Nov 14, 2013

Woodstock Music Collection Hits the Right Note with New Chimalong XL

The Woodstock Music Collection®, from the makers of Woodstock Chimes, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of premium musical gifts, is expanding its top-selling line of Chimalong® products, with the Chimalong XL. This high-quality instrument is an octave and a half metallophone (xylophone-like instrument), featuring eleven precision-tuned tubes, each labeled with a number, letter and color system for music notation education. Ideal for children 3+, the Chimalong XL is a mobile instrument that’s wonderful for inspiring musical passion in children. The Chimalong XL includes a songbook and is beautifully packaged in a 4-color box for gift giving [MSRP $60]. Launching at the 2014 winter markets, the Chimalong XL can be seen at several shows, including Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and the American International Toy Fair in New York.

“Music programs are being cut around the country, and we don’t want to see the opportunity for our children to experience learning music erased,” commented Garry Kvistad, founder and owner of Woodstock Chimes®. “We’ve continued revolutionizing products, such as our Chimalong series, which has impacted so many young minds, since its debut in New York City more than 25 years ago.”

The original Chimalong was created by Kvistad, a GRAMMY® Award-Winner. He wanted to introduce his own children to music through quality instruments. Unable to find existing products in the marketplace that were educational, as opposed to toy-focused, posed a great challenge. With that, Kvistad developed the Chimalong utilizing tuned tubes from Woodstock Chimes products and a color, number, and letter-based music learning system so children could easily learn traditional music notation.

“Our Chimalong products have won numerous awards, for which we are very thankful. However, a personal victory for me is knowing that this one product was the starting point to a music career for my own daughter. The thought of our products translating that to future generations is the real reason I do what I do, and is the driving force behind all Woodstock Music Collection instruments,” noted Kvistad.

In terms of recognition, all Chimalong’s have won Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards. The original Chimalong received Parent’s Choice Top 25 Toys of 25 Years Award, the Chimalong XR received TD Monthly’s Top Toy Award and the Mini Chimalong received the Creative Child Preferred Choice Award. The instrument was originally recommended for its educational value by the late Jim Henson and has been subsequently recommended by notable musicians, such as John Sebastian, Marilyn Horne, André Watts and Peter Schickele.

The eleven note metallophone is also available in the Chimalong XR model which includes a 26” stand, with a holder for the songbook. It allows kids to stand up and play the instrument, just like a professional musician [MSRP $150].

For details about the Chimalong XL, the complete Woodstock Music Collection® and Woodstock Chimes product lines, or for a current trade show listing, please visit www.WoodstockChimes.com.

Company Name: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., 167 Dubois Road; Shokan, NY 12481 USA

800.422.4463, www.WoodstockChimes.com

Digital Images Available Upon Request

About Woodstock Percussion, Inc.: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., makers of Woodstock Chimes and the Woodstock Music Collection, is a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, award-winning musical instruments and soothing home and garden décor. GRAMMY® recipient Garry Kvistad and his wife, Diane, created their first product over 30 years ago in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the company continues to design gifts and accessories using superior materials found around the world. The result is a unique collection of over 400 different products that bring joyful sounds to people of all ages. Popular collections include: Inspirational Chimes, Precious Stones, Woodstock Gongs, Temple Bells, Woodstock Rainbow Makers™, Asli Arts®, and, of course, its Classic Chimes. For more information on Woodstock Chimes, visit www.WoodstockChimes.com or call (800) 422-4463.