NAMM INTRODUCES WEB PORTAL AT SUPPORTMUSIC.COM

NAMM INTRODUCES WEB PORTAL AT SUPPORTMUSIC.COM FOR THE
INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC TO COMMUNICATE WITH POLITICIANS ABOUT
MUSIC EDUCATION ISSUES

CARLSBAD, Calif., November 3, 2006—NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, today announced that it has launched a new Action Alert area at its affiliate Support Music Web site (www.SupportMusic.com) as a portal for NAMM Members and the general public to communicate directly with elected officials regarding the importance of music education.

Currently, site visitors can use the Action Alerts to easily send feedback via e-mail to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger about his recent approval of funding to support music and arts education. In addition, e-mails can be sent directly to members of Congress on subjects such as the importance of including language in legislation that assures music is part of a quality education.

"We need many voices to create access to music education for all children," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "This interactive Web portal was designed to empower NAMM Members and the public to directly communicate their views on specific topics to politicians and advocacy groups."

To help Members express their views about the legislation that effects their businesses, such as health care insurance regulation, e-commerce, and estate tax, NAMM is implementing a similar function on its Web site (www.namm.org), giving NAMM Members the ability to express their views to federal- and state-elected officials.

About Support Music
Support Music is a public service initiative sponsored by NAMM and MENC: The National Association for Music Education, that intends to critically impact resolve and support for music education in local communities around the United States. Support Music is an advocacy effort that unites various national and regional organizations with parents and community leaders seeking to improve access and opportunity in music and arts learning. Go to www.SupportMusic.com for tools and resources for saving music programs in your local community.

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

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