The Executive Committee of the Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) launched two new program initiatives during the January NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, directly addressing the need of growing and supporting drum set oriented members and firms in the percussion industry.

Roland USA recently announced the forming of the 1st United States Digital Accordion Orchestra.

Audiofly has moved to a new US headquarters.

On January 25th, EMG Pickups hosted the Hap Kuffner Roast to honor his 30-plus years of service with the company.

Music for All, Inc. has promoted three employees to executive and manager positions.

Sequester, ‘Fiscal Cliff’, Gun Control, etc… It’s pretty easy to put the larger cause of “music education funding” on the back-burner these days — understandbly so.

Hohner announced the promotion of Leon Lewis to the position of ukulele product manager.

C. Bechstein celebrates its 160th anniversary with a unique achievement: a luxurious, sumptuously ornamented instrument made by master craftsmen and artists using the most exquisite materials.

Guitar Center has announced Mike Pratt has been appointed CEO and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective April 1, 2013.

Morley Thompson passed away on March 7 at the age of 86.

William Fuller has passed away on March 8. Mr. Fuller worked for the Wurlitzer Company in DeKalb, Ill from 1953-1987.

Clinton Voigt, 92, of Beloit, Wis., passed away on February 10, 2013.

Radial Engineering has appointed Stage Audio Works as their Distributor for the African Region.

The Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) recently launched an updated website for classroom-guitar teachers.

BGE Financial announced that Cory Gray has joined BGE as vice president of sales and marketing.

Founded in 1968 by American luthier Robert Benedetto, Benedetto Guitars, Inc. of Savannah, Georgia is celebrating 2013 as their 45th Anniversary.

A special committee of MakeMusic’s Board of Directors, consisting of independent directors, and MakeMusic’s Board of Directors have unanimously approved the transaction.

New hires at Korg USA

As previously reported in MMR, On March 23rd, 2011, K.H.S. Musical Instrument Co., Ltd., the manufacturer and supplier of the HERCULES Guitar Stands, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Ultimate Support Systems Inc. of Loveland, Colorado.

Bertil Larson worked in the accounting department for Wurlitzer in DeKelb, IL from 1954-1987.