The NAMM Foundation Makes Kids "Rock Stars" on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis., April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The NAMM Foundation is excited to announce the final stop on their SupportMusic Community Forum/Lennon Bus Residency Tour to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. During this two day event, six lucky high school students will get the chance to write and record an original song along with a professional music video aboard the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a multi-million dollar mobile recording studio.

"The passion that students have for music resonates so clearly through these videos," said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. "The NAMM Foundation is honored to put a spotlight on these standout music programs and music teachers, and lend inspiration to these talented students as they continue to journey down their musical paths."

St. Croix Falls School District is one of six Best Communities for Music Education designated school districts across the country to win a two-day residency from the NAMM Foundation after submitting a creative video answering the question, "What Makes Music Education Great in My District?"

Vocal teacher Shawn Gudmunsen said, "Being recognized by a national organization [like the NAMM Foundation] reinforces what we strive for as music educators; instilling a comprehensive approach to learning, performing and enjoying music making."

NAMM Foundation/Lennon Educational Tour Bus Schedule:

When:                                   
Thursday, April 7th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Kids Recording Original Song and Video aboard the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

Friday, April 8th, 9:30 to 11:00 am - SupportMusic Community Forum on Community Support for Music Education in the St. Croix Falls School District

Where:                     
St. Croix Falls High School Gymnasium
740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls, WI.

Interviews:              
Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director, (NAMM) Foundation
Kids recording music video
Shawn Gudmunsen, Vocal Teacher, St. Croix Falls High School
Mayor Brian Blesi
Superintendent Mark Burandt
Sheila Briggs, Assistant State Superintendent of Academic Excellence

B-Roll/Photos:        
Kids recording music video, playing instruments
Live SupportMusic Community Forum on the benefits and joys of music education

Thursday April 7: Assisted by three professional on-board engineers, six students will learn how to write, record, and produce an original song as well as make a music video.

Friday, April 8: The NAMM Foundation hosts a SupportMusic Community Forum, which brings together school officials and administration, community leaders and NAMM Members to share strategies for incorporating music education as part of the curriculum. At this forum, the school will be presented with a surprise instruments and gear donation worth $3,500 from Audio­Technica, Epiphone, Genelec, Mackie, Other World Computing (OWC), Neutrik, Yamaha and ZVEX Effects.

The program will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a musical performance from fourth graders of St. Croix Elementary School and will be followed by panel discussions on music education successes and opportunities in the St. Croix Falls School District.

The two-day event will close with a block party for the public, which will feature tours of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

About the NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a non­profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,300 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit http://www.nammfoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

CONTACT: Chris Herzog, 751-450-4990, [email protected]

SOURCE NAMM Foundation

Related Links

http://www.nammfoundation.org