Founder's Award
to Al C. Rinaldi

l C. Rinaldi, President and CEO of Jacobs' Music in Philadelphia, was presented with the prestigious Yamaha Founder's Award last summer. The surprise presentation planned by his wife, Gabrielle and three sons, Chris, Bobby, and Michael, took place at the Ristorante LaVeranda at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. Mark McNeary, Piano Division national sales manager, and Bernie McCaffery, district sales manager, presented the award to Rinaldi for his commitment and dedication through the years.

     "Jacobs' Music has been a Yamaha dealer for 34 years and has been the major force in the Philadelphia music community for so long that this award was a must," says McNeary. Upon his arrival, Rinaldi was surprised to find family, close friends, and business associates waiting to greet him. During the three decades that the company has represented Yamaha, Rinaldi has developed an increasing respect for the quality of its keyboard products, its extraordinary commitment to the consumer's complete satisfaction, and for its exemplary support of and relationship with its dealer family.

     "I feel privileged to represent Yamaha keyboard products, and I am honored and appreciative of being chosen to receive this prestigious award from my many friends at Yamaha," says Rinaldi.

Mike Diehl Awarded
Yamaha Lifetime
Achievement Award

reehold Music owner, J. Michael Diehl, also known as "Mr. Music," was the recipient of Yamaha Corporation of Americas' Lifetime Achievement Award. Last summer, the surprise presentation took place under the guidance of his wife Marilyn, at the Molly Pitcher Inn on the Navesink River in Red Bank, NJ. Mark McNeary, Piano Division national sales manager, and Bernie McCaffery, district manager, presented the prestigious award to Diehl for all his great accomplishments.

     Upon his arrival, Diehl was greeted by friends, family members, and business associates, and they honored him with many musical tributes throughout the evening. Diehl received his nickname "Mr. Music" because of his contributions over the years as a valued Yamaha dealer to the music community in central New Jersey. Yamaha has held Freehold Music in high esteem for its excellent customer service and its constant involvement in music education.

     "What a joy to have family and friends of the music community join together. To have Mark McNeary from Yamaha recognize my lifetime dedication of fostering music in our area is an honor. It was great being roasted, toasted, and boasted," says Diehl.

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