BUENA PARK, Calif. — John Wittmann, Manager of Education and Artist Relations for the Band and Orchestral Division of Yamaha Corporation of America, has been chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Percussive Arts Society's (PAS) prestigious President's Industry Award. The award acknowledges Wittmann's outstanding achievements as a music educator, performer and advocate. He received the award at the 2007 PAS banquet on Nov. 2 in Columbus, Ohio.

Award winner John Wittmann (Right) with PAS President Gary Cook

"As a music educator and percussionist, I have always held a strong belief in the power of music to enrich people's lives. That is why I have dedicated my life to this field," said John Wittmann. "I am honored to receive the Percussive Arts Society's 2007 President's Industry Award, which acknowledges and reaffirms the value of our collective efforts."

In his work for Yamaha, Wittmann lives and breathes music education. In addition to inspiring students by organizing ongoing educational programs featuring more than 600 professional woodwind, brass, string and percussion artists. He also runs acclaimed Yamaha educational programs including Sounds of Summer and Yamaha Young Performing Artists from offices within the Music for All, Inc. facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his tenure at Yamaha, he has also served as manager of the Percussion Department, and as manager of "Music in Education," a computer-based music curriculum product.

A tireless advocate for all forms of music, he served as Co-Chairman of the Development Committee Task Force for the International Association of Jazz Educators and is a board member of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. He also produced the Living Legends Video Series for Yamaha, profiling legendary artists who hold a wealth of information and experience to be shared with present and future generations.

As an active performer and clinician, he has toured extensively throughout the United States and abroad and has given hundreds of drum set clinics. He is currently the drummer for the Jennie DeVoe Band, as well as an active freelance drummer.

Wittmann holds both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music Education, concentrating in conducting, percussion and 20th Century composition. Prior to joining Yamaha, John taught percussion and jazz ensemble at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born and raised in Troy, New York, he was a band director in New York State, where he headed two successful high school music programs. He is also an active volunteer in his church and is dedicated to the music ministry.

The Percussive Arts Society is the world's largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, its mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. Today, PAS is 9,000-members strong with 50 chapters located across the United States, and an additional 24 chapters outside the United States.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.