Korg USA has announced that, as a result of its efforts thus far to build the brand in the U.S., it has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Blackstar products in Canada, effective immediately.

Hosa Technology has promoted Kyle Lassegard to the newly created position of web marketing manager.

Mesa/Boogie Ltd. has elected not to renew Guitar Center as an authorized Mesa/Boogie dealer.

D’Addario & Company has announced the formation of D’Addario China. Established in Shanghai and fully owned by D’Addario, D’Addario China will manage sales and marketing of the company’s products throughout the mainland.

The winners of this year’s annual School Band & Orchestra (MMR’s sister publication) Essay Contest have been announced…

With “Providers Profit” as their mantra, Namba Gear announced the formation of NAMBACKER B2B, an MI manufacturer/distributor business-to-business networking group. The announcement follows the recent NAMM Show this past January.

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA), Band & Orchestra Division, has announced the promotion of Makoto Tani to assistant general manager.

Made from recycled scrap, these German robots recently “played” at Musikmesse.

JamHub Corp. has appointed Audio Distributors International as its official distributor for Canada.

Gator Cases, Inc. has hired David Bain as its new supply chain manager at the Florida headquarters.

Good traffic is evident on the Show floor, but challenges in the European markets are the talk of the 2013 edition of the Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound shows in Frankfurt, Germany taking place from April 10-13.

Larry “Link” Linkin, professional musician and former NAMM president/CEO, has been invited by the International Clarinet Association (ICA) to perform at their ClarinetFest® in Assisi, Italy.

Gemini has appointed Ken Dewar as sales director, Gemini Sound, EMEA/APAC.

Shogo Hayashi has been named president of Hoshino USA Incorporated, effective April 15.

Manley Labs, an American manufacturer of hand-built, high-quality audio hardware, has announced that industry veteran Rick McClendon has joined the company as vice president of sales and marketing.

Vivian Artley passed away at the age of 99 on March 22.

Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro) as appointed Derek Snyder to the position of director, Western Region.

Harman Professional has named Kent Iverson to lead marketing and product development

Roland Corporation Japan has announced that Mr. Jun-ichi Miki assumed the role of president, effective April 1, 2013.

KMCMusicorp recently announced an investment in its Bloomfield, Conn. headquarters and its largest distribution facility in Portland, Tenn. Positions will be added in telesales, merchandising, credit, marketing and distribution.