Thought yu would like to know

Welcome once more to BackstagePASS. In this issue we visit six Yamaha percussionists and hear the challenges they faced, along with the sacrifices they made, to make it as teachers and performers in the United States and abroad. All six faced tough odds, but succeeded with their drive and perseverance.

Ever wondered what quantum mechanics, acting, and fantasy camps have to do with music? Professional sax players Jeff Coffin, Frankie Pérez, and Mark Rivera share their different philosophies and outlooks on playing, and the horns they use to obtain their unique sound and style.

The latest installment of the Artist Toolbox goes behind the music with the award-winning composer, arranger, and performer, Lennie Niehaus. Living jazz legend Phil Woods is also profiled, having played with jazz greats and pop icons for more than 50 years. He's still making music, and "Shaping the Sounds of American Jazz" gives you an overview of Wood's illustrious career.

Violinist Christian Howes was labeled a child prodigy at the age of five, and wait 'til you see what he is doing now: jazz, and in a big way. Take a look at how his career is moving ahead with leaps and bounds.

We also give you a behind-the-scenes look at Drum Corps. It's not just the troops of summer; it is a yearlong activity. Instructors and Yamaha artists from the perennial top contending corps tell us what it takes to continually keep their teaching and organization fresh. What keeps their sound fresh? Yamaha.

Good reading and keep practicing.

Richard D. Young
Vice President/General Manager
Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division

BackstagePASS

VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER:
Richard D. Young

SENIOR EDITOR
Glenda Plummer

MANAGING EDITOR:
Julie Leenheer

ASSOCIATE EDITORS:
Roger Eaton
John Wittmann

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

CREATIVE DIRECTION:
Antoinette Follet

DESIGN:
Michele Cook

 PHOTOGRAPHY:
Frankie Perez: Jesus Fuentes
Jeff Coffin: Tom Puwalski
Phil Woods: David W. Coulter
Chrisitan Howes: 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