Indianapolis Colts Team Member Promotes Music eridian Music Company continues to build support with schools in Indianapolis, IN through its growing relationship with Indianapolis Colts' defensive end Bernard Whittington. Meridian regularly introduces music teachers and their students to the idea that musicians come in all shapes and sizes. Most recently, this innovative awareness program that mixes a professional athlete with the gentler side of a creative musician has placed a Yamaha GH1 grand piano at Southport Middle School. Whittington visited the school, where he spoke with approximately 200 students about the value of music education. Peggy Trieb and Jeanie Fitzgerald of the Music Department helped orchestrate the special event, which culminated with Mr. Whittington autographing the piano for the students. When he's off the playing field and out of schools, Whittington enjoys making music in his home studio with his Yamaha piano. Meridian Vice President of Sales Greg Durthaler introduced the athlete/musician to renowned music producer and fellow Indianapolis resident Rodney Stepp, who shares Whittington's preference for Yamaha pianos. Stepp, who has recorded with The Spinners, Etta James and Sister Sledge, started Brooks Street Music in 1984. The production studio has grown into a state-of-the-art facility that Stepp uses for his musician and commercial advertising clients. Jazz Educators Conference Selects Yamaha as Official Piano ast Winter, the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) Annual Conference celebrated its silver anniversary in the heart of the jazz world, New York City. The theme, "Celebrating The Global Jazz Community," was reflected throughout the four-day event and included an impressive lineup of artists and educational offerings. Guided by the mission to "nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage," approximately 7,000 people from more than 35 countries participated in workshops and clinics and attended numerous daily performances by jazz greats. Yamaha continued its long-standing relationship with IAJE and joined in the celebration of the world's largest jazz conference. Two Disklaviers® were on hand at the Yamaha booth -- an MX100IIXG upright and a digital grand DGT2IIXG -- along with 18 acoustic pianos provided by Frank & Camille's Keyboard Centers of Melville, NY. "The quality level and expectation of pianos at each of the venues are extremely high," stated IAJE Executive Director Bill McFarlin. "We're delighted to work with Yamaha as the exclusive provider for the IAJE and look forward to continuing a strong partnership in the future."

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