Yamaha has announced its 2012 Sounds Of Summer (SOS) Program. An integral part of the continuing education of percussion students all over the United States, the Yamaha SOS program connects developing musicians with some of the top names in marching percussion.
As one of the first programs created by Yamaha after the creation of its marching and concert percussion department in 1984 (nearly three decades ago), Sounds of Summer represents the company's long-standing commitment to not only provide young musicians with world-class instruments, but also support for music education. It is estimated that over 55,000 students have participated in a Yamaha Sounds of Summer camp.
In 2011 alone, Yamaha coordinated camps spanning 24 states across the USA, teaching over 2,000 young percussionists. Each camp featured at least one talented and driven Yamaha clinician that provided in depth, hands-on instruction during these intensive clinics.
Clinicians for 2012 include Tom Aungst, Jim Bailey, Michael Beauclerc, Lee Beddis and Dr. Andrew Bliss.
In addition to t-shirts and lanyards, Yamaha provides each camper with 'The Marching Essentials' book series, which includes music written by top Yamaha artists such as Dr. Jon Weber, Colin McNutt, Bret Kuhn, and Alan Keown.
