In support of the national Junior Original Concert benefiting Jackson, Mississippi's Thalia Mara Arts International Foundation on June 8, 1997, Mississippi Music of Jackson held the "Clavinova for Your Class" contest. Music teachers and principals from the Greater Jackson area were invited to sign up their schools for a chance to win a Yamaha Clavinova CLP311 digital piano. The school that sold the most tickets to the Junior Original Concert won the Clavinova.

"The CLP311 is the perfect digital piano for the classroom because of its size and capabilities. Mississippi Music is happy to contribute to the community through a Yamaha event and especially to promote music education through local schools," commented Gill Watkins, general manager of Mississippi Music. Jackson Academy was declared the winner of the contest, having sold $404 dollars worth of tickets. The school has 584 students in grades one through six and will use the CLP311 for music classes, plays and productions.

"We are so thrilled to have won the Clavinova!" exclaimed Nancy Alford, Elementary Dean of Jackson Academy. "We plan to use it in all of our music classes and productions. Ironically, the digital piano will be arriving at our school as the keyboard we currently use moves on to Washington, D.C. with our music teacher. What a wonderful way to welcome a new music teacher -- with a new instrument."

The Clavinova CLP311 will be delivered to Jackson Academy in time for the 1997-98 school year.

Pictured Left to right: Phil Nation, Nancy Alford (Jackson Academy), Stacy Guy (Jackson Academy), Sue McKnight (Jackson Academy), Cathy and Gill Watkins of Mississippi Music.