A pplied Research and Technology (ART) is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Tube MP. Since ART’s founding in 1984, it has been committed to designing great-sounding products that are reliable and accessible to the average musician. In 1995, that mis- sion produced the Tube MP: a compact, Tube MP is how it’s stayed relevant through three decades of massive progress in re- cording technology,” said Jeff Cowling, vice president of sales and marketing at Yorkville Sound, one of ART’s original distributors, which ultimately acquired the brand in 1999. {artproaudio.com/tube-mp} ART CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF THE TUBE MP affordable tube microphone preamp. Despite its small stature and modest price tag, the Tube MP was recognized at the 1996 TEC Awards. Today, the Tube MP remains in production and has fostered a full lineup with additional features like compressors, reamping and presets. “What’s truly remarkable about the
FOUNDER OF KIDDER MUSIC JIM KIDDER PASSES AWAY F ounder of Kid- der Music and a
NASMD past-pres- ident James “Jim” Eugene Kidder passed away on April 15. He was 84 years old. Kidder was influ-
Jim Kidder
enced by his high school band teacher, who encouraged him to continue playing the trumpet. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he received a degree in music education and went on to earn his master’s in school administration from Bradley University. While teaching band in Lacon, Illinois, he met his future wife, Floride “Ede” Barnes. They mar- ried in 1965. Kidder began his career in music retail that same year when he joined Byerly Music as a roadman. Jim and Ede founded Kidder Music Ser- vice in 1974, which is now led by their daughter Beth Houlihan. Last year, the business celebrated its 50th anniversary. In November, Music Inc. ran a story on Kidder Music. In it, Jim shared his feelings on his company hitting the half-century mark. “We’ve received several plaques, accolades and proclamations for the state and the city and other music organizations in the area in recogni- tion of our 50th anniversary,” Jim said in the article. “So, if I said I wasn’t proud of it, I would be lying. Because we’re very proud. I am very proud.” Jim was a lifelong advocate for music education. He served on the boards of NAMM and NASMD, and was president of NASMD from 2004–2005. Locally, he was active on the boards of the Peoria Symphony and the Peoria Symphony Foundation in Peoria, Illinois, the Heart- land Festival Orchestra, and the Wheels of Time Museum. {kiddermusic.com}
JUNE 2025 I MUSIC INC. I 23
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