The NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Seek Outstanding School Music Programs for a Shot at a Lennon Bus Recording Residency

Calling all school music programs: The NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus are gearing up to bring a hands-on and high-tech music-making experience to three school districts with a recording residency on The Lennon Bus. Now through November 18, 2016 school administrators are invited to highlight their district’s music education achievements by answering the question, “What Makes Music Education Great in My School District?” via an online entry form and by involving their students in the creation of a one-minute video submission for a chance at the residency.

“The residency celebrates the most exemplary schools and school districts that hold music and music education as a vital part of their curriculum,” shares Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. “Students benefit from the opportunity to write and produce music in a professional recording setting thereby furthering their experience, and the community at large with the recognition as champions for music education.” 

Over a period of two days, students will have the chance to showcase their musical talents by writing, recording and producing an original song, and documenting their music making experience in the form of a music video while on The Lennon Bus: a state-of-the-art, mobile recording and production studio. On the second day, the school and district will come together to demonstrate their support for music education with a SupportMusic Community Forum and rally. Led by The NAMM Foundation, the Forum will share the successes and challenges in music education, and recognize the many accomplishments of music education within the district. The day will conclude with a community celebration and tours of The Lennon Bus.

From now until the November 18 deadline, eligible schools and school districts in the continental U.S. are invited to create their submissions online here. A link to the posted video submission must be included in the online application. Award recipients will be announced in December 2016.

Since 2013, The NAMM Foundation has hosted 13 Lennon Bus residencies in communities throughout the U.S. Past videos of district submissions, SupportMusic Community Forums and music videos of songs created from residencies can be viewed on The NAMM Foundation YouTube channel.

“As we approach our 20th year, it’s easy to reflect on what an amazing partner The NAMM Foundation has been for The Lennon Bus. Their commitment, enthusiasm and support for the importance of the mission is nearly unparalleled,” says Brian Rothschild, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Lennon Bus. “Working with the organization on this incredible program has truly had an extremely positive impact on the schools we visit and we look forward to another successful residency tour.”

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,300 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit http://www.nammfoundation.org, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit state-of-the-art mobile Pro Audio and HD video recording facility that provides hands-on experiences for students of all ages. In its 19th year of touring, the Lennon Bus features the latest audio and video technology, gear and products. The concept began as an offshoot of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, dedicated to providing opportunities for both professional and amateur songwriters around the world; proceeds from which help support the Lennon Bus. The Lennon Bus travels across the U.S. and Canada year-round, providing free tours and workshops at schools, retailers, festivals, on tours with headlining artists, and at major industry conferences. Lennon Bus Europe began providing these same opportunities to the young people of Europe when it launched in Liverpool, UK in May 2013.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon and the following sponsors and contributors: Canon U.S.A., Inc., Apple, Juniper Networks, Securematics, Other World Computing, Neutrik, The NAMM Foundation, Digital Media Academy, Audio-Technica, Genelec, Yamaha, Gibson Guitars, Epiphone, Focusrite, Sonnet Technologies, Avid, SSL, NewTek, TodoCast, IP Access, ZVEX Effects, Reflecmedia, Baker & McKenzie, Litepanels, Clear-Com, Anton/Bauer, AJA, Copperpeace, Applied Acoustics Systems, Mobile Roadie, McDSP, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia, Noise Industries, JDI, iZotope, Mad Mimi, Ableton, Ampeg, Mackie, Guitar Player, Bass Player, Electronic Musician, Keyboard Magazine, SKB and LiveU.