$40,000 in Musical Gear Donated by Roland and Others.
For Immediate Release
Rebecca Genel
Global PR/Media Relations Manager
Roland Corporation
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Genel@roland.com
Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2010 — Roland Corporation was extremely proud to sponsor the sixth annual “Ultimate Music Room Makeover,” a recent essay contest from national music education magazine and website In Tune Monthly. Doug Brown, a music teacher at William Campbell Combined School in Naruna, Virginia, submitted an essay that exceeded hundreds of others from around the country to earn the top prize. As the winner, his classroom received $40,000 in musical gear donated by Roland and 10 other manufacturers.
In Tune Monthly executives awarded the gear in a presentation at the school on October 13, 2010. Held in cooperation with MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the contest asked teachers to describe why their schools were deserving of the prize. MENC Executive Director Michael Butera attended the presentation as guest speaker.
Doug Brown's winning essay described his success in building a music program in the small, rural town near Brookneal, VA, but also highlighted the program's need for revitalization in a region that is going through difficult times. “Over the last 20 years, Brookneal has fallen victim to outsourcing of jobs overseas. Almost all of the factories have closed down, which has left the town struggling to find a new centralized economy and identity,” he said. Mr. Brown also included a creative collection of interviews with his students on their musical hopes and dreams. The high school's work with the Patrick Henry Boys Home figured in their choice as winner of the 2010 contest as well.
Roland donated a JUNO-Di Mobile Synthesizer to the William Campbell Combined School, and was one of 11 music industry manufacturers that contributed recording and performance gear, musical instruments, and software for the prize.
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About In Tune Partners
In Tune Monthly is “the young musician's textbook,” distributed in the form of a magazine blending coverage of popular musical artists and themes with the traditional music curriculum. In Tune helps music teachers create relevant and contemporary lessons about music creation, music technology, music production, the music industries, innovative musical technique, higher music education, and a wide array of musical genres.
About Roland Corporation
Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With over 38 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.