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Yamaha Recognizes SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music as Institution of Excellence

SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music One of Ten Schools Honored in Inaugural Yamaha Institutions of Excellence Program

Buena Park, Calif. (02/22/2021) — Yamaha Corporation of America has named SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music as a 2021 honoree in its inaugural Institution of Excellence program, acknowledging the school's extraordinary commitment to innovation in the study of music.

Only 10 outstanding schools nationwide earned the prestigious designation this year. Yamaha is committed to working with The Crane School of Music in substantive ways for the long-term growth and benefit of its music students and faculty. The Institution of Excellence program is tailored to respond to each honoree's unique mission and the designation unlocks benefits for the institution, its faculty and its students.

"For more than a century, Yamaha has focused on defining and elevating the quality of musical performance," said Dan Rodowicz, senior director, Institutional Sales, Yamaha. "We chose The Crane School for its outstanding work in pursuing relevant, real-world experience for the students in its school of music. From its long-standing commitment to practical, real-world experiences for students to its proactive collaboration with industry partners like NAMM, Crane is outstanding for equipping students to thrive and contribute to the music industry. Yamaha has reaped the benefits of many Crane graduates who have gone on to significant roles in the organization. The school's alumni carry the Crane legacy and polish into every company of import in our professional music ecosystem. All of this is why we are pleased to invite Crane to become part of a program that demonstrates our commitment to finding, celebrating and collaborating with institutions who share our vision for music's crucial role in society."

Crane School of Music Interim Dean Dr. Lonel Woods said: "The Crane School of Music is so proud to be named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence, a true highlight in our school's long legacy. Being a music school within a liberal arts campus means that we attract students who are creative, innovative and even a little quirky. Being in this beautiful and close-knit atmosphere in the shadow of the Adirondacks means that you really get to work closely with faculty, with peers and with guest artists in a deep and immersive way. Our faculty and alumni have distinguished themselves in many ways, and constantly engage with our current students to help inspire them as they find their calling -- whether as performers, educators, composers, scholars, entrepreneurs, philanthropists or any combination. We look forward to partnering with Yamaha as we continue to build on this tradition of excellence in new ways."

This year's 10 schools were selected by Yamaha following a rigorous, nationwide nomination and review process. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to providing unique and challenging experiences to their music students through diversity of thought and curriculum, exposure to a wider variety of voices and opportunities and an emphasis on preparing students for the modern world of music. Each year new Institutions will be selected for recognition and added to the roster.

The Crane School of Music was founded in 1886 as one of the first institutions in the country to have programs dedicated to preparing specialists in teaching music in the public schools. Crane has participated with Yamaha for three years in the company's instrument loan program; Crane has also sent many interns to Yamaha as part of the school's music business program and a number of its graduates have gone on to careers with the company.

About Yamaha:

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multiroom audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets. To learn more, visit https://usa.yamaha.com/.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway School and its only Yamaha Institution of Excellence. For more information, please visit http://www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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Media Attachments

Abbie Yaeger '23, a double major in music education and music performance at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, plays percussion on stage at Snell M. Snell Music Theater on Monday, February 22, 2021. Also pictured is Liam Fitzgerald '23, who is also pursuing a degree in music education.

Joseph Malone '22, who is pursuing a degree in music education at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, moves a drum off stage at Snell Theater. Crane was just named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence.

SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor James Petercsak is a Yamaha Artist, in addition to leading percussion faculty at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.

Abbie Yaeger '23, a double major in music education and music performance at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, plays percussion on stage.

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