Organisers of Mayfield Festival delighted with service from Black Cat Music

"I have been thrilled by the service you have shown me. From start to finish you have been friendly and a joy to buy from. I run a company myself and I know how important service is and I hope that my company is as good as yours! " said Jonnie Jones, Chairman of the 2012 Mayfield Festival Committee, commending the service received from Black Cat Music when the festival organisers recently purchased a number of Mighty Bright music stand lights. 

The Mayfield Festival of Music & the Arts is one of the highlights of the South East‘s events calendar. This biennial event comprises daily events in the magnificent setting of the historic village of Mayfield, East Sussex and attracts world-class performers from both home and abroad. 

Plans are being finalised now for the 23rd Mayfield Festival, which will take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th May 2012. Once again the programme promises to be remarkable and comprehensive, featuring internationally renowned solo performers, professional orchestras, sought-after choral groups and some up-and-coming young artists who will make their Festival début. More details regarding the events for 2012 and all booking information will be made available early in the New Year via the Festival’s website, www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk. 

Special Christmas prices on Classic 50 music stands

During December, Black Cat Music is offering 10% discount on their best selling Classic 50 music stands. Quantity discount breaks allow purchase prices as low as £34.20. Schools and colleges looking to equip with new music stands designed for robust and regular handling can take advantage of this great offer throughout December. There is still time to order in time for Christmas concerts! 

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. To learn more watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at www.YouTube.com 

For full details on the December offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site. 

Black Cat Music lined up to support Young Musician competition in 2012

Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are delighted to announce their support for the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year Competition 2012. 

Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year is a competition open to instrumentalists aged 21 years and under and with a minimum Grade 8. The final heats of the competition will be taking place in March 2012 when the Sevenoaks District Arts Council presents the winner with a Silver Memorial Medal in memory of June Clements who founded the competition in 1995. The winner also has the opportunity of playing a concerto with The Lydian Orchestra and this year it is Margarita Balanas, a 'cellist from Latvia who is at the Purcell School. 

Tonbridge based Black Cat Music supplies a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. In addition there is a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. 

MusicPracticeRooms.com supplies sound-isolating, modular Music Practice Rooms for schools, recording studios and for home use. MusicPracticeRooms.com is proud to offer superb acoustic performance at an affordable price, enabling musicians to rehearse and perform in controlled acoustic environments. 

Wenger choral risers benefit from 15 years warranty

Tourmaster and Signature Choral Risers distributed by Black Cat Music are now backed by an impressive 15-year warranty on all new products sold. 

This extended warranty demonstrates Wenger’s confidence in their choral risers that are already widely used and recommended by choirs everywhere. Signature risers with classic black styling benefit from safe, simple set up, lightweight handling, easy mobility and an integrated back rail with safety crossbar. They are strong and quiet in performance. Available in 3 – step or 4 – step models, configurations can be changed quickly and securely, or optional side rails added without the need for tools. The patented fold-down design allows easy one person set up. 

No other risers fold, roll, set up or travel as smoothly as Tourmaster Choral Risers. Easy to take up stairs, navigate round tight corners or load into vehicles for transport, the Tourmaster is a world leader. Precision engineering and use of top quality materials are reasons why these products now come with a 15-year warranty. 

New brighter music stand lights from Black Cat Music

During November Black Cat Music is offering a special 10% discount on the top selling Mighty Bright Duet 2 music stand lights. Dual LEDs provide smooth illumination across two sheets of music and the good news is these light bulbs never need replacement. Cool to touch and battery powered with no trailing wires, they are very safe to use. 

Utilising two fully adjustable LED head units, the Duet 2 can evenly light two pages of music thanks to optical grade lenses that avoid any hot spots. The new Duet 2 is twice as bright as the previous model and offers four selectable light levels. Sensor switch operation allows, one, or both LEDs to be turned on with just a gentle tap. An extra strong clip attaches the Duet 2 to any music stand and with two flexible arms, the lighting heads can be fully adjusted as required, or bent to a compact position for ease of storage. 

Three AAA size batteries offer up to 20 hours continuous operation. Alternatively an optional AC adaptor additionally allows a series of Duet 2 units to be connected together for lighting control for band or orchestral users. 

Full details of this offer are published on the Black Cat Music web site.

Black Cat Music will be in Berlin for Deutscher Orchestertag

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for professional orchestras at the 9th German Orchestra Conference taking place in Berlin, 13th & 14th November. 

Dirk Rueter, Black Cat Music’s representative in Germany, will be attending the conference again this year. Dirk reports: “I’m looking forward to saying hello to some familiar faces from last year’s conference. We will again be demonstrating our range of superb quality equipment including the world-renowned Wenger orchestra seating and the Tempo musician’s chair, which has proved extremely popular with orchestra managers.” 

Examples of performance equipment from the range of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offers a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. Black Cat Music Europe is the Master Distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation - a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment. 

Also being presented at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow professional musicians to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon those around them. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces. 

Dirk Rueter will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use. 

Music Folders discounted in October

Music education and performance equipment specialist Black Cat Music is currently offering Music Folders at a discounted price. This offer only applies during October, so anyone looking to take advantage of this money saving opportunity to kit out their choir or orchestra with a matching set of music folders before the festive concert season, is urged to act promptly.

The elegant music folders benefit from hardwearing leatherette covers, brass bound corners and hand-stitching, designed to provide protection for music as well as looking smart during concerts. At a modest extra charge music folders can be customised with gold-blocking with the name and crest of the choir, band or orchestra, to further enhance the group identity. There is a choice of styles with expanding pockets or retaining strings for choirs and expanding pockets, pencil pockets and windows for orchestral use. Music folders are available in a choice of three colours – Concert Black, Royal Blue and Cardinal Red.

Full details of this offer are published on the Black Cat Music web site. Black Cat Music web site.

Choral folders are the smart option for The Carice Singers

The Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire based Carice Singers have recently added a smart new touch to their concert performances with the introduction of a matched set of Choral Folders purchased from Black Cat Music. 

The elegant, high-quality blue folders with brass-bound corners now add an additional sense of identity to the choir. Conductor George Parris enthused, “as well as looking smart, the folders from Black Cat Music are light and have brilliant pockets for the amount of music we have to store in them.' 

George continued, 'The folders are brilliant, were robust enough to withstand our outdoor recital and meant the singers could carry lots of music with ease - meaning very little rustling between items!'

Black Cat Music offer a range of Choral and Orchestral folders in a choice of colours and the option to customize the cover with gold blocking of the name and crest of the choir or orchestra. Further details can be viewed online. viewed online.

Black Cat Music attend abcd Convention

Members of the Black Cat Music team attended the abcd 25th Anniversary Annual Convention that took place at the Birmingham Conservatoire over the August Bank Holiday weekend. 

The organizers explained, “We're celebrating not only our quarter century, but also our place in the world, our country and our region. We will be experiencing Birmingham's own contribution to choral music … including the first performance of renowned composer Kerry Andrew's new choral work, commissioned specially for this anniversary.

Robert Dagger, Chairman of Black Cat Music said, "It was great to meet so many choral directors who are really passionate about inspiring good singing and getting the best out of their choirs. We were particularly delighted to receive so much positive feedback on our products, such as the Wenger Tourmaster choral risers and the Jazz Music Stand, from people who really care about the quality of their musical performance." The easiest-to-move, easiest-to-set-up riser on the market, the Tourmaster goes anywhere and now Wenger are so confident of the quality of both Tourmaster and Signature choral risers they come with an impressive 15 year warranty. 

"We enjoyed the weekend and were even able to take part in one or two of the singing sessions. It was good to meet so many talented musicians under one roof. There was a real buzz about the event" said Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager, Black Cat Music, summing up the convention. 

We are more campaign

Have you already signed the We are more campaign Manifesto? If not, now is the time to do so! The presentation of the European Commission's budget proposal formally launched the negotiation process. The fight continues for a decent share of the budget, a strong presence of culture in the Structural Funds, and for the many dimensions of culture, and not only the economic ones, to be recognised in the next budget cycle. Join the 17,000 people who have already signed the manifesto. Sign now!

Music therapy may offer help for depression

“Music may engage people in ways that words cannot” according to British experts commenting on a study in Finland on the benefits of music therapy in treating patients with depression. Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14345808

Knighton Chamber Orchestra pleased with Black Cat Music purchases and service

Knighton Chamber Orchestra recently purchased several music equipment products from the Black Cat Music range.

Conductor, Paul Jenkins expressed his pleasure with the new purchases, saying, "In the Knighton Chamber Orchestra we are very pleased with the orchestra lights, conductor’s stand and acoustic shield we have purchased from Black Cat Music." Paul went on to say, "The service is always prompt and professional and the staff seem to understand the urgency of some orders to meet performance deadlines. In conclusion I would recommend the products and service of Black Cat Music to anyone."

In addition to the products supplied to the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, Black Cat Music offer a comprehensive range of music equipment including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. There is also a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Classic 50 Music Stands fully live up to expectations for Havering Music School

When Isobel Liebmann, Principal of Havering Music noticed the Classic 50 in the Black Cat Music catalogue, she realized this could be the answer to a problem the school had been experiencing with music stands.

Isobel Liebmann explained, “We were disillusioned with the fold up metal stands which seemed to break, collapse and need replacing regularly. We also found they disappeared! We were looking for something sturdy, easy to use, but not easy to lose”. Thanks to the catalogue which she described as “clear with photographs that gave a good representation of the size and style of the stands,” a batch of Classic 50s were soon on their way to Havering.

Asked how the school was getting on with the Classic 50s, she said, “We were talking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that they are probably the best investment we ever made. They have lived up to our expectations in every way - they are easy to move up and down, child friendly, stable and durable - and the bonus is that our banners sit on them beautifully without causing them to topple. The trolleys are also excellent; they store ten stands neatly and are very easy to wheel around with a full load - good for transporting on the van when we take equipment out to concert venues. We have only had one breakage in over ten years and when we reported this, we were sent a replacement top for the stand within days”.

Not only are Havering Music School delighted with their Classic 50 stands, but thanks to their recommendation other schools are now also equipped with the popular Classic 50 Music Stands. Tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands, the Classic 50 is elegantly designed to be quiet and rattle-free during performances. The scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Summer savings on folding conductor's podium

Black Cat Music announces a special summer price offer on the Folding Conductor’s Podium with ten per cent off the regular price during August.

The lightweight folding conductor’s podium includes built-in handles, is designed with portability in mind and ideal for touring. There is no compromise on stability as the hinged laminated plywood sides open to positively lock into position, creating a secure foundation. Built to a high standard the Conductor’s Podium benefits from a durable carpeted platform, black sides and tough steel edging.

The offer is available on the Black Cat Music web site.

Flex Conductor’s Stand discounted for July

Black Cat Music is discounting their Flex Conductor’s Stands by 10 per cent during July. The Flex Conductor’s Stand is large enough to accommodate orchestral scores and also easily adjustable in height, angle and position.

A supremely versatile ergonomically designed stand, the polycarbonate desk is a generous 69cm x 51cm deep that tilts from flat to vertical while a dual locking feature allows the desk to be rotated towards or away from the conductor. The desk height can be adjusted in the range from 76cm to 1.2m by means of a trigger release lever. The cast iron base ensures stability and thanks to integral wheels makes the stand easy to transport as well.

Full details on the July offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

Feedback was ‘music to our ears’ for Black Cat at FMS event

Black Cat Music exhibited a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the FMS Conference 2011 in Manchester on the 17th and 18th June. Marketing manager, Alice Dagger (pictured) said, "It was good to meet face-to-face some of the customers we speak to regularly on the phone, and we received some excellent feedback on our products. Our Classic 50 Music Stand in particular remains very popular with Music Schools and Services, which was music to our ears".

"The interest in our new products especially our Music Practice Rooms was very welcome, and it was great to see all the FMS delegates again." said manager Teresa Rogers commenting on the event. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders were on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers were available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

Black Cat Music exhibit at Luxembourg choir competition

Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the Tour des Mélodies choir competition organised by the INECC (L’institut Européen de Chant Choral) as a celebration of singing and choirs in Luxembourg.

A variety of music and performance equipment products were on show, ranging from choral and orchestral music folders to staging for choirs, choral risers, conductor’s stands, podiums and music stands. With the choral competition attracting more than 1,000 singers including groups, ensembles and solo performers singing music of many era, from medieval and baroque through to modern day, it was a full day of competition from 9 o’clock in the morning until midnight at the Centre Cultural de Rencontres in the Abbaye de Neumünster, Luxembourg where the event was staged.

Brigitte Downs, Sales Executive at Black Cat Music, reported: ‘We thoroughly enjoyed the event and were most impressed by the standard of singing. Our products, especially our choir folders and our Tourmaster choral riser, were well received in Luxembourg and we received lots of enquiries from choir conductors and singing teachers’.

Music practice rooms join extensive range of performance equipment at FMS event

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the FMS Conference 2011 taking place at in Manchester, 17th and 18th June.

New at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms [www.musicpracticerooms.com] allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

Chance to buy Classic 50's at 10% off usual price

During June, Black Cat Music is offering 10% discount on our best selling Classic 50 music stands. Quantity discount breaks allow purchase prices as low as £34.20. Schools and colleges looking to equip with new music stands designed for robust and regular handling can take advantage of this great offer throughout June.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. To learn more watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at YouTube.

Full details on the June offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

Flipform delights The Granville School

The Granville School has a rich heritage of performing arts and offers a varied and extensive programme of Drama and Music.

“To compliment our equipment I was looking for innovative, well-priced, flexible options,” Kate Brown, Speech and Drama at The Granville School explained, “and was delighted to come across the Wenger Flipform sold by Black Cat Music. Comprehensive pictures, dimensions and price details were on their web site and I was invited to visit the Black Cat Music showroom outside Tunbridge Wells. Being able to see the Flipform in its different positions, feel the weight of it and the ease with which it moves on wheels confirmed that it was the right equipment for The Granville.”

Flipform is designed to turn classrooms into exciting educational environments. They flip into whatever shape is called for and go wherever needed. Manufactured from moulded, high-density polyethylene making them virtually indestructible, Flipforms are available with a choice of blue, red, yellow, green or grey top with a grey base, or black top with a black base.

Kate Brown continued, “Black Cat Music also recommended a set of three stage boxes of various sizes that make valued additions to the Flipforms. These pieces are used at The Granville School constantly, in many different contexts both in the classroom and on stage. The variety of levels and shapes it is possible to configure offers all the creative flexibility required to meet our performance and teaching needs and, most importantly, the children love using them.”

Black Cat Music at MMA Conference

Reporting on the MMA Conference 2011 that took place at King’s College and St. John’s College Cambridge, 20th to 22nd May, Alice Dagger of Black Cat Music says, “We're delighted with the success of the conference. There has been a great response from Music Directors, both to our music performance equipment and to our new music practice rooms by MusicPracticeRooms.com, which is excellent news. We've also enjoyed the venue and the opportunity to visit Cambridge. I particularly enjoyed the Evensong and dinner at St. John's College.”

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders was on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

New at the show were Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

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Black Cat Music will exhibit at MMA Conference

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the MMA Conference 2011 taking place at King’s College and St. John’s College Cambridge, 20th to 22nd May.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

New at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

The MMA Conference is said to offer “a fantastic opportunity to meet members from all over the UK and find out what is happening in different departments. There will be a wide range of performance, inset and keynote speakers, a Saturday Black Tie event and a chance to meet MMA corporate members.”

Music performance equipment on show at Musikschulkongress Mainz

Black Cat Music Europe will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at Musikschulkongress 2011 taking place at the Congress Centrum Mainz, 20th to 22nd May.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music Europe offer a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. Black Cat Music Europe is the Master Distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation - a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

New at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music Europe can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

Headteacher praises school investment in Classic 50s

Glynis Coates, Headteacher of Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School says, "we’re really pleased with our music stands – they were a good investment and have saved the school money in the long run. They have undergone a lot of wear and tear and they still work perfectly and look great in concert. "

Glynis Coates continued, "I actually first saw the Classic 50 music stand at another school and asked them where they’d got them. They referred me to Black Cat Music. We have the Wenger Classic 50 Music Stands, which are brilliant – we’ve had them for 4 years now and not one has broken. They still look smart and they don’t weigh very much so they’re easy for the children to use." The Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year for Black Cat Music. It is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simple to operate, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be compactly stacked away.

Asked why Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School opted for the Classic 50, Glynis Coates explained, "I was fed up with music stands that wobble about or look dented and rusty during school concerts. We’re a very busy teaching team and we do lots of musical activities and concerts, and checking all our music stands are working properly before every performance is just another thing to think about. Black Cat Music supply the Wenger music stands, which are sturdily built and come with a five year guarantee. Also we know Black Cat, and we know that if we have any problems with their products (luckily this hasn’t happened yet) they’ll be quick to sort them out for us."

The school also has Choir Music Folders from Black Cat and when asked if she would recommend Black Cat Music the response was an emphatic, "Yes – definitely!"

May price discount on conductor’s stand

During May Black Cat Music are offering the Wenger Preface Conductor’s music stand at a 10% discount compared to the usual price.

Already affordably priced thanks to elegant design and clever engineering, the Preface Conductor’s stand still benefits from plenty of useful features. This stylish conductor's stand enjoys a large desk, a sleek, non-scratch black surface, and dual posts offering superb stability and strength. Although robust it's also extremely lightweight and easy to use and store. The tilting desk permits easy angle adjustment while integrated storage keeps all the conductor's needs nearby and out-of-sight. In fact, it's been exquisitely fine-tuned to give conductors more stand for less money. Plus each stand comes with a 5-year warranty.

For full details of the Preface Conductor’s stand and to take advantage of this special offer visit the Black Cat Music web site.

Classic 50 music stands - watch the video

The Black Cat Music Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year. To help anyone new to the product to see why the Classic 50 has been so enduringly popular, there is now a short video that highlights some of the features that may not be easily appreciated in just looking at a catalogue.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at www.YouTube.com

Black Cat Music publish handy short form catalogue

Specialist music education and performance equipment supplier, Black Cat Music, has just published a new short form catalogue . Bringing together all the most popular products – music stands, folders, chairs, instrument storage, conductor’s equipment and staging – this handy catalogue and price list provides a convenient reference when looking for and buying music performance equipment.

It is worth getting hold of a copy and taking advantage of some discount offers, reading product reviews, discovering the important-to-know benefits for each product then placing your order.

Although the new catalogue provides a useful range of commonly needed products, Black Cat Music also has an extensive range of more specialist music and performance equipment products that can be discovered online at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk. Customers can view product demonstrations by visiting the Black Cat Music channel on www.YouTube.com and searching on ‘blackcatmusiceurope’.

New custom music folders delight Australian College

Maureen Cameron, Head of Music at St. Andrews Catholic College, Queensland, Australia enthusing over their new orchestral folders told Black Cat Music, "all arrived and they look absolutely fantastic… our head teacher is so excited about using them at the eisteddfod, she’s booked extra seats already! "

St Andrews opted for customized gold blocking with the college’s name and crest to give a strong identity to the elegant cardinal red leather folders complete with brass bound corners, that provide that extra appeal to orchestral performances.Black Cat Music folders are 305mm x 356mm and include two bottom expanding pockets, plus a useful pencil pocket and can optionally be supplied gold blocked with logos and names of schools, choirs or bands to create group identities.

Making music with Black Cat in Glasgow

Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the Music Learning Live conference held at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow.

Black Cat Music exhibted a selection from a comprehensive range of music performance and acoustic equipment that includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment, acoustic solutions and full stage acoustic shells. In addition there is a range of theatre products that embraces tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

National Curriculum Review - SMA views endorsed by Black Cat Music

The Schools Music Association is urging members and interested parties to respond to the call for evidence and puts the case for music remaining a core subject in the review of the National Curriculum.

Writing on the SMA Facebook, Carole Lindsay-Douglas says, "Make sure you submit your opinions on the National Curriculum by 14 April. www.education.gov.uk/NCReviewcallforevidence Anyone may comment. Vital that as many of us as possible show support for MUSIC. Most MPs don't rate it at all!"

Black Cat Music endorses the SMA's call to submit evidence that music should remain a core subject.

Preface Music stand April price deal

The reliable, lightweight, affordably priced Preface Music Stand is on offer from Black Cat Music during April with a 15% discount.

Referred to as the “little sister” of the popular Classic 50 Music Stand, the Preface is ideal for anyone seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry stand that weighs just 2.9 Kg thanks to its aluminium construction. The generous sized desk of 340mm x 510m is recessed to allow stacking of multiple stands and secured to the stand itself by means of a through bolt attachment. Height from floor to desk lip is fully adjustable from 650mm to 1250mm. Finished with durable black powder coat paint the Preface Music Stand also includes a reliable brake mechanism and wobble-free base attachment.

For full details on the April offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

The Salvation Army musicians enjoy the benefit of music posture chairs

Wenger Music Posture Chairs , marketed in the UK and throughout Europe by Black Cat Music, are designed to seat musicians in the best possible position to promote easier breathing and a more natural range of motion while decreasing fatigue and discomfort. Major Gill Stacey of The Salvation Army in Chester was happy to comment on their experience with recently purchased Musicians’ Chairs. “Our Wenger Musician chairs we ordered from Black Cat Music have been an excellent purchase.” Said Gill.

Gill Stacey went on to say, “Our old chairs were quite new and they are comfortable but since we tried the Wenger Musician chair we have discovered what a good chair is really like. They give excellent back support and our posture has improved because they allow you to sit up properly yet at the same time being able to relax and be comfortable. Our band often remain seated for most of our service and they can now do so in comfort. We would recommend them to any music group.”

Gill continued, “It is true that the outlay may be higher than other chairs but as they say, "you get what you pay for" and we are certainly glad that we paid that little bit more to have the right chair. Another advantage is the music rack on the side of the chair, which keeps all music, Bible and songbook at easy reach, as well as stops the books from being a hazard. Finally the weight of the chair is good because they are easy to move.”

Wenger orchestra chairs have been carefully designed to solve four main problems experienced with standard chairs. Sitting back in standard chairs, forces the spine out of its natural supportive position. Because it is easy to slouch the body is forced down, lowering the rib cage and constricting the diaphragm. The discomfort and lack of support causes musicians to move to the edge of the seat reducing support even more, leading to fatigue and making it difficult to focus on technique and performance. Thanks to their ergonomic and innovative design Wenger music posture chairs encourage correct posture and maintain comfort throughout long performances and rehearsals.

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Further information
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity, working in 121 countries worldwide, that offers support, friendship and practical help to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.
www.salvationarmy.org.uk .

Half price Choral Music Folders in March

Music education and performance equipment specialist Black Cat Music is currently offering selected products from its range of Choral Music Folders at half price. This offer only applies during March and while stocks last, so customers looking to take advantage of this money saving opportunity to kit out their choir with a matching set of music folders are urged to act promptly.

The red choral folders are available in two options – with strings, or with expanding pockets to retain sheet music – and the hard-wearing covers benefit from brass bound corners and include such detail as hand-stitching, resulting in the traditional high quality product expected from Black Cat Music. There is a minimum order of five folders and the option, at a modest extra charge, to customize with gold-blocking the name and crest of the choir.

Full details of this offer are published online at Black Cat Music web site.

Making music with Black Cat in Glasgow

Black Cat Music education and performance equipment will once again be on show at the Music Learning Live conference that takes place this year 3rd and 4th March at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow.

Black Cat Music offers a comprehensive range of music performance and acoustic equipment that includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment, acoustic solutions and full stage acoustic shells. In addition there is a range of theatre products that embraces tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

. Black Cat Music is also experienced in solving noise control problems in schools and providing cost-effective solutions including Music Practice Rooms that can be configured to fit the space available providing balanced interior acoustics to ensure high sound quality and supplied complete with lighting and ventilation system for air quality.

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Legacy Shells help transform acoustics of performance spaces

An expanded and improved range of Legacy Acoustical Shells has been lined up for a 2011 introduction by Black Cat Music. Bringing more powerful and clear sound quality, Legacy Acoustical Shells are easy to set up to transform the acoustics of many types of performance space. 

Wenger are pioneers of acoustical shell design, that uses a honeycomb core panel construction to deliver enhanced acoustics to both the ensemble and the audience. The latest technology developments from Wenger Corporation – Basic, Classic and Select Legacy - are presented as three attractive effective acoustical shell options designed to fit a range of applications and budgets. Whether converting a multi-purpose hall space or improving the acoustics of a smaller auditorium or recital room, Basic Legacy Shells can be set up by one person in four simple stages. The shell is first rolled into place, the snap-in pins adjusted for the desired canopy angle and the canopy lifted to the preset angle for optimum sound projection. A mechanism with an easy-to-turn handle allows the shell to be raised to the appropriate height for the requirements of the performance in just 6 turns. When not in use shells can quickly be folded away aided by a continuous hinge arrangement and nested together for compact storage. 

Delighted user of Legacy Shells, Cydney Dixon, Band Director of Lower Lake High School, California said, "I cannot believe the difference in sound when the Legacy shell is up. Our gym has very good acoustics, but I can clearly tell whether or not the shell is up. The Legacy shells are very easy to work with – my kids and I can easily handle them. " 

Full specification and purchase information can be accessed from the Black Cat Music web site or requested from Black Cat Music by calling 01892 619719.