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BDPA to partner with Conn/Selmer


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From an email today from BDPA:

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'Conn-Selmer Instruments and BD Performing Arts (BDPA) are pleased to announce that The Blue Devils, RCC Indoor Percussion, and all other BDPA programs will be performing exclusively on marching instruments manufactured and distributed by Conn-Selmer. This will be an exciting partnership between two iconic organizations in the marching arts that will include products, education, and events.

“Both Conn-Selmer and BDPA have a long history of excellence in the performing arts,” said Shaun Gallant, BD Performing Arts CEO. “We are thrilled to be joining forces to help support the advancement of excellence in performing arts through educational events and new product development under the Conn-Selmer portfolio of brands.”

Conn-Selmer, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States, is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. “We are extremely excited about The Blue Devils playing on our brands of King, Ludwig, Musser, and Bach marching instruments, all of which have a rich history in the marching arts. The Blue Devils commitment to innovative excellence in both the performing arts and music education make this a great opportunity for both organizations. We look forward to developing new products with BDPA and their experienced staff in support of marching arts programs globally,” said Michael Kamphuis, Managing Director of Education at Conn-Selmer, Inc.'

 

Does this mean that System Blue is no more? Or was it no more and I missed it?

EDIT: Obviously I know nothing, and System Blue is drumsticks, mallets, mouthpieces, etc. and not instruments. Anyway, enjoy this news tidbit.

Edited by mfrontz
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System Blue was selling hard goods (horns and drums) as well. The horn company in China they'd been using just shut their doors, so that avenue was dead. It's a good move for Conn Selmer, to be sure, and it'll be good to see the Ludwig logo on the field again.

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I dunno. Marching Bach Strads sounds pretty sweet to me. 

Edited by Jurassic Lancer
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Ludwig had to make serious strides for ScoJo to sign on

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8 hours ago, Jeff Ream said:

Ludwig had to make serious strides for ScoJo to sign on

The tubs they've been playing the last few seasons (their own branded gear) was not exactly top of the line, and their staff was fine with it. Ludwig's drums are "me too's" the same way that Dynasty was (BD played them as well), so there shouldn't be any issues. Plus, reef down a Kevlar head and tape the snares, and they're all pretty much the same from 20 yards away.

Plus, no no one's sacrificing anything to get Musser's instruments.  It's a good move for Conn Selmer and for BD as well, as it saves some face following the implosion of their hardware division.

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BD has used Conn-Selmer in the past, with most of their custom brass instruments being made here in Northeast Ohio (Eastlake, a suburb of Cleveland, OH). I always loved the sound of BD on the Kings. Not sure how this will play out this time but I guess we shall see. Conn-Selmer has many sites where brass can be made, but my guess is Ohio or Indiana. But maybe BD and Conn have different plans.  The Ludwig thing seems interesting, too. Below is an article from 2009 when they were using King brass.

 

Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps To Play On King Marching Brass

Conn-Selmer, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has added the reigning world champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps from Concord, CA to its “King’s of the Field” roster. Beginning this fall, The Blue Devils will exclusively be playing on King Ultimate Marching Brass. The most decorated corps in the history of Drum Corps International, The Blue Devils “A” have finished in the top five for the last 28 consecutive years, and have won the DCI World Championship title an unprecedented 13 times.

“We are absolutely thrilled to name King Marching Brass as our new partner. Their brand is legendary in brass manufacturing and fits perfectly with our organization. Through this partnership, there will be many exciting things happening”, said David Gibbs, Blue Devils Executive Director. “This relationship will help support the marching arts including live educational events and new product development under the King/System Blue brands.”

The experience that comes with participation in the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps builds discipline, character, pride, and self-confidence at a crucial age and forms the springboard to even greater achievements in adulthood. The level of commitment from the performers serves to demonstrate the outstanding character building capacity of the organization. The young people soon discover that dedication and hard work enable them to achieve success. “We are extremely excited about the Blue Devils playing on a brand of instruments with a rich history in marching. The Blue Devils commitment to excellence in both the performing arts and music education make this a great opportunity for both organizations.” said Michael Kamphuis, Director of Marketing for King Marching Brass at Conn-Selmer, Inc.

King Ultimate Marching Brass is a line of instruments designed specifically for the marching field. Made in Eastlake, OH, this product can be seen across the country and all over the world in Drum Corps International, Drum Corps Associates, Drum Corps Europe and many other top high schools, universities and institutions.

For more information on King Marching Brass, go to: www.kingsofthefield.com

Conn-Selmer, Inc., the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States, is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. To contact Conn-Selmer, write to P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.

 
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2 hours ago, Slingerland said:

The tubs they've been playing the last few seasons (their own branded gear) was not exactly top of the line, and their staff was fine with it. Ludwig's drums are "me too's" the same way that Dynasty was (BD played them as well), so there shouldn't be any issues. Plus, reef down a Kevlar head and tape the snares, and they're all pretty much the same from 20 yards away.

Plus, no no one's sacrificing anything to get Musser's instruments.  It's a good move for Conn Selmer and for BD as well, as it saves some face following the implosion of their hardware division.

they had to be ok with it for branding purposes.

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