THE SOUND OF MUSIC MARKS THE OPENING OF NEW PIANO LOUNGE AT FOXWOODS RESORT

he sounds of dueling Yamaha grand pianos and entertaining performances by celebrity look alikes highlighted the grand opening of Foxwoods Resort Casino's expanded Atrium Lounge in Mashantucket, CT.

A ribbon cutting ceremony began the festivities which included appearances by "Robert DiNiro," "Joe Pesci," and the piano playing duo of Debra Sullivan and Mark Templeton, who will be featured regularly in the lounge's new 400 square foot gazebo stage.

"We thought it would be a great idea to create a more open stage area to showcase our great lounge entertainment," says Foxwoods President and CEO Bud Celey.

The refurbishing is part of a $3 million project which also includes the expansion of the casino, first opened in 1992. A formal grand opening was held in 1993 with the first of five performances given by the late Frank Sinatra.

In addition to the Yamaha grand pianos, a Yamaha upright piano is located in the resort's Intermezzo and VIP Lounges and a Yamaha Disklavier® entertains guests and patrons in the main lobby.

1998 NATIONAL JOC HELPS BIG
BROTHER BIG SISTERS

ine gifted composers, ages 8 to 15, received standing ovations for a heartwarming concert of original works at the Mitby Theater in Madison, WI last fall. The occasion? The 1998 National Yamaha Junior Original Concert (JOC) which helped raise $3,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County.

Presented by Yamaha Music Education System (YMES), the JOC, entitled "For Kids' Sake," was co-hosted by Ward-Brodt Music Mall. A rare opportunity for young composers worldwide to meet each other and perform before an appreciative audience, the event was also memorable for Ward-Brodt staff. "I sincerely hope that every Yamaha Music School eventually has the opportunity to host a National JOC. I doubt the glow will fade any time soon," says Michael C. Faulhaber, president of Ward-Brodt.

Continued on next page