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Special Promotion Committee of the NPMA
Meets in New York; Asks for Suggestions
THE NPMA PROMOTION COMMITTEE: L. TO R. WEBSTER JANSSEN, JOHN E
FURLONG, HENRY Z. STEINWAY, JACK FEDDERSEN, J. V. SILL
The Special Committee appointed by
the National Piano Manufacturers As-
sociation of America to study the pos-
sibilities for a promotional plan for the
Industry, met in New York at Steinway
Hall, New York, on April 28th and
30th to make future plans.
As a result of the comments and
suggestions received by the Committee
in interviews with manufacturers and
dealers, and in correspondence from
various segments of the trade, it has
been decided to broaden the scope of
the Committee's work to include all
subjects which have a bearing on the
problem of increasing the sale of pi-
anos. Some of these related subjects
are: retail advertising, finnacing, music
education and sales training.
Members present at the Committee
meeting were: J. V. Sill, Chairman, W.
E. Janssen, Janssen Piano Co., J. F.
Feddersen, Jesse French & Sons, H. Z.
Steinway, Steinway & Sons, J. E. Fur-
long, Winter & Co.
Considerable progress has been made
but the Committee stresses the value of
suggestions it has received and again
asks readers of Music Trade Review
to send in their comments and sugges-
tions. These can be addressed to: J. V.
Sill, Maple Avenue, Wilmette, 111.
Many Local Music Merchants Now
forming Associations in Their Cities
Local associations of music mer-
chants have been formed within the
LEFT—ORGANIZING THE
past few months in at least five cities,
and more are in process of formation,
according ot the National Association
of Music Merchants.
Purpose of the new groups, generally
speaking, is united promotion of music
at the community level and discussion
of mutual business interests and prob-
lems, exclusive of competitive areas
such as prices, rental price agreements,
etc., William R. Card, NAMM execu-
tive secretary, said. The local associa-
tions have varying specific objectives,
and several have taken up definite
projects to work on.
NAMM is encouraging development
of local organizations and has sent its
education division director. Verne R.
Marceaux, to confer with leaders and
help in the initial stages. Since Septem-
ber, 1953, groups have been formed in
the Norfolk, Va., area; Portland. Ore.;
Long Beach, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.;
and Amarillo, Tex.
Two of the associations have elected
officers. The Tidewater Music Merchant
Association, composed of stores in
Newport News, Portsmouth and Nor-
folk. Va., chose Dale Higgins of Thom-
as Piano Co., Newport News, as presi-
dent. Vice president is John Stare of
Portsmouth Music Co., and Raymond
D. Morisette of the MusiCenter, Nor-
folk, is secretary-treasurer. A class
piano workshop and developing of key-
board instrument training in local
schools are initial projects.
Long Beach, Calif., merchants are
promoting a full music program in
elementary schools, with rhythm bands,
melody instruments and keyboard in-
strument class work. They are also
establishing a musical credit clearing
house. Officers are Robert Whittaker of
Whittaker Music Co., president, Robert
D. McConnell of McConnell Piano
Shop, vice president, and Dave Har-
grave of Humphrey Music Co.. secre-
tary-treasurer.
(Turn to Page 19)
LONG BEACH, C A L , MUSIC MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION AND, RIGHT—THE AMARILLO, TEXAS, MUSIC
MERCHANTS MEET AT LUNCHEON AND ORGANIZE.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, MAY, I954