(Los Angeles, CA.; October 31, 1997) Thousands of children will have a hands-on introduction to musical instruments through the "Charlie Horse Music Experience" created by NAMM: The International Music Products Association. As a community service, music products retailers in over 500 communities nationwide will open up their stores to provide this fun and entertaining musical instruments "show and tell" for preschool, Head Start and early elementary school children based on the new PBS series, The Charlie Horse Music Pizza . As a local tie to this national show, the "Experience" for many children will be their first opportunity to touch, see and hear musical instruments.

"The Charlie Horse Music Pizza Experience" has been developed by NAMM in conjunction with KCET and a panel of educational advisors. The cornerstone of the 'Experience" is a video titled The Musicians of Bremen featuring Shari Lewis and the cast of the show on an adventure, which leads to the discovery of music instruments.

Additional materials include promotional posters, Charlie Horse Family of Musical Instruments posters, an activity book and specially created materials for parents, including an "All Kids Are Musical" parents' guide to musical experiences and the "Music Makes You Smarter" brochure by world-renowned researcher Dr. Frances Rauscher about the importance of music-making and early childhood development. Music products retailers will also receive a "Charlie Horse Music Pizza Experience" Guide Book, which will provide information and support materials to conduct the "Experience."

"All of us at NAMM are excited about this new show because it represents the first time there has been a daily, nationally televised series focusing on music education and music making," said Larry R. Linkin, NAMM President/CEO. "With Shari's talent and expertise, the credibility of a PBS show, and a well-designed outreach campaign, NAMM members will have the ability to reach more children with music in a unique and meaningful way."

Support of The Charlie Horse Music Pizza and the "Experience" are part of NAMM's longstanding commitment to music education. As a founding member of the National Coalition for Music Education (in partnership with Music Educators National Conference and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc.), NAMM has embraced activities that have run the gamut from public awareness efforts to support of school music programs. Recent campaigns have included the film "Mr. Holland's Opus," "Music...for a Sound Education" public service announcements and development of the National Standards for Arts Education. In addition, NAMM supports the American Music Conference, which has promoted the "Music Makes You Smarter" research to an international audience of media, parents, educators, government officials and school administrators.

Founded in 1901, NAMM has been the engine driving the music products industry, enabling businesses both small and large to maximize productivity and reduce the costs of doing business. Today, NAMM has grown to more than 6,000 members in the U.S. and 65 other countries. For more information and/or interviews regarding "The Charlie Horse Music Pizza Experience," please contact Penny Zokaie (pzokaie@giles.com) or Kimberly Longhitano (klonghitano@giles.com) at 914/241-9112.