Playback - Fall 2008 - (Page 21)

A Monumental Event: NAMM Promotes Recreational Music Making at AARP Convention NAMM and a group of its Commercial Members exhibited at the AARP’s Life@50+ National Event & Expo at the Washington Convention Center in September, where more than 27,000 active baby boomers and seniors learned about the social and physical wellness benefits experienced by people over age 50 who participate in Recreational Music Making (RMM). Themed “It’s Monumental,” the convention attracted many attendees from the local D.C. area, as well as around the country. NAMM’s Wanna Play? Pavilion was a point of interest for many, as they could take music lessons or attend presentations on how, why and where to make music, led by participating NAMM Member companies (including Alfred Publishing, Fender, Hohner, Korg, Lowrey, Panyard, Remo, Roland and Yamaha). A drum circle ended each day and was packed with seniors making some music of their own. “I’d never done a drum circle before, and I was feeling kind of sluggish, and now I’m off the chain—in a positive way!” said Patricia Onakoya, an AARP member from Washington, D.C. “I let off tension, and I was sitting next to someone; I didn’t know anything about them and we had a conversation. It helped me connect with some folks. I think it’s the coolest thing. Music is soothing; it’s not restricted to a certain tune—and I found I had a little rhythm!” Vergil Gough of Winston-Salem, N.C., shared his positive experience in a community band: “I’ve been playing in a New Horizons Band for over three years. To me it’s relaxing. We go to a lot of nursing homes, retirement centers and play for senior groups, and I really enjoy playing for those folks.” In addition, NAMM sponsored one of the NAMM’s goal to encourage and motivate the show’s biggest hits: the Young@Heart Chorus. 50+ market to pick up an instrument for the Daily performances by this inspiring group first time—or for the first time in years—was of seniors featured in a recent documentary, a treat for several show-goers. Many of the drew hundreds of fans and attendees into the attendees had never before been introduced booth. The Chorus, whose average age is 81, to the concepts of RMM, but were made sang some unexpected selections by artists aware of the health and wellness benefits including James Brown and Queen. after spending time with NAMM staff and exhibiting NAMM Members. “NAMM is bringing the Wanna Play? Music Pavilion and the idea of Recreational Music “I’m 52, and I have been playing since I was Making to consumer events such as this about 8 years old,” said Kathleen Heckler of AARP show to build excitement about our Bethlehem, Pa. “This summer, I took some industry’s message that making music is fun drum classes, and it was more for health and good for you,” said NAMM’s Director of reasons than anything else! I enjoy doing the Market Development Morgan Ringwald. drumming and I know the health benefits are there. It was stress-relieving, and I just To learn more about NAMM-affiliated RMM had a great time.” programs, log on to www.namm.org. FALL 2008 21 http://www.namm.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Playback - Fall 2008

Playback - Fall 2008 Contents From the President NAMM Events Music in the News Voices of Our Past, Present and Future: NAMM Oral History Program Celebrates a Major Milestone Commercial Retail Reps in the Field NAMM@AARP New Domestic Members Washington Watch International NAMM Foundation Music Notes Resources Viewpoint

Playback - Fall 2008

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