At the NAMM Show (January 16, 2009)

From Julie Hill ‘09…

This morning we headed to the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show at the Anaheim Convention Center. After receiving our badges, we went to the Hilton to meet the Director of Artist Relations for Yamaha, John Wittmann, who gave a presentation to the Workforce Development students who attend the show because of their school’s NAMM affiliation. We learned valuable life lessons and tips for future interviews. John gave us his top ten list, entitled “Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went to My First NAMM Show.”

After the presentation, we went our separate ways. Cody Fiedler ‘10, Dr. Kelly, and Mr. Anderson met Mike Vax, a Getzen artist and clinician who is the former lead trumpet player with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. We were in awe of the massive number of guitars, drums, woodwinds, brass, strings, and music publishing companies and their elaborate displays. We collected free SWAG (Stuff We All Get) from the booths on the four floors, which are the length of six football fields.

One of our classmates, Will Surdynski ‘10, had the amazing opportunity to job shadow at the Conn-Selmer booth. He had a wonderful experience and was able to meet the president and other executives. Julie met up with many people she worked with this summer at Yamaha, and even grabbed coffee with John Wittmann to “catch up on life”.

During the show, Katherine and Lauren were able to acquire tickets for our group to attend the Sennheiser concert Friday night at the House of Blues, where we heard the Tower of Power horns among others.

The show provided all of us many different experiences and networking opportunities. There are only about 18 Workforce Development Institutes, and as Bradley students, we are fortunate to attend one of them.

Tomorrow we will be at the show again, so look for our next entry soon.

Thanks for stopping by!