Special people brighten the landscape of AMC's work, and each year it's our pleasure to recognize them for what they do. Here are some of the individuals who received honors from us during the past year.

American Music Conference Honors Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser With Henry Grossman Lifetime Director Award

L to R: Joe Lamond, President/CEO NAMM, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Robert Walker, AMC Executive Director

In recognition of his long and successful record as a clinician, author, composer, college band director, consultant, adjudicator, and overall friend to music, the American Music Conference (AMC) has honored Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser with its annual Henry Grossman Lifetime Director Award. The presentation took place during the Music & Sound Expo in Minneapolis, MN in mid-April. "We who work to create a better musical future for this country know just how central 'Dr. Tim' is to our efforts," says AMC President John D'Addario. "We're proud to have him as a member of AMC, and in giving him this award, the honor is ours." Dr. Lautzenheiser is renowned expert in the field of music education. An AMC member, Dr. Lautzenheiser is featured in a special presentation as part of the Music Education Advocates Toolkit, or "Einstein Kit," that AMC makes available to grassroots music supporters. In addition, "Essential Advocacy Resources for Music," compiled by Dr. Lautzenheiser and his colleagues, is a 304 page, compendium of facts, tips and sample outreach letters to help groups and individuals in their efforts to support music education. Click here to learn more.

Henry S. Grossman Lifetime Director Sidney Davis

On July 18 at NAMM Summer Session 2002 in Nashville, AMC surprised Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) publisher Sidney Davis with the organization's highest honor, the Henry S. Grossman Lifetime Director Award. AMC President Bill Everitt Jr. made the presentation. Davis, a 47-year veteran of trade magazine publishing, has served as MMR's publisher since 1981. Past recipients of the Grossman Award include Remo Belli, Karl Bruhn, Jimmy Johnson, Jack Maher, Ted McCarty, Larry Linkin, Vito Pascucci, Lowell Samuel and Henry Steinway.

AMC appoints Robert Walker as Executive Director

In December, NAMM Director of Market Development Rob Walker took over the reins as AMC Executive Director. Walker, an industry veteran with an international perspective, is a native Australian with more than 15 years experience as a professional consultant, trade show promoter and administrator in the music products industry. Previously, he served as executive director of both the Australian Music Association (AMA) and the Australian Music Retailers' Association (AMRA), two organizations that represent the interests of musical instrument and recorded music merchants respectively.

Stillman Munger Honored

In November, World War I veteran Stillman Munger of Ludlow, Mass. celebrated his 100th birthday—and his confirmed status as the nation's oldest music student. The one-time foreman in Igor Sikorsky's helicopter plant has taken regular keyboard lessons since 1996 at Falcetti Music in Springfield. AMC and the Lowrey Organ Company joined the Falcetti family in honoring Munger with a birthday bash and a Lowrey "Century" model organ.

Gary Knell Music for Life award

Sesame Workshop President and CEO Gary Knell was this year's recipient of the NAMM Music for Life Award at Winter NAMM. Created in 1990, the award recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals who play a significant role in promoting music education in the nation's schools and whose dedication to music and music education serves as an inspiration to others. Knell was cited for his efforts in bringing the benefits of music making to millions of children worldwide.

NAMM Honors Rep. Bob Clement

Before a packed house at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville last July, NAMM Chairman Steve West and President and CEO Joe Lamond presented former Rep. Bob Clement (D-Tenn.) with a resolution honoring his support of school music education on behalf of NAMM and the AMC. Clement, who has since left Congress, founded the House Education Caucus—a non-partisan body consisting of members of Congress who have been teachers, professors, counselors or administrators at the elementary, secondary or college level. During his eight terms on Capitol Hill, he was a strong spokesperson on behalf of music.

Jack Maher tribute

All at AMC were saddened by the passing on February 14 of one of its greatest champions this year in Jack Maher (1924-2003).

As chairman of Maher Publications, he brought the music community successful magazines like Music Inc., UpBeat Daily and DownBeat, but went beyond that role to support music in other passionate ways. The DownBeat Student Music Awards he founded in 1978 have distributed millions of dollars in college music scholarships, and he headed up events such as MusicFest USA and JazzFest USA.

In 1999 AMC honored Maher with the Henry Grossman Honorary Lifetime Director Award.

"Jack was indeed a friend and a special person, and his unique perspective on the music products business will be sorely missed," AMC President Bill Everitt told readers of Music Inc. in its tribute issue. "As a past NAMM chairman and current president of AMC, I saw his support for our industry at a level of commitment that most retailers would not have an opportunity to witness."