THE CLAVIERS TAKE SPOKANE BY STORM

—Clavinova Digital Piano Ensemble Provides Musical Entertainment for Local Community—

SPOKANE, WA (March 27, 2002)— The Claviers, a keyboard ensemble composed of seven Spokane, WA area music teachers, has come together to provide the community and children of local elementary and middle schools a positive musical experience. They plan to perform at school assemblies, community events and will also be available for private functions. The Claviers will use the features of the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano to educate the public about music technology and to encourage music education through high technology musical products.

The Claviers Perform in Spokane

"We would like to bridge the gap between traditional piano education and the exciting new developments now available for music students, thanks to the Clavinova," said Ron Pullins, member of the Claviers and director of education at Music City in Spokane. "With such advanced digital technology, we believe that people at every level of ability and age group can enrich their lives through music education."

According to Pullins, the Claviers view playing an instrument as a "life sport," and use the technology of the Clavinova as a means of generating excitement within the family structure with regard to the piano. Their goal is to make music participation a life-long hobby.

"I have personally seen a decrease in the drop-out rate of piano lessons once people have started learning on a Clavinova," says Pullins. "While we are not trying to replace the traditional piano lesson, we have found that the Clavinova allows instructors to teach music in a new light and energize the student to make music."

Clavinova CVP-209 Digital Piano

The Claviers, whose name literally means "keyboard instruments," includes Music City's Ron Pullins, Terri Ring, Alice Hostetter, Linda Burger, Verna Wagner, CynDee Aerts and Kathy Hester. This group of dedicated professionals came together through a seminar on ensemble works that they each attended. The workshops, sponsored by Yamaha Corporation of America and given by Lori Frazer and Joy Carden, gave the Claviers the encouragement they needed to become an ensemble of their own.

The Claviers have entertained at several events sponsored by Music City, including a Hoe-Down and concerts at local-area shopping malls. The group is also scheduled to perform at the Spokane International Fair in September. Their repertoire includes a wide range of music from the Baroque, Classical and New Age/Contemporary eras, as well as patriotic and sacred selections. The Claviers distribute brochures during all their performances, and are on hand after the performance to speak with families on the benefits of piano education.

For more information on the Claviers, contact Ron Pullins at Music City at 509-327-3377.

For more information on Yamaha pianos, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; or visit the web site http://www.yamaha.com.