Black Cat on the mark for St Cecilia's Day conference

Taking their marks, ready for the Music Mark conference, being staged this year in Daventry, are members of the Black Cat Music team. 

The Music Mark conference - "Progression in Music Education; Further Still, Yet Further” – coincides with St Cecilia's Day and takes place on 21 and 22 November at Staverton Park, Daventry in Northamptonshire. Attendees will hear from some of the country's leading music educators, schools leaders and music industry specialists. “The Music Mark Annual Conference 2014 is a two-day event which offers a forum to debate, share expertise and exchange ideas for developing the national picture of music education for children and young people”, advise the event organisers. 

St Cecilia, the patron saint of music is celebrated on November 22nd and Black Cat Music’s marketing manager, Alice Dagger revealed that Cecilia is one of her middle names. Alice, who plays the piano, saxophone and enjoys singing said, “I reckon that this may be a reason I have always had a leaning towards music.” And Alice is not alone in her passion for music, several other members of staff play in bands or sing in choirs too. 

Apart from celebrating St Cecilia’s day, the Black Cat Music team will also be presenting a comprehensive range of of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Black Cat Backs Bangers in Berlin

Currywurst sausages are on the menu in Berlin next weekend thanks to the backing of Black Cat Music who are exhibiting at Deutscher Orchestertag. 

Members of the Black Cat Music team, drawn from the UK and Berlin offices, are not just sponsoring the wurst stall, but will also be presenting a comprehensive range of of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. 

- The goal of the 12th annual conference for German orchestra managers which takes place in Berlin on 2nd and 3rd November, is to promote the exchange of ideas and articulate the interests of more than 150 German orchestras. 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Still time to order music folders at a discount

With rehearsals getting under way for end of term concerts, now is a great time to order music folders at a ten per cent discount , but don’t delay because this offer must close at the end of October. 

Imagine the visual impact at your Christmas concerts that can be created by a set of smart new matching music folders to give a great identity to your orchestra, chorus, band or choir. The hard-wearing leatherette covers enhanced by hand stitching and brass-bound corners are sure of a long life protecting your music and keeping it together. Choose your style and size, whether for orchestra or choir, some with options such as expanding pockets or retaining strings, pencil pockets and windows. And there is a choice of colour – Concert Black, Royal Blue or Cardinal Red. 

Take advantage of the October deal now while prices are reduced. 

Music Expo nominations close soon

Nominations for the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence close on Friday 24th October. Once again Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award. Finalists for the category will be announced on 21st November. 

The 2015 Awards will be presented at a gala evening at The Grange St Pauls Hotel in London, on the first night of Music Education Expo (12 March 2015). “Created to celebrate excellence in music education, the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence are now in their third year, and accepting nominations for 10 award categories. 

Nominations are encouraged from all sections of the public, and will be accepted until Friday 24 October 2014. The shortlist will be announced online in mid-November and in the December issue of Music Teacher magazine. 

Acoustics work session in San Antonio

Acoustic experts Russel Todd and Christopher Blair introduce a work session at the Tobin Center, San Antonio where the audience become the ‘absorption factor’ as the sound surrounds and envelopes.

Turn the speakers up for this one! 

Looking forward to Deutscher Orchestertag 2014

The Black Cat Music team is looking forward to attending the forthcoming Deutscher Orchestertag 2014 in Berlin next month. 

The goal of the 12th annual conference for German orchestra managers which takes place in Berlin on 2nd and 3rd November, is to promote the exchange of ideas and articulate the interests of more than 150 German orchestras. Opportunities for discussion and information on the latest developments and strategies for pricing are encompassed in the conference sessions. Cultural and political issues will also be up for discussion.The central theme of this year’s conference will be concert promotion and how to grow audiences. 

Delegates will also have an opportunity to improve their leadership skills. And, as before, Mr. Rolf Bolwin the German Stage Association will update attendees on the latest developments within the German orchestra scene. 

Black Cat Music will exhibit a wide range of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year 

Flex conductor’s system offers great flexibility

Taking a closer look at the Flex Conductor’s System …. 

Enhance your personal style 

Your conducting style is personal, so you would expect your stand to reflect that. With the Flex stand, you have many options so your equipment won't interfere with your conducting. The dual-lock desk can be positioned with the desk lip toward or away from the conductor, while height can be adjusted without putting your foot on the base for easy adjustment when on the podium. 

Stay organized 

The better organized you are, the better the rehearsal and with the Flex Conductor's System, you can keep all your teaching and conducting tools within easy reach. Optional baskets keep additional scores and materials within easy reach, or add TechBridge and optional accessories mounts to customize for your particular needs. 

Look as good as you sound 

As the conductor, you're the focal point for your ensemble and for your audience and thanks to its contemporary styling, the Flex Stand enhances that professional look. 

Easy mobility 

As a conductor, your stand has to be more substantial, but you also want to be able to take it with you. With the Flex Stand, that's not a problem as its wheeled base allows easy transport from one venue to another. 

Introducing Flex TechBridge for flexible configuration 

No two rehearsal rooms as the same, which is why Flex TechBridge is so adaptable to your space and needs. Configurable in length, it can accept a variety of accessory mounts and be used alone or in combination with Flex Conductor's Stand. Height is adjustable for use with podiums. And if you want to incorporate a Keyboard Mount, an iPad Mount or Laptop Mount – or even create your own accessories with Bridge Clips – then Flex TechBridge has the answers. 

Sign up for Signature Choral Risers

Assembling Wenger 3 or 4-Step Choral Risers is a piece of cake thanks to a range of explanatory videos from Wenger. 

For owners or prospective buyers of Signature Risers the 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 size for storage. Elegant 3 or 4 step risers that fold and roll wherever you need them are the easy way to look as professional as you sound. Plus they all come with a five year warranty. 

Creating virtual performance environments at the push of a button

Want to experience how your music sounds in different venues? Then tune in to Wenger’s VAE technology in a SoundLok® Sound-Isolation Practice Room. 

VAE technology now offers more realistic acoustical simulations, creating the sensation of being enveloped by the sound and enabling musicians to hear themselves in various performance venues. With the option of selecting from up to

nine different performance environments, ranging from a small recital hall to a cathedral, students can quickly learn how to adapt to performing in larger spaces. The smart Virtual Acoustical Environment (VAE) technology can duplicate the acoustics of a broad range of performance venues. Features such as 
immediate ‘Record and Playback’ offers feedback during the practice session, or to record the session to take to the next lesson for review with the music teacher.
Upload’ and ‘Download’ simulates practice with a band or choir in the practice room simply by uploading accompaniments.

 

It all adds up to a major aid to performance preparation and rehearsal, while changing from one preset acoustic environment to another is as quick and easy as pressing a button. 

Structured Payment Options help spread the cost of buying music education equipment

When setting up a new music facility, remember that spreading the costs of equipment over the following years can now be a welcome benefit thanks to the Structured Payment Options offered by Black Cat Music. 

We know how budgets are tight and also that compromising on quality by opting for the cheapest option can prove to be a false economy in the longer term. So Black Cat Music came up with a scheme to spread payments over a period of up to five years. We use a government compliant operating lease, ensuring the purchase is within government guidelines. This offers benefits for government funded schools and organisations. The scheme smooths out budgets and cash flow while allowing investment in music performance equipment that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

The scheme also applies to independent schools and other non-government funded organisations. These education establishments will also appreciate the planned repayment benefits of a capital purchase of music education performance equipment, as a contribution to maintaining a healthy balance sheet. Repayments can be monthly, quarterly or annually over 1,2,3,4 or 5 years with VAT claimed back on all repayments. And with tax 100% allowable, with the acquisition ‘off balance sheet’ the scheme should prove of great interest to financial officers and bursars. What’s more, at the end of the Agreement, for one extra payment the equipment becomes fully owned. Terms and Conditions apply, these and further details can be read online. 

Wenger’s Director of International Sales on visit to Black Cat Music

Alice Dagger, Nancy Wagner, Myke Millward and Brigitte 

Director, International Sales at Wenger Corporation, Nancy Wagner is visiting Black Cat Music this week.

Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager, Black Cat Music said, "We're excited to learn about Wenger's new products such as their 'tuneable' acoustic panels, which will complement Wenger's existing range of quality music and performance equipment. Wenger equipment is designed to last - as is demonstrated by the minimum 5-year warranty given to all Wenger products. Black Cat Music is proud to be Master Distributor for Wenger across the whole of Europe and Russia." 

. Nancy Wagner is pictured here with Alice Dagger, Myke Millward and Brigitte Downes, prior to receiving training on new products that will shortly be joining Black Cat Music’s already comprehensive catalogue. 

Music Folders October Offer

If you were thinking of buying a set of music folders for your musicians or choir, then October is the time to take action. Black Cat Music are offering a 10 per cent discount for the whole of the month. 

Imagine the visual impact created by a set of smart new matching music folders to give a great identity to your orchestra, chorus, band or choir. The hard-wearing leatherette covers enhanced by hand stitching and brass-bound corners are sure of a long life protecting your music and keeping it together. Choose your style and size, whether for orchestra or choir, some with options such as expanding pockets or retaining strings, pencil pockets and windows. 

And there is a choice of colour – Concert Black, Royal Blue or Cardinal Red. Check out the October deal now!