July discount offer on Conductor’s Upper Podium

During July, Black Cat Music is offering a 10 per cent discount on the Wenger Conductor’s Upper Podium which is supplied complete with a safety handrail. 

Stable, stylish and sturdy the Conductor’s Upper Podium is ideally suited for use in an auditorium or performance venue and is equally at home in the rehearsal room. Designed for use with a companion base podium to which it locks securely it includes a detachable safety rail finished with black, scratch resistant powder coated paint. The platform surface enjoys the benefit of a hard wearing but stylish grey carpet, while the one-piece steel framework provides strength and rigidity. Rubber pads ensure stability and thanks to in-built wheels mobility when moving the podium from one location to another is made easy. 

Take a look at the video demonstration on the Black Cat Music YouTube channel or go straight to ouronline offer page 

Show Choir takes on Wenger StageTek Staging

The Jefferson Connection from Bloomington-Jefferson High School put Wenger StageTek through its paces recently and captured the results on video. 

The great thing about StageTek is that it is quick and easy to set up and doesn’t even require any tools to assemble. Follow this link to YouTube now and see for yourself how 16, 4 ft x 8 ft StageTek platforms with 8 inch, 21 inch and 32 inch legs were set up to provide a great performance platform for Jefferson Connection to run through their performance. 

Portable staging that is easy to transport and store, yet is strong, safe and configurable into any combination is setting new standards thanks to the Wenger StageTek™ system, available from Black Cat Music. StageTek™ is a refined smart staging system resulting from extensive research, engineering and technical advancements in materials and manufacturing. These technical advances have resulted in a staging system that is 20% lighter, stronger, easier to handle and faster to set up. 

Affordably priced, when it comes to stretching investment across multiple needs like seated risers and performance stages, this new system has it all. But there is no compromise on performance, comfortably exceeding required standards on three critical loading capacity measures for uniform load, point load and dynamic load. Plus it is easy to handle, lighter to lift and with nice smooth edges for safety it is really easy to set up too. Anyone can set up StageTek in minutes, all without the need for any tools. 

Configurations including single or multi-level stages, thrust stages, choral risers, runways and many more options become possible in both scale and shape facilitated by a selection of different height, ‘plug-in’ legs. These simple to use, economical but strong plug-in legs secured by hand-turned locking knobs make hundreds of configurations possible to meet a wide variety of needs. 

When it is time to dismantle, legs can be stored on the underside of the deck and panels quickly loaded on to a storage and transport cart that fits through standard door sizes. Designed to save as much as 50% in storage space compared to other systems, StageTek can be wheeled to a storage place or transported to another venue. 

3-Step Signature Choral Risers

Assembling Wenger 3-Step Choral Risers is a piece of cake thanks to a new explanatory video from Wenger. 

In little more than 3 minutes the assembly instructions video steps through the assembly stages right from removing the shipping packaging to the completed system. Mostly a job for one person with a few basic tools, the Signature Risers are lightweight and easy to move around yet offer excellent stability. A back rail gives added safety for performers and it all folds down to a compact 1.8m wide x 0.7m deep x 1.7m high for storage. 

Price discount on Conductor’s Stand ending soon

With the summer solstice already behind us there is just one week left to take advantage of our June offer to buy Wenger Preface Conductor’s music stands 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 theBlack Cat Music web site. 

New Wenger cabinets transform media equipment storage

When cable storage looks like an out of control mass of spaghetti, then it is probably time to turn to Wenger Fixed Media Storage Cabinets, available from Black Cat Music. 

Wenger Corporation has produced a video to show how an unruly space used to store lighting, sound, video equipment along with cables, connectors, stands and all the other accessories essential to the technical side of school theatrical and musical productions, can be tamed. Recognising that expensive equipment needs to be looked after to prevent damage and organised so that the right components can be quickly located, Wenger came up with a smart solution designed to bring organisation, protection and secure storage to the increasing inventory of media and AV equipment being used in schools. 

It is not just the main assets but the all important adaptors, interconnecting cables and anciliary devices that are part of the package; frustrating and wasteful on teaching time if just one item is missing. Something that can easily happen without a well thought out storage solution for diverse equipment put away between the classes for which it is required. 

Wenger’s fixed cabinets can help transform a chaotic storage area into one to be proud of. Perfect for storage rooms or in-classroom lockable storage, they come in three types -Standard, Rackmount and Organizer. Each allows a high degree of customisation through choosing which shelves, drawers and other accessories suits the requirement. 

The system offers considerable flexibility with different sizes available, mix and match interior with adjustable components, shelves, slide out shelves, file drawer, 4" drawer. Rackmount sections available for easy access to electronic components with an organiser option available for fixed storage. 
Later, should things change, other components can be ordered to reconfigure existing cabinets. 

Thanks to full-length wood doors, secured with metal lockable latch the storage units offer secure storage too. Durability comes courtesy of the their made-to-last bolt through construction on hinges and doors, polyester laminate and tested tested to withstand institutional use. 

Music Education Expo dates 2015 announced

Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com have confirmed they will again be Platinum Sponsors of Music Education Expo which returns to London, 12th & 13th March 2015. 

Show organisers, Rhinegold Media & Events announced, “Once again, Music Education Exporeturns to London's Barbican Exhibition Halls for two days of learning, browsing, playing, networking and saving. Created to help and inspire all types of music teachers the event offers: 

* over 50 professional development sessions including debates, seminars and workshops 
* more than 100 exhibitors showcasing new and exciting products 
* countless networking opportunities with up to 2,500 other music educators.” 

The event is also free to attend. 

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a wide range of its music performance equipment including music stands, staging, choral risers, music folders and conductors' equipment. Black Cat Music has exclusive distributorship of Wenger Corporation’s extensive product range - acknowledged as the largest manufacturer of fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment in the world. 

When it comes to noise control problems Black Cat Music offers various standard and custom acoustic solutions including sound-isolating, modular Music Practice Rooms from MusicPracticeRooms.com. 

UK, Europe and Russia distributor of Wenger products welcome Nancy Wagner

Nancy Wagner from Wenger Corporation paid a visit to Black Cat Music’s Tonbridge, Kent headquarters. 

"Black Cat Music has been exclusive UK distributor for Wenger for over 30 years now, and Master Distributor for Wenger across the whole of Europe and Russia for five years - a business relationship which deserves celebrating!” said Alice Dagger, marketing manager.

Wenger Corporation is the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance 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. All Wenger products come with a minimum five year guarantee but thanks to the quality of their design and build it is rare to even receive a complaint. 

Black Cat Music launch online gold-blocking service for music folders

Black Cat Music announces a new online service for ordering custom gold-blocking for a range of their popular music folders. 

These high quality folders have enjoyed frequent praise from music teachers and other music professionals. Many orchestras, bands, choirs, schools and colleges have also taken advantage of the gold blocking customisation service offered by Black Cat Music. It is just another detail that helps music groups look good in performance and helps keep music tidy and safe the rest of the time. 

Announcing the new service Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager said, “ We are delighted to offer this newonline ordering option. Whether you belong to a professional orchestra, chorus, school band or church choir, our choral and orchestral folders will give a sense of identity to your music group.” 

To use the new system simply click on the “Require gold-blocking” check box on the product page and complete the form that opens up. Don’t forget that crests or logos can also be gold-blocked as well as text. 

Academy musician praises quality and service for new music folders

When South Axholme Academy Wind Band placed an order for orchestral folders with Black Cat Music they were impressed by the quality of the product and the service provided. 

Andrew Jackson, Subject Leader for Music at South Axholme Academy, Doncaster told us, “I would like to express our appreciation for the prompt and efficient way in which our order for a set of orchestral folders for the South Axholme Academy Wind Band was processed. Thank you so much! Also, we are very impressed with the quality of the folders, which are excellent.” 

South Axholme Academy Wind Band opted for royal blue Orchestral folders with bottom pockets, each with custom gold block lettering with the band’s name, the name of the instrument, plus one folder for the conductor of course. The instruments were, Flutes, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Cornet 1, Cornet 2, Cornet 3, Baritone, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Tuba and Percussion. 

UK, Europe and Russia distributor of Wenger products look forward to UK visit

Marketing Manager, Alice Dagger tells us, “The Black Cat team are looking forward to meeting representatives from Wenger Corporation later this week” when they pay a visit to Black Cat Music’s Tonbridge, Kent headquarters. 

Alice continued, “Black Cat Music has been exclusive UK distributor for Wenger for over 30 years now, and Master Distributor for Wenger across the whole of Europe and Russia for five years - a business relationship which deserves celebrating!” 

Wenger Corporation is the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance 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. All Wenger products come with a minimum five year guarantee but thanks to the quality of their design and build it is rare to even receive a complaint. 

Instrument storage – the importance of getting it right

Do not store  violins like this!

Black Cat Music can offer a range of instrument storage solutions designed by Wenger. There are some very strong arguments in favour of investing in a professional storage solution – protection against accidental damage and theft of expensive expensive instruments for a start. But smart use of space can be even more critical should poorly stored instruments block fire exits. Alarmingly, this is exactly what Wenger discovered on a visit to a prestigious international school. 

Wenger’s Nancy Wagner takes up the story. “Instead of using a Wenger fixed cabinet for violins – or even one of our mobile storage racks – the school chose instead to use regular wooden bookcases. The bookcases were not bolted to the wall (making for a potentially hazardous situation) and blocked the window of the classroom. The bookcases are not designed for violins, making the overall utilization of the space very poor. In fact, there were some violins left off the shelves and the instruments spilled out into the hallway. There was no room for storage inside the classroom, and yet, the Facilities Manager told me the school was in violation of the fire code as the hallway, where the bookcase/violin storage was located, was blocked.” 

When visiting customers, we are often asked to provide consultation for instrument storage. Our storage cabinets are available in “fit for purpose” sizes (no need to guess how big a violin really is!). When a renovation or new school construction is imminent, the Wenger Planning Guides can guide school administrators to the realization that instrument storage is a key issue and the school needs to plan ahead. 

Nancy continued, “Storage cabinets of course are an investment for schools, but in this instance, where locally provided bookshelves are not bolted to the wall and potentially may block students from a quick escape during a fire - what is the payback for investment in student safety and instrument storage security?” 

Black Cat Music can offer expert advice on instrument storage, to determine the best use of space and make proposals for the most effective layout. 

Price discount on Condutor’s Stand

During June 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 theBlack Cat Music web site.