Michael Kamphuis, Managing Director, Division of Education of Conn-Selmer, Inc. Heads to Washington, D.C. to Advocate for Music Education

Posted: Mon, May 13, 2019

Elkhart, IN—May 13th, 2019 – This month, local business leader Michael Kamphuis of Conn-Selmer, Inc. will travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for all children to have access to quality, comprehensive school music education programs. Kamphuis will join music industry leaders and artists as part of a delegation of music education advocates during the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Music Education Advocacy D.C. Fly-In, May 20-23, 2019. 

The issue takes on special importance this year as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is implemented in states and local school districts under programs and funding available via the federal education law. Kamphuis will meet with Members of Congress and other elected officials to advocate for the funding of school music programs across the nation and to discuss the multitude of benefits music education espouses such as increased brain function, focus and language development.

“This will be my sixth year as a delegate representing Indiana and Michigan on behalf of music education. Each year we continue to build off of prior years to keep music education front-of-mind with our legislators. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and help ensure every child has access to a quality music education.” Kamphuis said.

The week of advocacy work will begin on Monday, May 20 with a Day of Service assisting a local school. On Tuesday, Kamphuis will participate in a full day of advocacy training, as well as in developing a state-level advocacy program. On Wednesday, he will head to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with Members of Congress, their staff and other elected officials and stakeholders in education policy.

Michael Kamphuis is Managing Director of Conn-Selmer’s Division of Education. The Division of Education seeks to provide resources and support to music educators worldwide. This mission is accomplished through five program areas: Conn-Selmer School Partnership Program, Educational Clinician Network, Conn-Selmer Institute, Music Administration Collaborative, and the VIP Program. education.conn-selmer.com

Photos of the advocacy Fly-In will be available by emailing publicrelations@NAMM.org

To learn more about the event or for interviews, please contact:

Michael Kamphuis

Managing Director, Division of Education

Conn-Selmer Inc.

Office: 574-523-0698

mkamphuis@conn-selmer.com

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,400 member companies located in 104 countries. NAMM events and members fund the NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About the Division of Education at Conn-Selmer

The Conn-Selmer Division of Education, led by Vice President of Education, Tim Lautzenheiser, is dedicated to providing exemplary programs, services and advocacy tailored to the positive growth and development of music education around the globe. This mission is accomplished through five main areas including the Educational Clinician Network, Conn-Selmer Institute, Conn-Selmer VIP Program, the Music Administration Collaborative and the Conn-Selmer School Partnership Program. Collectively we seek a world where every child has access and support to a quality music education. For more information, visit http://education.conn-selmer.com or contact us at, education@conn-selmer.com, or 574-523-0698.

About Conn-Selmer

Conn-Selmer is the leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments for student, amateur and professional use under the brand portfolio of Vincent Bach, C.G. Conn, King, Holton, Selmer, Armstrong, Leblanc, Ludwig, Musser, and Scherl & Roth. With a focus on quality craftsmanship,

innovation and superior musical performance, Conn-Selmer operates U.S.A. production facilities and is the North American distributor of Henri Selmer Paris woodwinds, and Yanagisawa saxophones. For more information on the complete line of instruments, services and support available contact Conn-Selmer at P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.

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