Feb. 2, 2010: Owatonna, Minn— The new Flex™ Conductor's System accommodates a director's personal preferences and technology in an ergonomic, flexible solution. The core components – music stand and adaptable platforms – function as an integrated system or individually.

The transparent polycarbonate desk of the Flex Conductor's Stand tilts and rotates smoothly, with dual-lock feature providing 180-degree versatility. Desk height is adjustable from 36” – 52.5” with trigger-release lever. Optional storage baskets attach without tools, designed for holding sheet music and other materials.

To keep technology and teaching materials within easy reach, Flex TechBridge platforms integrate with the base of the Conductor's Stand. Attachments include keyboard and laptop computer mounts, an 18” x 24” work surface and a cup holder. Additional universal clamps are available for further customization by the director. TechBridge lengths are available in one-foot increments from 2' to 8'; height adjusts from 29” to 41”.

Constructed of extruded aluminum with a wheeled, cast-iron base for mobility, the Conductor's Stand and TechBridges are engineered for trouble-free performance. The complete Flex Conductor's System includes two-step podium with detachable safety rail and padded, pneumatically adjustable chair. All Flex components are covered by a five-year warranty.

For more information the Flex™ Conductor's System, please visit WengerCorp.com/Flex or contact Wenger Corporation at 1-800-4WENGER.

Dec. 5, 2009: Owatonna, Minn— With the introduction of new Drum Major and Auxiliary Podiums, Wenger Corp. is expanding its OnBoard® product family of specialized equipment for marching bands, drum corps and similar groups.

In less than 30 seconds, two people can erect the OnBoard Drum Major Podium to its full 72" (1.8 m) height. The innovative, easy-fold design features gas-assist springs that minimize the lifting effort required. When set up, this podium provides a solid, secure vantage point with non-skid, heavy-duty deck and optional safety rails.

For transportation, four large-diameter, high-wear rubber wheels provide easy mobility over any surface. When folded it can serve as a trailer for other equipment; it will also fit inside most trailers and trucks. Intended as a companion to the larger Drum Major Podium, Wenger's 42" (l.1 m) OnBoard Auxiliary Podium can be assembled by one person. Both podium models feature an attractive appearance, with durable, heavy-gauge steel and aluminum construction, and black powder-coat paint finish.

“This new Drum Major Podium is working out very well for us,” explains Brad Furlano, executive director of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, a DCI group based in La Crosse, Wis.

“The way the platform raises up is pretty ingenious – it's a great design,” he explains. “The wheel system is very easy to roll, lock and make stable.”

Furlano says their previous podium was unwieldy in the way it folded up and the wheels attached. It was also difficult to lift, move, set up and stabilize. “We like how the rails are removable – we only use the back rail,” notes Furlano. “Whatever configuration you want, it's ready to go and can meet your needs.”

When members of the Blue Stars are loading or unloading this new podium from their equipment truck, Furlano says there are logical, easy places to grab it, without many pinch points or places to potentially get injured.

Along with these two new podiums, seven different OnBoard Cart models are currently available for instruments, uniforms, equipment and other gear. They are designed to facilitate transportation, logistics and storage, saving time and protecting valuable equipment. All OnBoard products are covered by a five-year warranty.

For more information about any OnBoard products, please visit WengerCorp.com/OnBoard or contact Wenger Corporation at 1-800-4WENGER.

Nov. 3, 2009: Dean Eelman, Newnan High School —

First, I want to let you know that the podium arrived at Newnan High School first thing last Friday morning. The band directors and the drum majors were ecstatic. It took about 10 seconds to put the podium up and that was with the band director having a cup of coffee in his hand!!

Oct. 20, 2009: News cameras from Portland-area TV stations were on-hand this morning at Gardiner Middle School in Oregon City, Oregon, for an exciting event in support of music education. This school was selected the winner of In Tune Monthly magazine's annual “Music Room Makeover” contest. Wenger was one of ten companies donating equipment, providing 50 Nota chairs and Classic 50 music stands. Music teacher Cheryl Rizzo submitted the winning application essay.

Region Sales Manager Jeff Kirkpatrick attended the ceremony and acknowledged the recognition given to Wenger Corporation for its support. Approximately 100 students participated in the event, along with the school principal, superintendent and two school board members.

The representatives of In Tune Monthly magazine mentioned Wenger numerous times in their remarks, and also stressed the importance of music education in schools. Despite the tough economic times, In Tune Monthly received more sponsor support this year than during any of the previous four years.

Oct. 6, 2009: Initiative Aimed at Providing Good Indoor Air Quality in Schools — Wenger Corporation is proud to announce that its musical instrument and equipment storage solutions have achieved GREENGUARD Children & Schools™ Certification.

“While providing innovative, high-quality storage options for music programs, we also understand the important role indoor air quality plays in a child's education,” said Stacy Hanson, marketing manager with Wenger, based in Owatonna, Minnesota. “And we want to ensure our products help promote the best possible learning environment.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is important for health, economic and legal reasons. Indoor air pollutants can cause discomfort, and they are directly linked to children’s health and academic performance. Independent studies show student test scores increase by an average of 14 percent in classrooms with improved indoor air quality.

“We are pleased to welcome Wenger Corporation as a participating manufacturer in the GREENGUARD Certification Program,” stated Marilyn Black, founder of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI). “With music room storage solutions achieving this certification, Wenger continues to show its commitment to good indoor air quality.”

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification is among the most stringent in the world and takes into account the special sensitivities of children. It requires all products be tested annually for more than 10,000 different chemicals and meet rigorous health-based criteria for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including phthalates and formaldehyde. For more information about the GEI, visit GREENGUARD.org.

June 26, 2009: Wenger Corporation, which supplies the world's finest performing arts venues with innovative, high-quality equipment and furniture, introduces Fixed Audience Seating. Three available designs with a multitude of finish options to ensure these new seats complement a wide variety of décors and budgets.

Each seat features handcrafted, ergonomic styling with thick cushions and lumbar support for superior, long-lasting comfort. Seat bottoms, backs and end panels are constructed of 11-ply pressed wood finished with premium-grade veneers and stains. Luxurious upholstery with durable stitching resists stains and looks great for years. All seat designs are ADA-compliant and available widths range from 19” (48.2cm) through 23” (58.4cm).

To help eliminate distracting noise, Wenger's special lifting mechanism makes the seat bottom's automatic self-rise extremely quiet and fast. The seat bottoms store vertically to allow patrons easy access and exit. When seat is unoccupied, the perforated seat bottom helps maintain consistent acoustical characteristics in the performance space.

Options include donor plates, seat and aisle number plates and aisle lighting. The Series 300 seat features a pedestal base that provides proper airflow for floor-level HVAC installations. Each seat design has been independently tested to standards established by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA); these tests measure strength, stability and ability to withstand heavy use.

For more information, please contact Wenger Corporation at 1-800-4WENGER.

Apr. 28, 2009: GearBoss® by Wenger Corp. offers a variety of team room lockers designed to strengthen program pride and enhance team room functionality. More than 1,000 different possible configurations are available — sizes, features and accessories — with either metal or wood construction. Lockers are available in a variety of color/finish choices, from school colors to wood-grain laminates.

Metal AirPro™ lockers feature an open grid design that promotes airflow, sanitation and visual inspection. The integrated, hinged seat saves valuable floor space and is lockable over a security box and footlocker.

Wood lockers are constructed of a durable, easy-to-clean wood laminate. To promote sanitation, all metal locker surfaces are finished with paint containing antimicrobial agents; wooden laminate surfaces incorporate antimicrobial nanosilver technology.

Feb. 6, 2009: New OnBoard™ Cart System from Wenger Corp. Takes Marching Band Gear from Storage to Performance – and Back Again — Wenger Corp. developed the new OnBoard™ Cart System to suit the specialized needs and equipment of marching bands, drum corps and similar groups. OnBoard Carts are designed to facilitate transportation, logistics and storage, saving time and protecting valuable equipment. Seven different OnBoard Cart models are currently available for instruments, uniforms, equipment and other gear.

Five OnBoard Cart models are performance-ready for field competitions or indoor concerts, and also function as transport and storage solutions: 1) the Bass Drum/Gong Cart holds instruments up to a 40” diameter and rotates in 15-degree increments; 2) the Timpani Cart fits four pedal-style timpani and features a fold-down player platform; 3) the Percussion Cart accommodates a wide selection of small percussion instruments; 4) the Speaker Cart angles to 45, 30, 15 and 0 degrees; 5) the Keyboard Cart supports 88-key keyboard and related electronic equipment.

Each of these five performance-ready OnBoard Carts features a metal tow bar and can be transported by a golf cart or Gator – either individually or linked together – or by hand. The large pneumatic tires roll easily on any surface, including turf.

Two OnBoard Cart models are designed primarily for behind-the-scenes storage and transport needs: 1) the Cargo Cart can be configured with shelves for marching band instruments or a garment bar for hanging up to 35 uniforms; 2) the Uniform Cart holds 24 uniforms and fits in coach bus storage compartments. These two OnBoard Carts are available with either pneumatic tires or non-marring solid rubber casters.

“Our field research found that many marching bands struggle with inadequate or poorly designed solutions for effectively handling their equipment,” says Nancy Clark, OnBoard Product Manager at Wenger Corp. “Developing this OnBoard Cart System continues the proud Wenger tradition of listening to our customers, which has been at the heart of our business for more than 60 years.” She adds that other OnBoard Carts may be introduced in the future.

All OnBoard Carts feature durable, heavy-gauge steel construction and a consistent visual appearance, including a black powder-coat finish that blends into the background. They are covered by a five-year warranty.

For more information about any of these OnBoard Carts, please visit WengerCorp.com/OnBoard or contact Wenger Corporation at 1-800-4WENGER.

Jan. 26, 2009: Retrofit Solution Improves Music Practice and Assessment — Wenger Corp. developed its new Studio VAE™ (Virtual Acoustical Environments™) Technology as an affordable, retrofit solution to provide existing built-in practice rooms or teaching studios with leading-edge teaching/practice tools for music education. The Studio VAE features capabilities for record/playback and upload/download; simulations of nine virtual acoustical environments; and a user-friendly control panel.

With the Studio VAE, Wenger expands its exclusive offering of integrated learning environments for music. The digital record/playback capability enables teachers to easily evaluate an individual student's instrumental or vocal performance; students also have the opportunity for self-critique. The Studio VAE records up to nine sessions totaling 60 minutes. Upload/download capability enables musicians to record a practice session or upload accompaniments.

By selecting from the Studio VAE's nine active-acoustic settings, musicians can learn how to optimize their performance in different environments. Benefits include accelerated development of critical listening skills; improved articulation, dynamics and timing; and a more enjoyable practice session. Studio VAE settings include Baroque room, recital halls, auditoriums, cathedral and arena.

Components of the Studio VAE Technology system include: VAE digital processor (intended for placement on a table/shelf or rack mounting); four speakers (for ceiling-height installation in each room corner); two wall absorber panels (1' x 2' x 3" thick) with integrated microphones; VAE control panel pedestal; and other materials needed for installation. (Installation by Wenger technicians is required.) Studio VAE Technology is recommended for rooms up to 180 square feet.

Developed in partnership with Lexicon Professional, a leader in audio signal processing, Studio VAE Technology uses Lexicon's patented technology to offer realistic acoustical simulations, including enhanced early reflections. These reflections contribute to the sensation of being enveloped – or surrounded – by the sound, and enable musicians to hear themselves in a particular space more accurately.

The Studio VAE features easy, intuitive operation, including visual feedback from an LED display and backlit, 18-button control panel. The optional foot control provides convenient, hands-free playback and recording.

The new Studio VAE Technology is covered by a five-year warranty. For information about this technology or any of Wenger's products, contact Wenger Corporation at 1-800-4WENGER. For more information on VAE technology, please visit WengerCorp.com/VAE.