Update
Classical Music Month '95
The word is out around the nation. Classical Music Month activities in
dozens of big cities, small towns, urban, rural, and suburban communities are scheduled
for September. Almost 200 Classical events will be held, encompassing such diverse
activities as outdoor free concerts, art fairs, contests at radio and retail. and perhaps
most important in terms of the long-term goal of Classical Music Month - the distribution
of "Classical is Cool" study guides and cassettes to thousands of teachers. Last
year, only 1,000 guides were distributed to teachers. This year, educators and community
leaders nation-wide will make it possible for every teacher interested in the program to
have a guide. Duplication and distribution of the cassettes is being made possible by
contributions from Angel, BMG, PolyGram, Sony, and WEA. It is anticipated that more than
10,000 guides and cassettes will go to schools throughout the country.
Widespread cooperation was secured by the NARM staff,
particularly VP of Communications & Events Jim Donio and Director of Membership &
Member Services Holly Rosum, who gave presentations at the Classical Music Broadcasters
Convention in April and CES in June. The July meeting of the state presidents of the Music
Educators National Conference kicked off the process which will result in the selection of
the Music Educator of the Year. Many commitments to duplicate and distribute the
"Classical is Cool" study guides were generated.
In-Store Merchandising Campaign
The response to the first national merchandising campaign
exceeded expectations in terms of the number of companies taking part. More than 150,000
P.O.P. items were ordered. In addition to the posters, counter cards, shelf talkers, and
flats that will appear in retail stores, posters will be distributed throughout the
country by local classical radio stations and other community organizations. In New York
City, the Department of Cultural Affairs will display posters at the Visitors Bureau,
where 15,000 people pass through each day. The merchandising campaign was a cooperative
effort among associations like NARM, the Recording Industry Association of America, the
Electronics Industries Association, and the distributors and manufacturers of Classical
music, both branch and independent. Industry veterans cannot remember a similar effort by
such a diverse group.
Mayors For Music
New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani announced the first event
in the Classical Music Coalition's "Mayors For Music" program. He'll host a
reception at Gracie Mansion on September 14 with a concert by a New York City public
school orchestra. The concert reflects the activity of the Coalition's Adopt- A-School
program, a cooperative effort among Young Audiences, radio station WQXR, and corporate
sponsors, which include retailers, suppliers, and other community- minded companies not
usually identified with music.
What's Happening In . . .
Seattle?
On September 6, the Seattle Symphony will perform at
Westlake Park as part of the Downtown Seattle Association's Brown Bag Concert Series.
Retailers and radio stations will be on hand, distributing posters and other Classical
Music Month materials.
New York City
On September 10, Lincoln Center's kickoff for
non-subscription sales for the Great Performance Series will feature Classical Music
Month. Parents will be encouraged to bring their children (it's a Sunday afternoon), with
giveaways for kids and discounts for children's tickets as the lure. Future events are
being planned by various groups such as Steinway and Sons, the 92nd Street Y and Bryant
Park Restoration.
Chicago
The local Classical Music Coalition group will collaborate
with the Chicago Music Alliance (100 organizations!) to work out the details for a repeat
of last year's successful concert with Daniel Barenboim conducting the Chicago Symphony. A
simulcast by three classical radio stations would be a first of its kind. Banners are once
again planned by WNIB for Michigan Avenue during September.
Cleveland
September 10 marks the date for the biggest events of many
that the local Coalition has planned for Classical Music Month. ClassicalFest will run all
day at the Cleveland Music School. Record stores and arts organizations will each offer
20% discounts on their merchandise. Attached to these 20% coupons is an entry form for a
drawing. Prizes will be donated by Coalition members. WCLV's Top Forty Classical Weekend
kicks off Classical Music Month on September 1-4. Listeners will call in to the station
and vote on their favorite piece of Classical music.
Keep NARM In The Know!
If you have information on activities in your area, call
NARM at (609) 596-2221. If you would like to join a local group working on a special
event, it's not too late! Check out the contact list.
State & Local Contacts
ARIZONA
Phoenix
Janet Sessions
Arizona Music Educators
602/991-9620
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
Steve Wehmhoff
Abbey Road Dist.
714/546-7177
San Diego
Diane Levine
Trade Service Corp.
619/457-5920
San Francisco
Diane Dragone
Star Records
415/552-1110
FLORIDA
Miami
Lynn Farmer, WTMI
305/856-9393
ILLINOIS
Chicago
Lita Grier,WNlB-WNlZ
312/633-9700
Matthew Brookmeier
Chicago Music Alliance
312/987-9296
KANSAS/MISSOURI
Kansas City
Lawyer Ward, KXTR
913/432-1480
St. Louis
Robin Weatherall
Streetside Records
314/426-2388
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Ginger Sisco
Minnesota Public Radio
612/290-1500
NEW YORK
New York City
c/o WEA New York
Denise Pineau
212/757-3939
OHIO
Cleveland
Richard Marschner, WCLV
216/464-0900
OREGON/WASHINGTON
Portland
Elizabeth Smith
Allegro Corp.
503/257-8480
Seattle
Dayna Kennedy
Seattle Symphony
206/443-4740
TEXAS
Dallas
Michael Bitsott, WRR
214/670-8888
WASHINGTON, DC
Catherine Meloy, WGMS
301/468-1800