Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the 2012 MMA Conference taking place at Rugby School, Warwickshire, 18th to 20th May.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Also at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms [www.musicpracticerooms.com] allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

Instrument storage can be a problem. Instruments of every shape and size, some delicate, some cumbersome, all need a dedicated space where they can be stored neatly, safely and securely. Bulky theatre props, costumes and sheet music also take up a lot of storage space. Where do you put it all in a way that keeps it accessible, but also secure and well protected? How do you make sure storage doesn’t impede movement and access? What kind of options do you have? And where in the world do you start?

A good starting point is talking to Black Cat Music, a company that has been providing instrument, costume and sheet music storage solutions for years - both custom-built, and from the well-respected and trusted Wenger range. Joining the comprehensive range of established instrument storage products is the new Edge™ Storage System. With budgets under pressure the Edge™ Storage System has been developed as an economical product, but without compromising quality or durability and is supported by Wenger’s ten-year warranty. It is also eco-friendly being constructed from fewer materials, and includes an FSC wood option amongst the choice of styles.

This flush-to-wall instrument storage system cuts down on the amount of material used, as does the open back concept between the unit and the wall behind it. These design elements help to make cost savings, while maintaining the long-lasting quality and elegance for which Wenger products are renowned (hence the ten-year warranty). The system can be custom-designed to accommodate the number and size of instruments required by the school; it can also be designed to store costumes, theatre props or sheet music.

Doors are available with the option of wood or grille fronts. Either way they are pretty tough. Experience has shown that students have a tendency to hang on locker doors, so doors are load-tested with more than 300 lb (136 kg) of pressure on the outer edge. It is also the case that easy theft is the most likely theft, and to prevent that the patented lock-bar is 12-gauge steel, the strike plate heavy-duty, and locks tamper-resistant.

The Black Cat team exhibited at the ISM 'Going for Gold' Conference 2012 showcasing some exciting new products and offering a special discount on Black Cat products to ISM delegates.

Martin Loft (pictured on the Black Cat stand) congratulated the organisers on an interesting conference programme including some great live music.

This year's annual conference held at LSO St Luke's and Guildhall School of Music & Drama (13 and 14 April) was described as “a hugely enjoyable event with performance at its heart.”

The ISM holds a unique position, with its membership reflecting the broad spectrum of activity in professional music making, composing and performing, along with those directly involved in music education at all levels, from nursery to conservatoire and university. The ISM conference is an essential calendar event.

This year's conference celebrated aspiration and achievement through a wide variety of thought-provoking talks, debate and live music, including legendary conductor Sir Colin Davis in conversation with journalist and writer Richard Morrison, a concert celebrating 100 years of jazz composer/arranger Gil Evans by the Guildhall Jazz Band, Professor John Irving’s talk on Mozart and a masterclass with Guildhall students led by soprano Amanda Roocroft.

During April, Black Cat Music is offering an additional 5 per cent discount on their best selling Classic 50 music stands. Quantity discount breaks allow purchase prices as low as £38.00. Schools and colleges looking to equip with new music stands designed for robust and regular handling can take advantage of this great offer throughout April.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. To learn more watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at YouTube.com For full details on the April offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

Lancaster and Morecambe College discovered that by installing three Music Practice Rooms, the college not only made more effective use of available space, but was able to reach out to support musicians in the local community.

Head of Music at Lancaster and Morecambe College, Peter French explained that “this is only the third year we have been running this course and we required proper facilities. There was a need for music practice rooms because we had facilities that were a little bit outdated and we wanted something new to accommodate the new course that we are building on.” Describing the new suite of music practice rooms supplied and installed by Black Cat Music he said, “the facility used to be a lecture theatre, it was just one space we could use, fortunately now we've got three spaces. The music practice rooms are being used every day with all three year groups time tabled in, so they are getting maximum use. We also have some work with an outside community organisation called ‘More Music in Morecambe’ who are now hiring them out on a Tuesday night, so we are getting use in the evenings as well, not just in the daytimes.” The opportunity for other local musicians to hire the facilities is also important for the college within the community.

The rooms, from MusicPracticeRooms.com , use a prefabricated panel design that is affordable, easy to install and allows rooms to be custom configured to suit available space. “We are very happy having them here,” continued Pete French. “After the college had planned how we were going to use the existing space they built in the floor plinth in what was the old lecture theatre and got the maximum use of space available. Black Cat Music then came up and erected the music practice rooms in a pretty short period of time, last summer. The service we got from Black Cat was absolutely spot on,” said Pete. “The music practice rooms have changed the whole nature of the course, because they are so sound-proofed. Before we had a big echoing lecture theatre, now we have three contained spaces. The students love them and yes, they work very effectively.”

“We found out about MusicPracticeRoms.com on the Internet. We got prices from several other possibilities, some of which were a lot more than Black Cat Music, which came out the best in terms of overall cost.” Information and technical specifications for Music Practice Rooms can be found at MusicPracticeRooms.com or by contacting MPR on 0844 846 9740 for a free consultation.

Alternatively just call the Black Cat Music team on Freephone 0800 072 7799, and we will be pleased to help you with your enquiry.

Black Cat Music would like to congratulate Lana Trimmer for winning the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year competition 2012. Lana is a highly talented violinist from Clifton College, Bristol. Our congratulations also to all the competitors, who achieved a superb standard of performance in the competition.

Fifteen year old Lana began learning the violin with Bristol Suzuki at the age of 3 and, at 7, won a place at the RCM Junior Department to study with Marius Bedeschi, and did very well in the Hugh Bean Competition. Continuing studies at Guildhall SMD, Lana also gained success in a competition in Italy. At Clifton College she obtained Grade 8 Distinction aged 10 but then changed to viola! In 2009 Lana took up the violin again, with Mr Bedeschi and has enjoyed successes - winning the King Thelma Award at Bath, the ‘overall best performer’ in South Glamorgan and in 2011 winning both the Bristol Rotary and Bath Young Musician of the Year competitions. She loves fashion and shopping!

Marketing Manager, Alice Dagger said, “ We are delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved with the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year Competition.

Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are looking forward with anticipation to the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year Competition 2012 which takes place this Sunday 11th March at The Stag Community Theatre in Sevenoaks. The event starts at 10.30 am, concluding with Presentations at about 5.45 pm.

Marketing Manager, Alice Dagger said, “ We are delighted to have the opportunity to be involved with the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year Competition and wish all the participants the very best of luck for what we a sure will be a wonderful musical occasion for both performers and audience.”

Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year is a competition open to instrumentalists aged 21 years and under and with a minimum Grade 8. The final heats of the competition take place on Sunday when the Sevenoaks District Arts Council presents the winner with a Silver Memorial Medal in memory of June Clements who founded the competition in 1995.

Tonbridge based Black Cat Music supplies a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. In addition there is a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. MusicPracticeRooms.com supplies sound-isolating, modular Music Practice Rooms for schools, recording studios and for home use. MusicPracticeRooms.com is proud to offer superb acoustic performance at an affordable price, enabling musicians to rehearse and perform in controlled acoustic environments.

During March Black Cat Music is offering an additional 5% discount on the top selling Mighty Bright Duet 2 music stand lights. Dual LEDs provide smooth illumination across two sheets of music and the good news is these light bulbs never need replacement. Cool to touch and battery powered with no trailing wires, they are very safe to use.

Utilising two fully adjustable LED head units, the Duet 2 can evenly light two pages of music thanks to optical grade lenses that avoid any hot spots. The new Duet 2 is twice as bright as the previous model and offers four selectable light levels. Sensor switch operation allows, one, or both LEDs to be turned on with just a gentle tap. An extra strong clip attaches the Duet 2 to any music stand and with two flexible arms, the lighting heads can be fully adjusted as required, or bent to a compact position for ease of storage.

Three AAA size batteries offer up to 20 hours continuous operation. Alternatively an optional AC adaptor additionally allows a series of Duet 2 units to be connected together for lighting control for band or orchestral users.

Full details of this offer are published on the Black Cat Music web site.

The new Nota conBRIO chair available from Black Cat Music is built on a dynamic, flexible frame that encourages and supports a musician’s natural movement.

The Nota conBRIO chair was developed following years of discussions with educators and musicians who were looking to progress the functionality of existing music posture chairs. Inventors, Wenger explained, “with the variety of postural positions required of musicians, and brain, mind, and body research establishing significant links between movement and learning we knew we had to develop a dynamic chair.” The Nota conBRIO chair, with its cantilever frame, is as much a “teaching tool” as a chair. Built on a dynamic frame that encourages and supports the musician’s natural movement, it promotes the engagement of the musician’s entire body in the musical performance. It also further enhances the chair’s ability to mimic a standing posture - the posture that is the strongest and most supportive - when in a seated position. “There’s never been a music chair that provides such a stable, yet fluid foundation and the means to so co-engage in the musical performance” said a Wenger spokesman. Another smart feature is music directors can mix and match the ConBrio with the traditional Nota chair as the look and footprint of the chairs allow them to work together, even inter-stacking the two models of chairs on the same cart.

The current Nota chair has been received positively in the market and is providing great benefits to its users. With its passive ergonomics, it enables the musician to sit in a variety of positions and be supported or encouraged to sit with good alignment. The dual position seat allows them to sit back and have the support of the convex shaped backrest or they can sit forward, perching on the front edge of the chair. Many musicians prefer this position but most chairs aren’t designed for this -- the Nota chair is -- with a forward “flat” position and also with the rounded waterfall front. Whether sitting straight in the chair or angled - as so many musicians do - musicians will be encouraged to sit with good posture. The narrow convex back really makes the Nota chair unique. The narrow back provides support but doesn’t get in the way of the musician playing, even when sitting angled on the chair.

The introduction of Nota conBRIO chair now offers the option of dynamic or static ergonomically designed chairs, or a mix of both that can happily be used together.

Music education and performance equipment specialist Black Cat Music is currently offering Music Folders with an additional discount. This offer only applies during February, so anyone looking to take advantage of this money saving opportunity to kit out their choir or orchestra with a matching set of music folders is urged to act promptly.

The elegant music folders benefit from hardwearing leatherette covers, brass bound corners and hand-stitching, designed to provide protection for music as well as looking smart during concerts. At a modest extra charge music folders can be customised with gold-blocking with the name and crest of the choir, band or orchestra, to further enhance the group identity. There is a choice of styles with expanding pockets or retaining strings for choirs and expanding pockets, pencil pockets and windows for orchestral use. Music folders are available in a choice of three colours – Concert Black, Royal Blue and Cardinal Red.

Full details of this offer are published on the Black Cat Music web site.

“Having retired, I still like to do something in my own area. We have two choirs in our Music Centre - a children's choir and an adult choir, together with numerous bands and orchestras,” said Philip King. The former Head of South Derbyshire Music Service was taking time out from a busy schedule at the Music Centre in South Derbyshire to talk about staging for choirs and in particular Wenger Tourmaster Risers supplied by Black Cat Music. “Singing is a visual thing as well. It may sound nice, but if you can't see people its not so good”, he said.

Now Conductor of the Cantabile Choir, Philip King reflected on the decision to invest in Tourmaster Risers dating back nearly twenty years to a time when as he explained, ”the boxes we were using for staging were difficult to carry around and also they were a bit cumbersome. They just didn't work very well. If parents, in particular come to a concert, they want to see their children performing.” Careful study of the Black Cat catalogue in due course led to the decision to make the investment in Tourmaster Risers.

Talking about the ownership experience of Tourmaster, Philip commented, “storage is minimal really, they fold down easily and we can store them upright. For moving them around we just use a van, its very easy, they are on wheels and so quick to put up it’s unbelievable. The way they have been designed is just great for us, so we use them in many different venues.We can't fault the Tourmaster Risers at all. It is coming up for twenty years now and I am sure they are fit for another twenty. We use them very regularly and there are no faults at all with them. Philip concluded, “Black Cat Music should feel very proud of this product, because we certainly feel that as customers we get a good deal from it.”

The full interview with Philip King and the Tourmaster Risers being used in concert can be viewed on the Black Cat Music video chanel and on YouTube.

During January Black Cat Music are offering the Wenger Preface Conductor’s music stand at a 10% discount compared to the usual price.

Already affordably priced thanks to elegant design and clever engineering, the Preface Conductor’s stand still benefits from plenty of useful features. This stylish conductor's stand enjoys a large desk, a sleek, non-scratch black surface, and dual posts offering superb stability and strength. Although robust it's also extremely lightweight and easy to use and store. The tilting desk permits easy angle adjustment while integrated storage keeps all the conductor's needs nearby and out-of-sight. In fact, it's been exquisitely fine-tuned to give conductors more stand for less money. Plus each stand comes with a 5-year warranty.

For full details of the Preface Conductor’s stand and to take advantage of this special offer visit the Black Cat Music web site.

"I have been thrilled by the service you have shown me. From start to finish you have been friendly and a joy to buy from. I run a company myself and I know how important service is and I hope that my company is as good as yours! " said Jonnie Jones, Chairman of the 2012 Mayfield Festival Committee, commending the service received from Black Cat Music when the festival organisers recently purchased a number of Mighty Bright music stand lights.

The Mayfield Festival of Music & the Arts is one of the highlights of the South East‘s events calendar. This biennial event comprises daily events in the magnificent setting of the historic village of Mayfield, East Sussex and attracts world-class performers from both home and abroad.

Plans are being finalised now for the 23rd Mayfield Festival, which will take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th May 2012. Once again the programme promises to be remarkable and comprehensive, featuring internationally renowned solo performers, professional orchestras, sought-after choral groups and some up-and-coming young artists who will make their Festival début. More details regarding the events for 2012 and all booking information will be made available early in the New Year via the Festival’s website, www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk.

Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are delighted to announce their support for the Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year Competition 2012.

Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year is a competition open to instrumentalists aged 21 years and under and with a minimum Grade 8. The final heats of the competition will be taking place in March 2012 when the Sevenoaks District Arts Council presents the winner with a Silver Memorial Medal in memory of June Clements who founded the competition in 1995. The winner also has the opportunity of playing a concerto with The Lydian Orchestra and this year it is Margarita Balanas, a 'cellist from Latvia who is at the Purcell School.

Tonbridge based Black Cat Music supplies a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. In addition there is a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets.

MusicPracticeRooms.com supplies sound-isolating, modular Music Practice Rooms for schools, recording studios and for home use. MusicPracticeRooms.com is proud to offer superb acoustic performance at an affordable price, enabling musicians to rehearse and perform in controlled acoustic environments.

Tourmaster and Signature Choral Risers distributed by Black Cat Music are now backed by an impressive 15-year warranty on all new products sold.

This extended warranty demonstrates Wenger’s confidence in their choral risers that are already widely used and recommended by choirs everywhere. Signature risers with classic black styling benefit from safe, simple set up, lightweight handling, easy mobility and an integrated back rail with safety crossbar. They are strong and quiet in performance. Available in 3 – step or 4 – step models, configurations can be changed quickly and securely, or optional side rails added without the need for tools. The patented fold-down design allows easy one person set up.

No other risers fold, roll, set up or travel as smoothly as Tourmaster Choral Risers. Easy to take up stairs, navigate round tight corners or load into vehicles for transport, the Tourmaster is a world leader. Precision engineering and use of top quality materials are reasons why these products now come with a 15-year warranty.

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for professional orchestras at the 9th German Orchestra Conference taking place in Berlin, 13th & 14th November.

Dirk Rueter, Black Cat Music’s representative in Germany, will be attending the conference again this year. Dirk reports: “I’m looking forward to saying hello to some familiar faces from last year’s conference. We will again be demonstrating our range of superb quality equipment including the world-renowned Wenger orchestra seating and the Tempo musician’s chair, which has proved extremely popular with orchestra managers.”

Examples of performance equipment from the range of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offers a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. Black Cat Music Europe is the Master Distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation - a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Also being presented at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow professional musicians to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon those around them. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Dirk Rueter will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

The Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire based Carice Singers have recently added a smart new touch to their concert performances with the introduction of a matched set of Choral Folders purchased from Black Cat Music.

The elegant, high-quality blue folders with brass-bound corners now add an additional sense of identity to the choir. Conductor George Parris enthused, “as well as looking smart, the folders from Black Cat Music are light and have brilliant pockets for the amount of music we have to store in them.'

George continued, 'The folders are brilliant, were robust enough to withstand our outdoor recital and meant the singers could carry lots of music with ease - meaning very little rustling between items!'

Black Cat Music offer a range of Choral and Orchestral folders in a choice of colours and the option to customize the cover with gold blocking of the name and crest of the choir or orchestra. Further details can be viewed online.

Members of the Black Cat Music team attended the abcd 25th Anniversary Annual Convention that took place at the Birmingham Conservatoire over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The organizers explained, “We're celebrating not only our quarter century, but also our place in the world, our country and our region. We will be experiencing Birmingham's own contribution to choral music … including the first performance of renowned composer Kerry Andrew's new choral work, commissioned specially for this anniversary.

Robert Dagger, Chairman of Black Cat Music said, "It was great to meet so many choral directors who are really passionate about inspiring good singing and getting the best out of their choirs. We were particularly delighted to receive so much positive feedback on our products, such as the Wenger Tourmaster choral risers and the Jazz Music Stand, from people who really care about the quality of their musical performance." The easiest-to-move, easiest-to-set-up riser on the market, the Tourmaster goes anywhere and now Wenger are so confident of the quality of both Tourmaster and Signature choral risers they come with an impressive 15 year warranty.

"We enjoyed the weekend and were even able to take part in one or two of the singing sessions. It was good to meet so many talented musicians under one roof. There was a real buzz about the event" said Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager, Black Cat Music, summing up the convention.

When Isobel Liebmann, Principal of Havering Music noticed the Classic 50 in the Black Cat Music catalogue, she realized this could be the answer to a problem the school had been experiencing with music stands.

Isobel Liebmann explained, “We were disillusioned with the fold up metal stands which seemed to break, collapse and need replacing regularly. We also found they disappeared! We were looking for something sturdy, easy to use, but not easy to lose”. Thanks to the catalogue which she described as “clear with photographs that gave a good representation of the size and style of the stands,” a batch of Classic 50s were soon on their way to Havering.

Asked how the school was getting on with the Classic 50s, she said, “We were talking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that they are probably the best investment we ever made. They have lived up to our expectations in every way - they are easy to move up and down, child friendly, stable and durable - and the bonus is that our banners sit on them beautifully without causing them to topple. The trolleys are also excellent; they store ten stands neatly and are very easy to wheel around with a full load - good for transporting on the van when we take equipment out to concert venues. We have only had one breakage in over ten years and when we reported this, we were sent a replacement top for the stand within days”.

Not only are Havering Music School delighted with their Classic 50 stands, but thanks to their recommendation other schools are now also equipped with the popular Classic 50 Music Stands. Tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands, the Classic 50 is elegantly designed to be quiet and rattle-free during performances. The scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Knighton Chamber Orchestra recently purchased several music equipment products from the Black Cat Music range.

Conductor, Paul Jenkins expressed his pleasure with the new purchases, saying, "In the Knighton Chamber Orchestra we are very pleased with the orchestra lights, conductor’s stand and acoustic shield we have purchased from Black Cat Music." Paul went on to say, "The service is always prompt and professional and the staff seem to understand the urgency of some orders to meet performance deadlines. In conclusion I would recommend the products and service of Black Cat Music to anyone."

In addition to the products supplied to the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, Black Cat Music offer a comprehensive range of music equipment including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. There is also a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Black Cat Music exhibited a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the FMS Conference 2011 in Manchester on the 17th and 18th June. Marketing manager, Alice Dagger (pictured) said, "It was good to meet face-to-face some of the customers we speak to regularly on the phone, and we received some excellent feedback on our products. Our Classic 50 Music Stand in particular remains very popular with Music Schools and Services, which was music to our ears".

"The interest in our new products especially our Music Practice Rooms was very welcome, and it was great to see all the FMS delegates again." said manager Teresa Rogers commenting on the event. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders were on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers were available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

The Tempo chair is ergonomically designed to provide musicians with a comfortable seated position, even during long performances and rehearsals. It can also be adapted in height and angle to suit every musician’s individual requirements.

The result of much research and study, the Tempo chair benefits from a number of built in adjustments allowing each musician to set up the chair to suit their own preferences for height, tilt and back support. Seat height can be set with front and back pairs of legs independently adjusted quickly and quietly without even needing to put the musical instrument down. Mid back lumbar support helps with good posture ensuring maximum opening of the airways, which is a particular advantage for wind players. A slight curve in back support offers comfort in a range of straight and rotated positions. The upholstered seat is cleverly designed with a ‘waterfall’ front section that prevents restriction of the blood supply to the lower legs that can otherwise be a cause of discomfort.

As might be expected for a Black Cat product, manufacturing quality is high with a strong, durable tubular steel frame with black powder coat, scratch resistant finish. And when it comes to putting the chairs away they are designed to be stacked six high and can be transported on a move and store cart. A video showing the Tempo chair being put through its paces can be viewed on the Black Cat Music YouTube channel.

Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the Tour des Mélodies choir competition organised by the INECC (L’institut Européen de Chant Choral) as a celebration of singing and choirs in Luxembourg.

A variety of music and performance equipment products were on show, ranging from choral and orchestral music folders to staging for choirs, choral risers, conductor’s stands, podiums and music stands. With the choral competition attracting more than 1,000 singers including groups, ensembles and solo performers singing music of many era, from medieval and baroque through to modern day, it was a full day of competition from 9 o’clock in the morning until midnight at the Centre Cultural de Rencontres in the Abbaye de Neumünster, Luxembourg where the event was staged.

Brigitte Downs, Sales Executive at Black Cat Music, reported: ‘We thoroughly enjoyed the event and were most impressed by the standard of singing. Our products, especially our choir folders and our Tourmaster choral riser, were well received in Luxembourg and we received lots of enquiries from choir conductors and singing teachers’.

Black Cat Music will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at the FMS Conference 2011 taking place at in Manchester, 17th and 18th June.

New at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms [www.musicpracticerooms.com] allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

Staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

The Granville School has a rich heritage of performing arts and offers a varied and extensive programme of Drama and Music.

“To compliment our equipment I was looking for innovative, well-priced, flexible options,” Kate Brown, Speech and Drama at The Granville School explained, “and was delighted to come across the Wenger Flipform sold by Black Cat Music. Comprehensive pictures, dimensions and price details were on their web site and I was invited to visit the Black Cat Music showroom outside Tunbridge Wells. Being able to see the Flipform in its different positions, feel the weight of it and the ease with which it moves on wheels confirmed that it was the right equipment for The Granville.”

Flipform is designed to turn classrooms into exciting educational environments. They flip into whatever shape is called for and go wherever needed. Manufactured from moulded, high-density polyethylene making them virtually indestructible, Flipforms are available with a choice of blue, red, yellow, green or grey top with a grey base, or black top with a black base.

Kate Brown continued, “Black Cat Music also recommended a set of three stage boxes of various sizes that make valued additions to the Flipforms. These pieces are used at The Granville School constantly, in many different contexts both in the classroom and on stage. The variety of levels and shapes it is possible to configure offers all the creative flexibility required to meet our performance and teaching needs and, most importantly, the children love using them.”

Reporting on the MMA Conference 2011 that took place at King’s College and St. John’s College Cambridge, 20th to 22nd May, Alice Dagger of Black Cat Music says, “We're delighted with the success of the conference. There has been a great response from Music Directors, both to our music performance equipment and to our new music practice rooms by MusicPracticeRooms.com, which is excellent news. We've also enjoyed the venue and the opportunity to visit Cambridge. I particularly enjoyed the Evensong and dinner at St. John's College.”

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders was on show. In addition Black Cat Music offer a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor in the UK and Ireland for Wenger Corporation a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

New at the show were Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Black Cat Music Europe will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance, practice and theatre at Musikschulkongress 2011 taking place at the Congress Centrum Mainz, 20th to 22nd May.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders will be on show. In addition Black Cat Music Europe offer a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, make-up stations, costume racks and instrument storage cabinets. Black Cat Music Europe is the Master Distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation - a company widely recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

New at the show are Music Practice Rooms offering an affordable and flexible solution to noise problems in schools. Music Practice Rooms allow music teachers and students to rehearse within a controlled environment that minimises the acoustic impact upon other classes. The flexibility of the modular design permits Music Practice Rooms to be configured to fit available spaces.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music Europe can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

Glynis Coates, Headteacher of Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School says, "we’re really pleased with our music stands – they were a good investment and have saved the school money in the long run. They have undergone a lot of wear and tear and they still work perfectly and look great in concert. "

Glynis Coates continued, "I actually first saw the Classic 50 music stand at another school and asked them where they’d got them. They referred me to Black Cat Music. We have the Wenger Classic 50 Music Stands, which are brilliant – we’ve had them for 4 years now and not one has broken. They still look smart and they don’t weigh very much so they’re easy for the children to use." The Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year for Black Cat Music. It is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simple to operate, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be compactly stacked away.

Asked why Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School opted for the Classic 50, Glynis Coates explained, "I was fed up with music stands that wobble about or look dented and rusty during school concerts. We’re a very busy teaching team and we do lots of musical activities and concerts, and checking all our music stands are working properly before every performance is just another thing to think about. Black Cat Music supply the Wenger music stands, which are sturdily built and come with a five year guarantee. Also we know Black Cat, and we know that if we have any problems with their products (luckily this hasn’t happened yet) they’ll be quick to sort them out for us."

The school also has Choir Music Folders from Black Cat and when asked if she would recommend Black Cat Music the response was an emphatic, "Yes – definitely!"

During May Black Cat Music are offering the Wenger Preface Conductor’s music stand at a 10% discount compared to the usual price.

Already affordably priced thanks to elegant design and clever engineering, the Preface Conductor’s stand still benefits from plenty of useful features. This stylish conductor's stand enjoys a large desk, a sleek, non-scratch black surface, and dual posts offering superb stability and strength. Although robust it's also extremely lightweight and easy to use and store. The tilting desk permits easy angle adjustment while integrated storage keeps all the conductor's needs nearby and out-of-sight. In fact, it's been exquisitely fine-tuned to give conductors more stand for less money. Plus each stand comes with a 5-year warranty.

For full details of the Preface Conductor’s stand and to take advantage of this special offer visit the Black Cat Music web site.

The Black Cat Music Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year. To help anyone new to the product to see why the Classic 50 has been so enduringly popular, there is now a short video that highlights some of the features that may not be easily appreciated in just looking at a catalogue.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at www.YouTube.com

Specialist music education and performance equipment supplier, Black Cat Music, has just published a new short form catalogue . Bringing together all the most popular products – music stands, folders, chairs, instrument storage, conductor’s equipment and staging – this handy catalogue and price list provides a convenient reference when looking for and buying music performance equipment.

It is worth getting hold of a copy and taking advantage of some discount offers, reading product reviews, discovering the important-to-know benefits for each product then placing your order.

Although the new catalogue provides a useful range of commonly needed products, Black Cat Music also has an extensive range of more specialist music and performance equipment products that can be discovered online at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk. Customers can view product demonstrations by visiting the Black Cat Music channel on www.YouTube.com and searching on ‘blackcatmusiceurope’.

Maureen Cameron, Head of Music at St. Andrews Catholic College, Queensland, Australia enthusing over their new orchestral folders told Black Cat Music, "all arrived and they look absolutely fantastic… our head teacher is so excited about using them at the eisteddfod, she’s booked extra seats already! "

St Andrews opted for customized gold blocking with the college’s name and crest to give a strong identity to the elegant cardinal red leather folders complete with brass bound corners, that provide that extra appeal to orchestral performances. Black Cat Music folders are 305mm x 356mm and include two bottom expanding pockets, plus a useful pencil pocket and can optionally be supplied gold blocked with logos and names of schools, choirs or bands to create group identities.

Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the Music Learning Live conference held at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow.

Black Cat Music exhibted a selection from a comprehensive range of music performance and acoustic equipment that includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment, acoustic solutions and full stage acoustic shells. In addition there is a range of theatre products that embraces tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.

The reliable, lightweight, affordably priced Preface Music Stand is on offer from Black Cat Music during April with a 15% discount.

Referred to as the “little sister” of the popular Classic 50 Music Stand, the Preface is ideal for anyone seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry stand that weighs just 2.9 Kg thanks to its aluminium construction. The generous sized desk of 340mm x 510m is recessed to allow stacking of multiple stands and secured to the stand itself by means of a through bolt attachment. Height from floor to desk lip is fully adjustable from 650mm to 1250mm. Finished with durable black powder coat paint the Preface Music Stand also includes a reliable brake mechanism and wobble-free base attachment.

For full details on the April offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

Wenger Music Posture Chairs , marketed in the UK and throughout Europe by Black Cat Music, are designed to seat musicians in the best possible position to promote easier breathing and a more natural range of motion while decreasing fatigue and discomfort. Major Gill Stacey of The Salvation Army in Chester was happy to comment on their experience with recently purchased Musicians’ Chairs. “Our Wenger Musician chairs we ordered from Black Cat Music have been an excellent purchase.” Said Gill.

Gill Stacey went on to say, “Our old chairs were quite new and they are comfortable but since we tried the Wenger Musician chair we have discovered what a good chair is really like. They give excellent back support and our posture has improved because they allow you to sit up properly yet at the same time being able to relax and be comfortable. Our band often remain seated for most of our service and they can now do so in comfort. We would recommend them to any music group.”

Gill continued, “It is true that the outlay may be higher than other chairs but as they say, "you get what you pay for" and we are certainly glad that we paid that little bit more to have the right chair. Another advantage is the music rack on the side of the chair, which keeps all music, Bible and songbook at easy reach, as well as stops the books from being a hazard. Finally the weight of the chair is good because they are easy to move.”

Wenger orchestra chairs have been carefully designed to solve four main problems experienced with standard chairs. Sitting back in standard chairs, forces the spine out of its natural supportive position. Because it is easy to slouch the body is forced down, lowering the rib cage and constricting the diaphragm. The discomfort and lack of support causes musicians to move to the edge of the seat reducing support even more, leading to fatigue and making it difficult to focus on technique and performance. Thanks to their ergonomic and innovative design Wenger music posture chairs encourage correct posture and maintain comfort throughout long performances and rehearsals.



Further information
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity, working in 121 countries worldwide, that offers support, friendship and practical help to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.
www.salvationarmy.org.uk .

An expanded and improved range of Legacy Acoustical Shells has been lined up for a 2011 introduction by Black Cat Music. Bringing more powerful and clear sound quality, Legacy Acoustical Shells are easy to set up to transform the acoustics of many types of performance space.

Wenger are pioneers of acoustical shell design, that uses a honeycomb core panel construction to deliver enhanced acoustics to both the ensemble and the audience. The latest technology developments from Wenger Corporation – Basic, Classic and Select Legacy - are presented as three attractive effective acoustical shell options designed to fit a range of applications and budgets. Whether converting a multi-purpose hall space or improving the acoustics of a smaller auditorium or recital room, Basic Legacy Shells can be set up by one person in four simple stages. The shell is first rolled into place, the snap-in pins adjusted for the desired canopy angle and the canopy lifted to the preset angle for optimum sound projection. A mechanism with an easy-to-turn handle allows the shell to be raised to the appropriate height for the requirements of the performance in just 6 turns. When not in use shells can quickly be folded away aided by a continuous hinge arrangement and nested together for compact storage.

Delighted user of Legacy Shells, Cydney Dixon, Band Director of Lower Lake High School, California said, "I cannot believe the difference in sound when the Legacy shell is up. Our gym has very good acoustics, but I can clearly tell whether or not the shell is up. The Legacy shells are very easy to work with – my kids and I can easily handle them. "

Full specification and purchase information can be accessed from the Black Cat Music web site or requested from Black Cat Music by calling 01892 619719.

Storing and effortlessly moving guitars is no longer a problem, thanks to the introduction of the new Guitar Mobile Storage Rack from Black Cat Music.

Another product from the well-respected Wenger Corporation, the Guitar Mobile Storage Rack lives up to the company’s high quality reputation for protection of prized musical instruments. Designed to pass through standard door openings thanks to hard rubber swivel castors even a fully loaded rack can be manoeuvered smoothly and quietly around the facility. Adjustable padded supports provide both a secure fit and protection for instruments, storing up to 20 electric or acoustic uncased guitars. The supporting yokes can be removed for alternatively storing guitars in their cases. The solid wood Guitar Mobile Storage Rack constructed using timber from renewable resources is offered in a choice of natural or cherry finish and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Full specification and purchase information can be accessed from the Black Cat Music web site or requested from Black Cat Music by calling 01892 619719.

The reliable, lightweight, affordably priced Preface Music Stand is on offer from Black Cat Music during January at 10 per cent off the usual price. Plus a free conductor’s baton is included with the first order from each customer.

Referred to as the “little sister” of the popular Classic 50 Music Stand, the Preface is ideal for anyone seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry stand that weighs just 2.9 Kg thanks to its aluminium construction. The generous sized desk of 340mm x 510m is recessed to allow stacking of multiple stands and secured to the stand itself by means of a through bolt attachment. Height from floor to desk lip is fully adjustable from 650mm to 1250mm. Finished with a durable black powder coat paint finish the Preface Music Stand also includes a reliable brake mechanism and wobble-free base attachment.

Full details on the February offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.

"Thank you very much – I never win prizes, so this is a real treat". That was the reaction from Tim Smith of Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire on hearing that he had won the top prize in the Black Cat Music summer draw. He continued," I've just ordered a conductor’s stand and will sing Black Cat's praises every time I use it".

With the prize being £100 off his next order, Tim had little hesitation in using the money towards purchasing the conductor's stand from Black Cat Music's comprehensive range of music equipment. The prizes drawn by Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen were a thank you to everybody who participated in a survey hosted on the Black Cat Music web site. during the summer.

The second prize of £50 off their next order with Black Cat Music and valid until the end of the year went to Mrs A Williams from Northamptonshire.

Third prize, a Scherzo Folding Music Stand complete with storage bag, is on its way to Mr M Oakley from West Sussex.

Runners up prizes of Mighty Bright Single XtraFlex lights went to:

• Mr D Ruskin from Worcestershire
• Mr T Kermode from London
• Mr Simon from London
• Ms H Davies from Lancashire
• Mr A Livingstone from London

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Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the ABTT Theatre Show in London and the FMS annual conference in Belfast.

Black Cat Music displayed their comprehensive range of education and performance equipment on stand 112 at the ABTT Theatre Show to be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on June 16th and 17th.

The annual FMS. Conference was held in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast from Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 June 2010.

Black Cat Music will be displaying their comprehensive range of education and performance equipment on stand 112 at the ABTT Theatre Show to be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on June 16th and 17th. Visitors can register online.

A range of products including music stands and staging equipment will be displayed and staff will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate products. Copies of Black Cat Music’s new comprehensive price list and catalogue will be available from the stand.

The Black Cat Acoustics division is a professional noise control company with an experienced and friendly team offering a complete range of acoustic products. Enquiries are welcomed for the design, supply and installation of high performance acoustic equipment as a total package, or to find economic solutions to individual problem areas within existing buildings.

Participants in Black Cat Music’s online survey could win a first prize that saves £100 on their next order for music performance equipment.

Simply by participating in a short 2-minute online survey, the first 100 people will automatically be entered into a prize draw for the £100 saving, a second prize of £50 off their next order and a third prize of a Scherzo Folding Music Stand with bag, worth £25. Plus, there are five runners-up prizes of Mighty Bright Single XtraFlex lights to be won!

Black Cat Music’s survey is part of the company’s on-going commitment to their customers for education and performance music equipment, to ensure they continue to be responsive to customer needs. The survey is open to all users of music performance equipment and can be accessed at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk/survey.htm.

Black Cat Music Europe recently exhibited a comprehensive range of equipment for music, performance and theatre in Hall 3.1, Stand A29 at the Frankfurt Musikmesse , March 24th~27th.

Performance equipment including examples of music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders was on show. In addition Black Cat Music Europe offer a range of theatre products embracing tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Black Cat Music Europe is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation in Europe and Russia. Wenger are recognised as world leaders in fully guaranteed staging and music performance equipment that also includes Wenger-manufactured noise control treatments including acoustic shells, virtual acoustic environments and music practice rooms.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers will be available on the stand to demonstrate products and provide advice. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music Europe can provide high-quality equipment, which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

With representatives in over 15 European countries and an established supply chain for European distribution, Black Cat Music Europe is now acknowledged as a supplier of choice for a comprehensive range of music performance equipment and acoustic solutions for a wide range of music and theatrical needs.

Black Cat Music recently successfully exhibited a comprehensive range of music, acoustics and performance equipment at the Building Schools Exhibition & Conference 2010, at ExCel, London.

Commenting on the show, Alice Dagger of Black Cat said, “this was our first time at BSEC and we were delighted with the positive reception for our music equipment products and interest in our acoustic solutions.”

Black Cat Music offers an extensive range of music performance and acoustic equipment that includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment, acoustic solutions and full stage acoustic shells. In addition there is a range of theatre products that embraces tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation in the UK, Europe and Russia. Wenger are recognised as world leaders in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment and also offer a range of Wenger-manufactured noise control treatments including acoustic shells, virtual acoustic environments and music practice rooms. The Black Cat Acoustics division are experienced in solving noise control problems in schools, providing cost-effective solutions that greatly improve the acoustic environment in accordance with Building Bulletin 93 recommendations.

Expert staff, experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers alike, were kept busy at BSEC. Whether looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, Black Cat Music can provide high-quality equipment which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.

During the summer break, Black Cat Music’s contracting team installed six sets of instrument storage cabinets at Bournville School.

Black Cat Music advised the school on the most suitable layout for the cabinets, paying due regard to a health and safety concern to avoid the potential to obstruct a thoroughfare across the back of the stage. As the stage is used for a multitude of purposes, sometimes even having a trampoline on it, it was important not to obstruct walkways. Following an on-site review, recommendations to reposition the cabinets from the original plan were accepted. This then allowed Black Cat’s installation team to turn some of the cabinets round and site them back to back with doors opening in line, rather than across the walkway, and the remaining cabinets positioned at the side of the stage. Another example, not only of the flexibility of Black Cat’s products, but also of the ability of installation staff in dealing with problems on-site!

When Havering Sixth Form College relocated their Wenger Modular Practice Room during the summer holidays, Black Cat Acoustics were called in to manage and implement the move.

Although it had been installed and in regular use for several years the Wenger Modular Practice Room was found to be in good condition. The Black Cat Acoustics team carefully dismantled the room and re-installed it in a new building. Being a self-contained structure designed with the possibility of relocation in mind, this only required wiring of the control panel to activate ventilation, lighting and electrical sockets within the room.

The Wenger Modular Practice Room is sound isolated, allowing musical lessons to be held without disturbing neighbouring classes. The rooms are available in different size options, from individual use up to a size sufficient to accommodate 15 performers. Complete with integral lighting and wiring installed to maintain the sound isolation integrity and ventilation providing a complete air change every two minutes, the rooms are truly self-contained.

New from Black Cat Music are two new special purpose music stands – the K&M Sound Insulation Stand and the K&M extendable Conductor’s Stand .

For symphony orchestras seeking compliance with the European Union Noise Directive, then the K&M Sound Insulation Stand could prove helpful. A concave Plexiglass shield provides hearing protection for the musician stationed in front of other performers. The shield's practical prismatic 'V-block' connector makes it quick and easy to connect to the stand, which can be used on both sides, depending on requirements. A tripod arrangement ensures stability for this well constructed stand that is designed for a long product life. Height is adjustable from 90cm to 140cm.

Also added to the wide range of stands is the Extendable Conductor’s Stand, which is suitable for mobile or stationary use. Pull-out music racks on both sides extend desk dimensions from 57cm to 87.5cm x 35.5cm and are made from wood finished in black or natural beech. The stand upright is made of black powder-coated steel tubes, is quick and easy to set up and fold up and, with just two parts, is convenient to transport. Height is adjustable from 69 cm to 116 cm.

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Black Cat Music is extending the configuration options for their Versalite staging system with the introduction of round and pie-shaped platform components.

Versalite is an advanced, ultra-flexible system that can be specified in stage or seated riser versions and can easily be configured into multilevel stages. This all-in-one system doesn't compromise on strength, durability, or ease of set-up, thanks to its heavy-duty construction comprising decks constructed of solid 19mm exterior-grade plywood. The durable phenolic surface won't curl or peel and is designed to help prevent tripping. Furthermore Versalite is extremely quiet, with no moving parts to rattle during a performance. It can be configured with up to four decks and options include skirting, stairs, and guard rails.

Whether storing music, equipment or theatrical garments and props, the new GearBoss shelving from Black Cat Music offers a flexible and durable solution.

GearBoss Shelving systems can be configured to meet the needs of each location and, as those needs change, the flexibility of moving shelves quickly and without tools is designed to facilitate this. The cantilever design ensures that space can be optimised, keeping the floor open and free from supports and uprights. Additional shelves and options for hanging bars and lock boxes can be added at any time. Work surfaces can be added to create repair benches, pass-through stations and even desks if required.

GearBoss Shelving will help protect investment in equipment, while keeping storage areas organised and accessible.

Newly introduced by Black Cat Music is the AcoustiCabinet that, by enhancing room acoustics, permits in-room storage while providing a suitable environment for music practice.

Developed in conjunction with acoustic consultants, the AcoustiCabinet is the result of research that has produced a new kind of instrument storage cabinet. The unique and distinctive ‘Waterfall’ curved grille doors have been designed to provide resonance resistance, minimise the room’s cubic volume loss and reduce vibration. Furthermore, the cabinets are faced with acoustically absorptive materials that eliminates direct reflection while absorbing both high and low frequencies. The AcoustiCabinet storage solution enables efficient use of space by allowing music rehearsals to take place in the same room without compromise on acoustic response.

Black Cat Music can supply AcoustiCabinet in a number of standard colour combinations.

New to the Black Cat Music catalogue of musician’s chairs is the ergonomically designed Tempo chair.

Designed with musicians in mind, it enables correct lumbar support to encourage good posture, enabling musicians to remain comfortable even after hours of playing. The lumbar support in the middle of the back also encourages full and unrestricted breathing by creating the conditions necessary for proper posture, that in turn promotes maximum opening of airways: a feature that wind players will appreciate. The black finish powder-coated tubular steel frame supports a flat upholstered seat, permitting a range of positions and angles in relation to the back, while the waterfall front section of the seat prevents restriction of blood supply in the lower legs.

Mechanical adjustments for seat height from 39cm to 52cm in both front and back pairs of legs allow selective adjustment in the length of the legs. Alternatively, each pair of legs can be adjusted individually, enabling varying degrees of seat tilt, which can be achieved quickly and quietly without putting the instrument down. Orientation of the legs permits a series of six chairs to be stacked one above the other. A trolley is also available for transport and storage.

Black Cat Music has recently introduced a new Virtual Acoustic Environment (VAE) Studio System that now permits easy and affordable installation of proven VAE technology into music studios and practice rooms.

Virtual Acoustic Environment practice rooms were developed by Wenger Corporation as the next generation of teaching and practice tools for music education and feature record/playback capabilities and simulation of nine virtual acoustical environments. The new VAE Studio System incorporates the same feature-rich specification that now allows easy and affordable installation into private teaching studios or existing built-in practice rooms to create an integrated learning and assessment environment for music education.

VAE features a built-in recording and listening environment, active acoustics for “virtual reality” simulations and guaranteed sound isolation. There are nine choices of ‘performance spaces’, ranging from practice to arena. With the integrated digital record/playback capability, teachers can evaluate an individual student’s instrumental or vocal performance. The VAE records up to nine sessions with a 60-minute total recording time. Audio transfer of audition or competition recordings is possible through the built-in USB connection in standard stereo .wav format (44.1 kHz, 16-bit). Accompaniment music may also be transferred to the VAE via the USB connection. By selecting from the nine active-acoustic settings, musicians can learn how to optimise their performance in different environments. Benefits include accelerated development of critical listening skills; improved articulation, dynamics and timing; and a more enjoyable practice session. When practice is fun, students will practice longer. VAE settings include Baroque room, recital halls, auditoria, cathedral and arena.

Black Cat Music have just published their 2009/10 Music Education and Performance Equipment catalogue, ready for the start of the new academic year. Many new products have been added to last year’s catalogue and the ranges of music stands and chairs have been extended, plus new additions to the acoustics range.

Packed full of everything needed by music departments, the new catalogue provides a useful single reference source for all types of equipment, from music stands and music folders to chairs and staging. Showcasing one of the most comprehensive ranges available of music and performance equipment available for schools, colleges and universities, conveniently brought together in one easy-to-use price list and catalogue, products can be ordered by mailing the enclosed order form, or by e-mail, Freephone or fax. The catalogue is also available online where purchases can be made using a secure server, 24 hours a day.

Education establishments joining the Education Discount Programme not only enjoy 5% off all standard purchases, but also receive advance notification of Black Cat Music’s special promotion offers each month. The new catalogue is available from Black Cat Music, or online.

Black Cat Music once again displayed their comprehensive range of education and performance equipment at the ABTT Theatre Show held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on June 10th and 11th.

Products displayed included music stands and lights, posture chairs, choral risers, staging equipment and theatre products and staff were on hand to discuss and demonstrate products. Copies of Black Cat Music#44;s new comprehensive price list and catalogue were available from the stand.

The Black Cat Acoustics division is a professional noise control company with an experienced and friendly team offering a complete range of acoustic products. Enquiries are welcomed for the design, supply and installation of high performance acoustic equipment as a total package, or to find economic solutions to individual problem areas within existing buildings.

In a major supply contract for the Wenger range of music equipment for the new Cork School of Music, Black Cat Music has been involved in the first education PPP project in Ireland.

With almost 500 ‘Classic 50’ music stands, 300 ‘Symphony’ Chairs, 260 ‘Musician’ Chairs as well as ‘Versalite’ Staging, ‘Tourmaster’ Risers and ‘Resource Centres’ the Cork School of Music’s new purpose-built College which opened in September 2007 is well equipped and providing state-of-the-art facilities for 400 full time students.

With 13,000m2 of space, the project supplied through a public-private partnership includes a library, 52 teaching/practice studios, a 500-seater auditorium, a 100-seater drama theatre and movement room, a professional recording studio, electronic music studio, piano labs, audio lab, music IT lab, double bass studio, harp and harpsichord room, organ room, percussion studio and a post-graduate centre. Other facilities include lecture theatres, classrooms, student common room and offices for student services, staff common room, boardroom, meeting rooms, medical referral centre, a bistro café, as well as public offices and accommodation for the management, teaching and administrative staff.

The new Cork School of Music provides the internationally-renowned staff of Ireland's largest conservatory of music and drama with the very best of facilities to ensure that many more students are able to pursue their studies.

Black Cat Music Europe will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of music and performance equipment in Hall 3.0, Stand D73 at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, 1st ~ 4th April. The Black Cat stand will feature equipment for music, performance and theatre.

Performance equipment includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. Theatre products embrace tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Music performance equipment specialist Black Cat Music Europe, making a debut appearance at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation in Europe and Russia. Wenger are recognised as world leaders in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment and Black Cat Music has also been the UK & Ireland representative for Wenger’s extensive range for more than 20 years. Thanks to success in these markets the decision was taken to expand the organisation to develop the same service throughout Europe. Popular products are supplied from warehousing facilities in Rotterdam supporting continental European markets.

Some of the music products on show will be from Black Cat’s own range of music stands and lights, posture chairs, staging, choral risers and choral folders. Black Cat Music Europe can also offer a range of Wenger-manufactured noise control treatments including acoustic shells, as well as virtual acoustic environments and music practice rooms.

Teresa Rogers who heads up the Tunbridge Wells, England based sales organisation explains, "our expert staff are experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers alike. With representatives in over 15 European countries, an established supply chain and a European warehouse to ensure fast distribution, we are ready to expand our network into new territories. Whether you are looking for musical performance equipment, event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre equipment or acoustic solutions, you can rely on Black Cat Music Europe to provide high-quality equipment which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use. "

Black Cat Music education and performance equipment will be on show at the Music Learning Live event in Manchester.

A comprehensive range of products, including music stands and staging equipment, will be displayed and staff will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate products. Copies of Black Cat Music’s new comprehensive price list and catalogue will be available from the stand.

Make Music Live 2009! described by the organisers as the “National Festival of Music Education” is at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March.

Black Cat Music has proudly represented Wenger Corporation in the UK and Ireland for more than 25 years and recently representation has been extended to include all of Europe including Russia. Wenger is unchallenged as the largest manufacturer of fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment in the world. To Wenger’s excellent range Black Cat Music has added some speciality equipment, such as music folders. The company stocks literally thousands of music stands and offers the same level of care and service when buying just one for personal use or several dozen for the concert platform or rehearsal room.

In addition the Black Cat Acoustics division can help with acoustic assessment and treatments such as sound isolation for the music room, or help with the design and construction of music practice rooms or recording studios.

Black Cat Music presented a comprehensive range of music and performance equipment on stand H7 at London’s PLASA Show, 7th~10th September. The Black Cat stand will feature equipment for theatre, performance, music, and acoustic treatments.

Theatre products include tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. The performance equipment range embraces staging, orchestral chairs, choral risers, seated risers and conductors’ equipment. Some of the music products on show will be from the Black Cat range of music stands and lights, posture chairs, instrument and sheet music storage, choral folders and piano accessories.

Black Cat Acoustics can offer a range of noise control treatments, acoustic shells such as Diva, as well as virtual acoustic environments and music practice rooms.

Black Cat Music is the exclusive representative of Wenger Corporation in the UK and Europe. Wenger is unchallenged as the largest manufacturer of fully-guaranteed music performance equipment in the world. European visitors to PLASA interested in distributing these products are invited to meet the sales team at the show.



Note to editors
The PLASA Show is the leading showcase for new technology within the entertainment, live event, corporate, architectural and installation industries worldwide. The 32nd PLASA Show takes place at Earls Court, London from the 13 - 16 of September 2009.

Music performance equipment specialist Black Cat Music has recently been appointed master distributor for Wenger Corporation in an agreement covering all European countries, including Russia.

Wenger are recognised as world leaders in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment and Black Cat Music has been the UK & Ireland representative for Wenger’s extensive range for more than 20 years. Thanks to success in these markets the decision was taken to expand the organisation to develop the same service throughout Europe. Popular products will be supplied from warehousing facilities in Rotterdam supporting European distributors.

Teresa Rogers heads up the Tunbridge Wells based sales organisation and explains, “our expert staff are experienced at advising and supplying equipment for the diverse needs of performers, technicians, architects, events companies and teachers alike. With agents in eight European countries, an established supply chain and a European warehouse to ensure fast distribution, we are ready to expand our network into new territories. Whether you are looking for event staging, audience and performance seating, theatre and musical equipment or acoustic solutions, you can rely on Black Cat Music Europe to provide high-quality equipment which is as durable as it is elegant and easy to use.”

Staff from Black Cat Music were on hand to handle the many enquiries about the company’s comprehensive range of music accessory products.

Storing musical instruments safely when not in use is an issue that more and more schools are now addressing with the help of Black Cat Music’s range of standard and custom music storage products. In this month’s issue of Music Teacher, editor Clare Stevens researched and presented an article discussing instrument storage.

In case you missed the article – Safe and Sound - a PDF copy is available here to download. The Black Cat Music range includes systems for storing and organising sheet music, racks for instrument cases and lockable storage cupboards. Black Cat Music also specialises in providing custom designs that maximize the use of available space.

Click here to download a copy of the Music Teacher article [7.7MB].

In a major supply contract for the Wenger range of music equipment for the new Cork School of Music, Black Cat Music has been involved in the first education PPP project in Ireland.

With almost 500 ‘Classic 50’ music stands, 300 ‘Symphony’ Chairs, 260 ‘Musician’ Chairs as well as ‘Versalite’ Staging, ‘Tourmaster’ Risers and ‘Resource Centres’ the Cork School of Music’s new purpose-built College which opened in September 2007 is well equipped and providing state-of-the-art facilities for 400 full time students.

With 13,000m2 of space, the project supplied through a public-private partnership includes a library, 52 teaching/practice studios, a 500-seater auditorium, a 100-seater drama theatre and movement room, a professional recording studio, electronic music studio, piano labs, audio lab, music IT lab, double bass studio, harp and harpsichord room, organ room, percussion studio and a post-graduate centre. Other facilities include lecture theatres, classrooms, student common room and offices for student services, staff common room, boardroom, meeting rooms, medical referral centre, a bistro café, as well as public offices and accommodation for the management, teaching and administrative staff.

The new Cork School of Music provides the internationally-renowned staff of Ireland's largest conservatory of music and drama with the very best of facilities to ensure that many more students are able to pursue their studies.

New from Black Cat Music is the Scherzo Music Stand, which is easy and quick to fold after use and then place in its own carrying bag.

By using an all-aluminium construction, its light weight will be appreciated by anyone who has to regularly carry sheet music, stand and instrument to rehearsal and performances! High quality joints allow the Scherzo to be unfolded and refolded with ease, while a positive locking button allows the desk angle to be adjusted to suit. Desk height is adjustable between 490mm and 1200mm and the whole stand packs down into a tough nylon bag complete with handy carrying handle, just 500mm x 110mm x 60mm in size.

Music equipment supplied by Black Cat Music is proving ever more popular with schools, choirs and even the world-famous Proms amongst recent customers.

The Reading Ladies Barbershop Singers, ‘The Barberettes’, who sing a wide range of popular songs in unaccompanied four-part harmony, recently purchased six Tourmaster Risers and back rails from Black Cat Music. With a membership of more than 40 women, the Tourmaster risers have become an essential addition to their equipment, allowing the singers to improve the staging of their performances in a range of venues. The Tourmaster is simple to move and set up, folding easily for transport between concerts.

Kensington Prep School - an independent girls' school situated in the heart of Fulham, with 280 girls from the age of 4 to 11 years - has invested in four sets of four-step Tourmasters complete with back rails, to add to the school’s music and performance facilities.

The King's School, Grantham, traces its history back to 1329, counts Sir Isaac Newton amongst its old boys and offers a flourishing music department with extra curricular musical activities every week. The school has recently invested in 40 Student Chairs, which are generously sized to provide good support and range of movement and also robust and virtually indestructible.

It was Classic 50 and Roughneck music stands in evidence at the ‘Last Night of the Proms’. The Classic 50 has taken the professional and education markets by storm, thanks to its robust, lightweight construction and no fiddly knobs or screws to adjust either. The Roughneck stand is another tough customer, designed to always stand straight without leaning or wobbling and with a desk height adjuster that moves and holds with one easy motion. For the 2007 Proms season eight Wenger Acoustic Shields were ordered and The Royal Philharmonic also ordered six shields.

The 2007~8 Music Education and Performance Equipment catalogue from Black Cat Music has just been published, ready for the start of the new school year. Over twenty new products have been added to last year’s catalogue and the ranges of music stands, chairs and piano stools have been greatly extended. Packed full of everything needed by music departments, the new education catalogue provides a useful single reference source for all types of equipment, from music stands and music folders to chairs and staging.

Showcasing one of the most comprehensive ranges available of music and performance equipment for schools, colleges and universities, conveniently brought together in one easy to use price list and catalogue, products can be ordered by mailing the enclosed order form, by e-mail, Freephone or fax. The catalogue is also available online where purchases can be made using a secure server, 24 hours a day.

Education establishments joining the Education Discount Programme not only enjoy 5% off all standard purchases, but also receive advance notification of Black Cat Music’s special promotion offers each month.

The new catalogue is available either in printed form or on a CD and can be requested from Black Cat Music or online at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk/brochure-request.htm .

Schools and colleges can now benefit from membership of Black Cat Music’s Education Discount Programme.

Not only do schools benefit from a 5% discount on all orders for standard products from Black Cat Music’s comprehensive range of specialist equipment for music performance and education equipment, but they also enjoy advance notice of special offers. By signing up to the scheme - online at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk or by calling 0800 072 7799 - qualifying schools, colleges and universities in the UK will automatically receive a copy of the Education Catalogue published each September, monthly e-mail alerts of special price deals and free mainland UK delivery for orders over £500. And of course professional advice in helping select the right equipment is always available from Black Cat Music, including the loan of sample products for evaluation.

Joining the Education Discount Programme is free and, for a limited period, anyone signing up will receive a high quality Black Cat Music mug!

When Alleyn’s School was looking for staging equipment for their new music facility, they turned to Black Cat Music for a Wenger Versalite stage.

The Versalite stage is an advanced, ultra-flexible system that can be configured as a multilevel stage or seated riser. Versalite is an ‘all-in-one system’ that offers strength, durability, and ease of set-up. The heavy-duty construction comprises decks constructed of solid 19mm exterior-grade plywood with a durable phenolic surface that won't curl or peel, which, as an added safety feature, helps prevent tripping. Alleyn's School chose 16 platforms in 4 different sizes plus closure panels for the front, all of which fit together to form a new 8.52m x 4.26m stage to hold the school’s Steinway piano and provide a platform for music and drama performances.

Alleyn's School is an independent co-educational day school situated in Dulwich, south east London, that can trace its theatrical and musical connections back to the original foundation by Edward Alleyn, a prosperous Elizabethan actor manager whose Rose and Fortune Theatres rivalled Shakespeare's Globe.

Tim Kermode, Director of Music at Alleyn’s School, expressed his thanks to Black Cat Music for planning and installation assistance and said, ‘we very much look forward to using the new staging next term.’

There was great interest in Black Cat Music’s comprehensive range of music equipment on display at the 2007 ABTT Theatre Show in London.

Copies of Black Cat’s price lists are now available in print and on CD.

During May, Black Cat Music present at the Music Masters' and Mistresses' Association's annual conference held at Bedford and the Federation of Music Services' conference at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club.

A range of products, including music stands and staging equipment, were displayed with staff were on hand to discuss and demonstrate products, including an impromptu performance by Timothy Batchelar on our stand at the MMA.

Black Cat Music education and performance equipment will be on show at the ABTT Theatre Show to be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on June 13th and 14th.

A range of products including music stands and staging equipment will be displayed and staff will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate products. Copies of Black Cat Music’s new comprehensive price list and catalogue will be available from the stand.

Black Cat Acoutics are a professional noise control company with an experienced and friendly team offering a complete range of acoustic products. Enquiries are welcomed for the design, supply and installation of high performance acoustic equipment as a total package, or to find economic solutions to individual problem areas within existing buildings.

Joining the Federation of Music Services’ conference at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club (May 18th – 20th) will be a display of music education and performance equipment by Black Cat Music.

Unified under a conference theme of ‘Maintaining the Momentum’, delegates will be able to break out from the busy conference schedule and examine for themselves a range of products from the extensive Black Cat range including music stands and staging equipment. Copies of Black Cat Music’s new comprehensive catalogue will be available from the stand.

The conference will address ‘the key issue of how we carry children and young people from the initial excitement of their first contact with music through to a long term commitment.’

Black Cat Music education and performance equipment will be on show later this month at the Music Masters’ and Mistresses’ Association’s annual conference. A range of products, including music stands and staging equipment, will be displayed and staff will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate products. Copies of Black Cat Music’s new comprehensive price list and catalogue will be available from the stand.

According to the MMA, ‘The 2007 Conference (11-13 May) at Bedford has Composition as a main theme (Bedford is one of the few schools now to have a composer-in-residence) and marks the 60th birthday year of the composer Paul Patterson (a former composer-in-residence at Bedford). Building a Music School (Bedford's new £3.1 million building was opened by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in March 2006) and the demands of Higher Education are also on the agenda.’

Black Cat Music has introduced a new price list catalogue for 2007 offering a comprehensive range of affordably priced music performance equipment.

Copies of this new price list are available on request in print or CD versions. Links from the CD to the web site www.blackcatmusic.co.uk provide access to further information such as downloadable data sheets and the facility to purchase products online. With a full line of musical accessory equipment including music stands, music folders, music chairs, storage, conductor’s equipment, piano accessories, staging, risers and acoustic shells, the Black Cat range provides a wide selection of products conveniently available from a single source. The new price list should prove of particular value to orchestras, bands, choirs, theatre companies and individual musicians.

Black Cat Music, manufacturers of a comprehensive range of music education and performance equipment, announce the launch of a new web site to coincide with the newly released 2006-7 catalogue.

Showcasing a broad range of ancillary equipment ideally suited for school and college music requirements, as well as professional orchestras, the new site at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk includes music stands, chairs, storage and staging. The site also presents useful specialist equipment such as personalised music folders, conductor’s equipment, piano accessories, classroom and music technology furniture, staging, risers and theatre products.

Full product specifications can be downloaded and items purchased online by means of school purchase orders or credit cards. Orders for all catalogue items can also be placed by fax or using a freephone number. All UK-based schools and colleges can also benefit from registering with the Black Cat Music Education discount programme.

Copies of Black Cat’s new 2006-7 education catalogue can be requested online or direct from the company.