STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

A hearty welcome once again to the pages of Yamaha's BackstagePASS. Our Fall 2002 issue focuses on percussion, with the cover story featuring Tim Genis and Ted Atkatz-two young lions of the orchestral percussion world eager to share their energy, experience, and enthusiasm with aspiring percussionists around the country.

We also take a look at Yamaha's Percussion Idea Exchange, an annual program wherein the design and marketing staff in Grand Rapids, Michigan, solicit valuable feedback from Yamaha's percussion artists-experts who use our products on the marching field, in the teaching studio, and on the concert stage every day. PIE illustrates Yamaha's philosophy of incorporating the ideas and experiences of performing musicians into everything we create.

Yamaha is proud to be a continuing supporter of music education. Part of that commitment lies in sponsoring programs to build students into better young musicians, while keeping that all-important element of fun. YYPA and Sounds of Summer are ongoing examples of educational programs that get bigger and better every year. As usual, you'll also find entertaining and informative features about other prominent Yamaha artists, as well as details on new products.

If you like BackstagePASS, or if you have ideas on how we can make it an even better publication, we'd like to hear about it! E-mail your comments or suggestions to backstagepass@yamaha.com. As always, we welcome your feedback.

Glenda Plummer
Senior Marketing Manager
Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division

Introducing a Future Legend Yamaha's new line of intermediate and professional saxophones includes the soon-to-be-legendary Z-series models, already played by professionals like Phil Woods, Mark Rivera, Jeff Coffin, George Shelby, Bob Franceschini, and Lenny Neihaus. The horns are slated for a release at the upcoming winter NAMM show, including a concert event featuring seven of the top saxophonists in the US. Stay tuned for details in the next issue of BackstagePASS, and watch for great introductory offers on these exciting new models. With these horns, you'll be going places.

BackstagePASS

SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER:
Glenda Plummer

EDITORIAL DIRECTION:
Roger Eaton
John Wittmann

MANAGING EDITOR:
Julie Leenheer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
Steve Anzivino
Jim Metz
Jim Murphy
Kimberly Pant
Michael Schaner
Joel Tetzlaff
Kurt Witt

PRODUCED BY:
Bentley-Hall, Inc.

 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Jodie Heim
Stephen Laifer
Laura Lesswing

DESIGN:
Michele Lenart

 PHOTOGRAPHY:
San Francisco Sounds: Terrence McCarthy
Cover Story: Greg Vandenberg
Artist Toolbox: John Fowler

CIRCULATION:
Linda Haynes

BackstagePASS is published twice a year and distributed to customers, dealers, and artists of Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division products. Please send all address changes and inquiries to the address below.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? KUDOS? COMPLAINTS? CALL, FAX, WRITE, OR E-MAIL US. HERE’S HOW:

Yamaha Corporation of America
Band & Orchestral Division
P.O. Box 899
3445 East Paris Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49518-0899

Phone: 616-940-4900
Fax: 616-949-7721
E-mail: backstagepass@yamaha.com