day hikes, a Veterans’ Day Parade, ice skating, indoor rock climbing and, of course, the Pinewood Derby. In fact, a scout from our pack won the 2017 Pinewood Derby World Championship in Times Square, New York City,” said Castellano. EHX has also made the following product donations to a wide variety of charitable causes: u Habilitat, a long-term addiction treatment center located on the island of O’ahu. EHX donated pedals to be used as auction items in its annual benefit concert. u One Step Beyond, which provides programs and services to individuals who have intellectual disabilities. EHX donated pedals for their use. u Joseph Harp Correctional Facility, located in Oklahoma, has a band program which EHX supplied products for. u Providence House is a non-profit organization with a mission to transition women who are homeless and recently released from prison back into society. A $600 donation to its 2018 Annual Appeal was made. u Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, a non-profit organization with a mission “to build confidence and self-esteem through music creation and performance, empowering women, girls and gender-expansive folk through collaborative music creation, peer-to-peer mentoring, and advocacy for an equitable and inclusive society.” EHX gifted them with a selection of pedals. u Stunned by the devastation of Cyclone Idai, EHX donated $500 to UNICEF’s Emergency Relief for the Children of Mozambique and $500 to Catholic Relief Services for Cyclone Idai relief. u A $1,000 donation was made to the ACLU to assist in reuniting separated children with their parents or caregivers.

Los Cabos was involved in a number of causes. These include: u Made a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Since 2010, Los Cabos Drumsticks has manufactured and sold pink drumsticks as part of its Think Pink fundraising campaign. A portion of the proceeds from all Think Pink drumstick sales are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society via its annual donation. With the help of its dedicated customers, Los Cabos Drumsticks has been able to increase its donation year after year and has helped raise thousands of dollars to help in the fight against cancer. “We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign over the past few years, and we look forward to continuing our ongoing efforts in support of cancer research,” said Larry Guay, Los Cabos Drumsticks’ president. u Sponsored the Community Living Hamilton Drum Corps, the world’s first and only all-inclusive drum corps. Community Living Hamilton is a registered charity which supports more than 1,400 people with developmental disabilities. It is the largest service provider in Hamilton for these individuals and their families, with more than 330 staff members and 100 volunteers. The Community Living Hamilton Drum Corps has been operating since 2003, has appeared in the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics and last year attended the Drumline Battle Championship in Indianapolis. The Community Living Hamilton Drum Corps play exclusively with Los Cabos Drumsticks’ Parade model, which are specially painted blue for the team. u Donated 36 pairs of custom-printed drumsticks to the Rock for Donnie benefit concert. Donnie Robichaud was one of the civilian victims who lost his life during the deadly mass shooting in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada’s northside on August 10, 2018. Donnie was an active member in the musical community in Fredericton for many years and had worked closely with several close friends of Los Cabos Drumsticks. Los Cabos’ donation of custom-printed drumsticks will serve as a vehicle for fundraising and will be distributed to Donnie’s family and participating bands, to commemorate the benefit. The custom-printed drumsticks will feature a cartoon sketch of Donnie created by Ryan Mclaughlin of White Lotus Tattoo and Piercing, and the words “ROCK FOR DONNIE” in a text style which pays homage to Awake by Sunday, a local rock band Donnie played with for more than five years. The Rock for Donnie benefit concert will take place Oct. 13 at Tribute Bar & Lounge in Fredericton, with 100 percent of donations going to a trust fund for Donnie’s three children.

KORG USA Inc. partnered with the “Shine a Light” music series, an organization that provides care for individuals with special needs, at a recent charity event with rock band Taking Back Sunday. The band, which is currently embarking on its 20th anniversary world tour, performed an intimate set to help raise funds to build “Mr. B’s playground,” an inclusive space made for children with special needs. In total, the event raised $25,000 from attendee donations and a silent gear auction. “After an intense bidding war between fans, we were able to raise an additional $3,600 for the cause thanks to the generous donations from Fender, Floating Forest Pedals and VOX Amplification, who donated an AC10C1 guitar amplifier. We are grateful to the many companies that showed their support, including KORG USA Inc., and of course to Taking Back Sunday, for playing this show in my brother Tommy’s memory,” said Martin Brull, event organizer.

Augustine Strings strives to ensure that anyone who wants to make music has the resources to do so. With more than 70 years of experience in the industry, Augustine works to foster community among artists, educators, enthusiasts, guitar societies and festivals throughout the world to furnish opportunities that enrich people’s lives. In 2018, its philanthropic efforts included support of a world-class luthier’s initiative to donate handmade guitars to Puerto Rican guitarists in the wake of Hurricane Maria, support for upstart music programs in low-income communities such as Ferguson, Mo., and contributions to the Guitar Foundation of America. Austin Classical Guitar is another major guitar organization with initiatives that have had a deeply positive effect on its community. Through a collaboration with ACG, Augustine Strings has begun direct sponsorship of William B. Travis High School. As a Title 1 school, Travis High’s student body is largely comprised of kids from low-income families. Despite the obstacles that a Title 1 school faces, Travis High’s music program is thriving. Utilizing a curriculum developed by Austin Classical Guitar, Travis’ music director, Susan Rozanc, has turned her student guitar ensemble into a tight-knit and productive musical unit. With support from Augustine Strings, this school year the ensemble performed at both the National Association for Music Educators Conference in Dallas and the 2019 Texas Arts Advocacy Day Celebration in the Texas Capitol Building. “It was a pretty big deal,” said Jose, an 11th grader. “I loved being with all my friends and seeing Dallas.” Great gigs aside, the impact that the ensemble has had on its members is resounding. “It’s like having a second family,” said Amy, a 12th grader. “Music is a meditation for me. Anytime I’m under stress, it helps calm me down.” Augustine’s support of the Travis Ensemble came in practical forms, from the strings on its guitars and the stools they sat on to play in the rotunda of the Texas Capitol, to the travel accommodations that allowed Rozanc to take dozens of high schoolers on journeys to show off their hard-earned musical talents. For kids with burgeoning musical aspirations, being championed by Austin Classical Guitar and Augustine Strings is a different type of support.

Lee Oskar Harmonicas has actively supported many meaningful causes and charities since it was founded in 1983. Here are some recent examples. u Playing for Change: On an ongoing basis, Lee Oskar Harmonicas supports this global organization, dedicated to connecting people via music and providing music education through Playing for Change Foundation (PFCF) schools. Lee Oskar Harmonicas has donated harmonicas for PFCF school programs in Diamante, Argentina and other locations, such as Mali, Africa, helping schoolchildren around the world easily experience the joys of music and the ability to play many familiar and new genres of music using different harmonica models with altered tunings. In addition, in Diamante, Lee Oskar Harmonicas sponsors harmonica education for schoolchildren, conducted by Lee Oskar Harmonicas featured artist Martin Chemes. Lee also contributed his talents to the Playing for Change album, “Listen to the Music” and has performed at a major benefit concert presented by Playing for Change with the Doobie Brothers and other well-known artists. u Shine a Little Love Festival: Lee Oskar will perform and offer a special harmonica clinic at this live music experience, which was inspired by Lee Oskar Harmonicas featured artist Brian Collins’ song, “Shine a Little Love,” and designed to raise awareness and support for various non-profit organizations. u The Blues Foundation: Ongoing support for this great blues organization, including the annual sponsorship of the International Blues Challenge, featuring the Lee Oskar Harmonica Award. u Washington Blues Society: Longtime, ongoing support, including many performances in support of the Musicians Relief Fund. u United by Music: Lee Oskar supports this organization by performing benefit concerts and donating harmonicas to help with fundraising.

MusicNomad introduced ONE FOR MUSIC in November 2018, in which it donates 1 percent of company sales to charities and programs that support music and musicians. Some of the funds have gone to support music charities like Little Kids Rock, Guitars in the Classroom and Musicians Without Borders. Also, it has donated money to its local middle- and highschool band programs, funding instrument repair, music books, band uniforms and music supplies. “We even gave an interest-free loan to a local music company in need that provides music lessons to more than 100 children,” the company stated. More money is being deployed throughout 2019.

On Feb. 23, G7th and Guy Palumbo with 1001 Guitar Nights hosted a fundraiser concert for Hope for Justice in Nuremberg, Germany. Inspired by the leaflets found in G7th capos packaging, Palumbo organized the concert singlehandedly, including a full production crew to live stream the concert on Facebook. With performances from fingerstyle acoustic guitar artists Jacky Bastek, Alexandr Misko and Thomas Leeb, it was a night of live music for a good cause with all proceeds going to Hope for Justice, which exists to bring an end to human trafficking and modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society. G7th also began selling some Special Edition “Hope for Justice” engraved Performance 3 capos, where half of every sale goes directly to the charity. Donations were made by Pro Arte Fine Acoustics GmbH (one of G7th’s distributors in Germany) and several notable fingerstyle artists, including Mike Dawes and Jon Gomm, to help raise money at the event.

Morley and Vai’s Restaurant are donating autographed Steve Vai signature Morley Wah Pedals to Naperville Responds for Veterans and the Little Friends Inc. The Steve Vai charity show is set for Aug. 4 in Naperville, Ill. Naperville Responds for Veterans assists veterans in need and their families by raising and donating building materials, professional labor, and coordinating the process of repairing, building and donating homes. Little Friends Inc. empowers clients with autism and other developmental disabilities to thrive in their communities. Said longtime sales and marketing manager Bill Wenzloff: “We had a blast creating these unique pedals and are grateful that the money they raise will go to outstanding local charities. Thank you to Michael Vai, owner of Vai’s Restaurant, and to Steve Vai, for coordinating these projects. And thank you to Naperville Responds For Veterans, and Little Friends Inc. for hosting these wonderful events. We were very proud and humbled to hear that the first Wah Pedal raised over $1,000 in November. We look forward to Steve’s charity show on Aug. 4 and his meet-and-greet event at Vai’s Restaurant Aug. 3.” Each one-off pedal comes with a certificate of authenticity. In addition to these pedals, Hoshino USA Inc., makers of Ibanez guitars, have donated two JEM guitars to be auctioned off at Vai's upcoming performance in August. Morley will also be creating two additional one-off pedals with matching artwork to the JEM guitars for these auctions.

Yamaha is upholding its longstanding tradition of raising and donating hundreds of thousands of dollars and many hours every year in funds, musical instruments and volunteered time for charitable and humanitarian causes, from nurturing hope for traumatized veterans, to fueling the fight against cancer, to helping mold the future of our youngest generation. The ongoing partnership between Yamaha and Guitars for Vets (G4V) is hitting a milestone this year: G4V will be celebrating the opening of its 100th chapter this summer, and Yamaha will be donating 100 guitars to mark the occasion. G4V has been providing free guitars, lessons and a forum to play for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since 2007, when co-founder Patrick Nettesheim discovered that playing guitar helped ease PTSD symptoms in returning vets. Yamaha has been part of this cause since 2012, providing new acoustic guitars to graduates of the G4V program. “Through our dealer, Kraft Music in Franklin, Wis., Yamaha helps to supply more than 700 guitars a year to G4V to bring relief and comfort to veterans nationwide,” said David Jewell, partnerships and alliances manager at Yamaha. “Opening our 100th chapter is especially gratifying considering that more than 20 of them have opened just in the last year. Our partnership with Yamaha has helped us reach more veterans, more quickly, than ever,” added Nettesheim. The company will be donating time and shoe leather as well when Yamaha employees participate again in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Costa Mesa, Calif., to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Each year, this event draws dozens of members of the Yamaha family, working together to raise thousands of dollars to aid the effort to eliminate breast cancer. In its own backyard, Yamaha will be continuing its annual volunteer work for the Orange County Food Bank (OCFB), in which — on top of a generous donation — Yamaha employees come together to pack boxes of groceries for the less fortunate. Also, for the last 11 years, Yamaha Cares has worked with the Buena Park (Calif.) Police Department on Project “Give a Christmas.” This past year, the company “adopted” 75 Buena Park children through the project, who all received gifts from Yamaha employees. “Philanthropic outreach is an integral part of our company’s mission,” said Jewell. “While our efforts are global, at the same time, we keep in mind the old principle that ‘charity begins at home.’ As such, we focus a good deal of our humanitarian activity right here in our own southern California neighborhood, where there is no shortage of worthy organizations that make our local community a better place for everyone.” In addition, Yamaha will be teaming up with the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park by donating musical instruments to be auctioned off at the club’s annual gala. After donating an NU1 upright piano for auction last year, Yamaha now plans to offer a custom drum set, along with an entry-level Rydeen drum set. Jewell emphasized the importance of Yamaha dealers in the success of these and other humanitarian efforts by Yamaha: “The level of our company’s participation in these causes simply would not be possible without support from our dealers. As they have made the Yamaha brand a part of their public face in the marketplace, so Yamaha trusts our dealers to represent us with their efforts in the philanthropic arena. We’re grateful for how they have justified that trust.”

A great way to generate great sound for the masses is via pro-audio speakers. Clearly, consumers agree, with the pro audio speaker market continuing to grow rapidly. According to ResearchandMarkets.com, the pro-audio speaker industry is expected to generate revenues of more than $2.2 billion by 2023, led by growth in music concerts, exhibition, trade shows, and film and motion production.

By Brian Berk