The Second Annual Grand Rally for Music Education featured violin virtuosos Black Violin in collaboration with Yamaha; and includes interviews with Turnaround Artists Keb’ Mo’ and Bernie Williams; with student performances by The Perfect Fourth Quartet, a Sphinx Organization ensemble and recipients of the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award presented by First Lady Michelle Obama.
The event saluted and celebrated music education and took place at The NAMM Show on Saturday, January 21, 9:30 a.m., in The NAMM Foundation Lounge in the Anaheim Hilton. NAMM members, music educators, college students and faculty were present to come together in support of music education.
As a part of the event MMR Magazine presented the Don Johnson Industry Service Award to Susan and Jonathan Lipp of Full Compass Systems for their outstanding philanthropy and support of music and the arts.
“Our message is that you can wear fitted caps and jeans with holes in them and be cool, but play violin at a very high level and still get a scholarship to college,” said Kev Marcus from Black Violin, in a recent Talking Up Music Education podcast. “When you’re playing music, make it yours.”
Hosted by executive director of The NAMM Foundation Mary Luehrsen, the Grand Rally was webcast LIVE on namm.org and will also be available as a special Talking Up Music Education podcast episode.