Casio Gives Back With Keyboard Donations To Express The Importance Of Music Education

DOVER, N.J., Feb. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., a leading electronic musical instrument provider, is excited to announce that it is continuing its commitment to support music education with donations around the country of its widely popular Privia digital pianos. The company recently donated to the Jazz Education Network (JEN) for a silent auction fundraiser at the JEN 2016 Conference in Louisville. Casio also recently donated to Leverette Elementary School in Arkansas, which coincided with Casio partner and pianist, Simone Dinnerstein's classical music program, Bachpacking. Finally, Casio gave an assortment of Privia digital pianos to 10 Berklee City Music Network locations including the Boys & Girls Harbor in New York City.

"Music education is a critical component to Casio's keyboard division goals.  Without the support of manufacturers, educators, artists and NAMM, children today might miss out on the benefits that are derived from studying music. Keyboards have been often denoted as the gateway instrument for many musicians, if these donations help just one student benefit than we are all successful. We are thrilled to be able to share the gift of music with organizations and schools around the country," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division.

The Jazz Education Network:
At the JEN conference, a silent auction was held to generate funds towards the organization's mission of building the jazz community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. The silent auction fundraiser ensured that all proceeds generated would help support the various programs that JEN offers including outreach initiatives in area schools and communities, scholarships for deserving students, and the JENerations Jazz Festival.

Casio's Privia PX-350 was selected for this donation in memory of Joe Sample, an American pianist, keyboard player and composer, and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders. Joe was a member of the Casio family of artists and the Privia line was his preferred line of pianos.

Leverett Elementary School:
Casio partner and pianist, Simone Dinnerstein, recently brought her Bachpacking program, which provides classical music in public school classrooms, presents interactive performances, and encourages musical discussion among students, to Leverett Elementary School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. As part of this program, Dinnerstein works to help students identify imitation, contrary and parallel motion and ways of listening through Bach. Casio worked with Dinnerstein to surprise music teacher, Anthony Lytle, and the entire Leverett Elementary community with a special donation, which included a Privia PX-160 and stand for use in the school's music initiatives.

Berklee City Music^® Network:
Casio recently donated more than 100 electronic musical instruments to 10 Berklee City Music Network locations across the country including Boys & Girls Harbor in New York City. The donated instruments, including PX-135 and PX-150 Privia pianos, among others, are being used in music programs to enable youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically and socially. The donated Casio pianos are currently being played by students at the Boys & Girls Harbor K.I.D.S. Afterschool Piano Group Class among others.

The Privia digital piano line comes equipped with Casio's proprietary AiR technology which redefines the digital piano experience with richer and more genuine sounds. The pianos feature a combination of a new keyboard action and a powerful new sound engine to provide an enhanced level of detail, nuance and expression for a superior grand piano experience. Casio's Privia pianos are currently available at select music dealers nationwide. To learn more about Casio's music education initiatives and full portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com. 

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

About The Jazz Education Network
The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences. With a home base in the United States, and members in more than 23 countries, this thriving organization hosts a popular annual conference that serves teachers, students, artists, performing arts presenters, music industry partners, and enthusiasts. JEN runs ongoing programs of scholarships and awards for students and educators, student composition showcases, community outreach, music and instrument donations to schools in need, and mentoring with jazz pros and students.

About Berklee City Music^®
Berklee City Music^® is a non-profit organization that leverages the power of contemporary music to empower youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially, and emotionally. Founded over 20 years ago by Berklee College of Music, the organization reaches over 79,000 students annually through a variety of programs and initiatives including City Music Network, City Music Boston, Amp Up NYC, and the innovative PULSE® online music method. By using culturally relevant music as a vehicle for holistic youth development, Berklee City Music helps young people flourish as students, musicians, and—perhaps most importantly—confident and well-rounded individuals ready to shape the world.

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SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

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