VISIONARY - Music Inc. Magazine

EXPANSION
Stravari Orchestral
Expands Business
Stravari Orchestral Instruments
United States and Canada. Since
the early 1990s, the Colorado-based
Stravari line of instruments was only
sold through a small dealer base
in the western United States until
instruments began selling through
schools and colleges. With this
ing
and offering its product to independent
music retailers throughout
the United States and Canada.
“Stravari instruments are a
cornerstone in today’s music industry,”
said Robin Rockley, president
of Stravari. “The Stravari line
provides high-quality instruments
the independent music retailers.
“Stravari also does not allow sales
over the Internet, as this would lessen
the product line and not serve the
to the local dealer.” {stravari.com}
EVENT
Yamaha Drums
Gets Jazzy
Since 1985, Yamaha and staff from
Kenner, La.-based Ray Fransen’s
Drum Center have provided the drum
sets and tech
support for every
stage of the New
Heritage Festival.
This year,
received Yamaha
drums, including
the new Club
Custom drum
set on the Gentilly Stage, along
with multiple other kits.
“Every morning, we got up early
and ran from stage to stage checking
drums,” said David Jewell, marketing
manager for Yamaha Drums.
“The Club Custom kit was a big
hit. The performers loved them.”
Yamaha also partnered with
Acura, which displayed its new TSX
Sport Wagon during the festival.
The companies’ display featured the
new car and used a specially con-
Yamaha Club Custom drum (pictured),
demonstrating the TSX Sport
Wagon’s utility and relevance to the
musical setting. {yamaha.com}
30 I MUSIC INC. I JULY 2011
On April 13, KMC Music celebrated
the grand opening of its new
Dealer Profit Center (DPC), located in
Fender’s Ontario, Calif., distribution
center. More than 100 guests were in
attendance for the festivities, which
included tours of the 880,000-squarefoot
distribution center, exclusive sales
specials and entertainment provided
by Latin Percussion artist Richie “Gajate”
Garcia.
The DPC will be home to a regular
APPOINTMENTS
D’Addario Adds Fremont
Gon Bops recently named Randy
Chaisson U.S. sales manager.
product specialist for Gretsch Drums.
Michael Edwards has been appointed
as vice president of professional
markets for Audio-Technica.
Music Group has tapped Arie
Korpel as its new senior man-
KMC Music’s new Dealer Profit Center
KMC MUSIC I VENUES
KMC OPENS DEALER
PROFIT CENTER
series of events for dealers and the
KMC sales team. The events will focus
on education and training tactics for
selling through KMC products. Upcoming
events include product launches,
merchandising and clinics.
“The DPC gives us the chance to
present our own mini NAMM show
and provide dealer training events
365 days a year,” said Robert Lee,
KMC’s vice president of sales.
{kamanmusic.com}
D
’Addario has appointed Eric Fremont
to its board of directors. Fremont will
provide strategic guidance in regards to
D’Addario’s technology, IT and e-business
development needs.
He has more than 25 years of experience
in telecommunications and technology. Fre-
Eric Fremont
mont served as the senior vice president, IT
strategy and planning at Verizon Communications from 2007–2011.
“I am very pleased to welcome Eric Fremont to our board of directors,”
said D’Addario CEO Jim D’Addario. “He brings specialized
knowledge and know-how to our board, and his participation will
ensure the execution of the company’s initiatives and growth as an
organization.”
ager for worldwide sales.
Los Cabos Drumsticks has
promoted two employees, including
Matt Carter from marketing and communications
coordinator to director
of marketing and artist relations.
Stephanie Guay, former artist relations
representative, now joins the production
team as operations manager.