El Sistema USA & Conn Selmer, Inc. agree on national partnership benefiting El Sistema USA Member organizations around the U.S.
DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 2019
El Sistema USA, the national alliance of El Sistema-inspired organizations in the U.S., and Conn Selmer, Inc. have established the terms of a new partnership set to launch in the Fall of 2019. This joining of two leaders in the music industry will include a multitude of benefits to the 115 El Sistema USA Member organizations around the country.
At the core of the partnership is a Special Partnership Program for all El Sistema USA Members. The partnership will allow members to purchase Conn-Selmer string and band instruments at a special El Sistema USA Partnership price through their local school music dealer. Members will also be granted free access to Conn Selmer’s cloud-based Instrument Inventory Management system, software, a solution used by thousands of schools and districts around the country. This investment by Conn Selmer, Inc. and their Division of Education is coupled with great excitement for the El Sistema movement in the U.S.
From Mike Kamphuis, Managing Director, Division of Education, Conn Selmer, Inc:
“Conn-Selmer’s Division of Education could not be more excited to partner with El Sistema USA,” said Michael Kamphuis. Managing Director of Conn-Selmer’s Division of Education. “Together we will be able to put quality instruments into the hands of young musicians across America and take one more step forward to ensure they have the tools necessary to reach their true musical potential.”
In accordance with El Sistema USA’s commitment to professional development, the two organizations will be working together to provide access to professional development opportunities for Teaching Artists in El Sistema USA Member organizations. For 2019-2020, El Sistema USA plans to invite teaching artists from various programs to attend Conn Selmer Institute (CSI), a three-and-a-half day professional development conference for music educators, students, and program leaders that aims to equip them with practical skills and relevant strategies to address the current trends in music education. The two also plan to schedule workshops with Conn Selmer clinicians for El Sistema USA Members.
From Scott Laird, Conn Selmer Educational Clinician and El Sistema USA Board of Directors:
“The Conn Selmer Institute and Educational Clinician network are wonderful examples of Conn Selmer’s commitment to high quality music education and professional development for Music Educators. In attending CSI, our teaching artists will immerse in a high energy community of music educators who thirst for new and innovative perspectives on teaching and pedagogy. In turn, our local El Sistema nucleos will have the opportunity for more customized, grass-roots teacher and classroom training by hosting Conn-Selmer Division of Education Clinicians for local, on site professional and pedagogical development.”
Finally, El Sistema USA looks forward to the addition of El Sistema USA leaders and teaching artists to the roster of Conn Selmer’s network of educational clinicians and speakers in the future.
From Katie Wyatt, President & CEO, El Sistema USA:
“I’ve been seeking a partner like Conn Selmer on behalf of the Members of El Sistema USA. With their commitment to giving back and supporting teachers, we’re thrilled to launch our first industry partnership.”
To learn more about the partnership or for press inquiries, please contact:
Joshua deVries
Chief Operating Officer, El Sistema USA
Office: 919-704-1070
josh@elsistemausa.org
About El Sistema USA
El Sistema USA is the national alliance of El Sistema-inspired organizations in the U.S. serving 115 Member organizations in over 35 states and territories. Their mission is to support and grow a nationwide movement of programs inspired by El Sistema to effect social change through music for children with the fewest resources and the greatest need.
El Sistema USA’s diverse membership across the United States represents programs that serve communities that experience barriers at the highest levels. They aim to provide connections to knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership development for program directors, teaching artists, students, and volunteers.
Members collaborate to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts. El Sistema USA serves three major purposes: strengthening existing nucléos through capacity development and research, encouraging the formation of new nucléos through providing resources, connections and training, and building awareness of the El Sistema movement at large throughout the United States. Learn more at http://elsistemausa.org.
About the Division of Education at Conn-Selmer
The Conn-Selmer Division of Education, led by Vice President of Education, Tim Lautzenheiser, is dedicated to providing exemplary programs, services and advocacy tailored to the positive growth and development of music education around the globe. This mission is accomplished through five main pillars including the Educational Clinician Network, Conn-Selmer Institute (CSI), the Conn-Selmer VIP Program, the Music Administration Collaborative and the Conn-Selmer School Partnership Program. Together we seek a world where every young person has access to a quality music education. For more information, visit http://education.conn-selmer.com or contact us at, education@conn-selmer.com, or 574-523-0698.
About Conn-Selmer
Conn-Selmer is the leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments for student, amateur and professional use with a brand portfolio including Vincent Bach, C.G. Conn, King, Holton, Selmer, Armstrong, Leblanc, Ludwig, Musser, and Scherl & Roth. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovation and superior musical performance, Conn-Selmer operates U.S.A. production facilities and is the North American distributor of Henri Selmer Paris woodwinds and Yanagisawa saxophones. For more information on the complete line of instruments, services and support available contact Conn-Selmer at P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.
