When Wenger Corporation got the call from a producer at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” about participating in a music room makeover to help two local drummers at a Baltimore High School, they had to say yes.
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” introduced Baltimore drummers Timothy Fletcher and Malik Perry, better known as A1 Chops, to the world. The duo began drumming in high school and decided to take their talents to the streets of Baltimore performing songs with complex drum tricks and popular dance moves. Ellen brought them on her show to perform and show how the two have been giving back to their community along the way. They helped install a community mural, performed at M&T Bank Stadium at a Ravens game and worked to update the music room at their alma mater, Edmondson-Westside High School.
“I want to give back to the next generation and show them that you can be anything you want to be in life,” says Fletcher.
“Teaching is my passion,” adds Perry. “If there was a plan B, I’d be a drum teacher.”
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” recently announced that A1 Chops is the focus of her new web series, “The Build Up.” As part of the series, Ellen’s favorite cousins and home makeover experts, Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, refurbished an apartment for the young men, and then realized that the music room at their alma mater was in serious need of upgrading after decades of use. Broken chairs and music stands littered the cluttered room and instruments were piled into the back storage room when not in use.
Wenger partnered with their team to supply a roomful of equipment that converted an old, outdated and disorganized music room into a beautiful, orderly, acoustically superior space. Wenger’s broad array of products was a natural fit for the extensive makeover. Wenger items now installed include acoustic wall treatments, Nota Music Chairs, Classic 50 Music Stands, instrument storage cabinets and Flex Conductor’s Equipment.
“We were excited and honored to be a supplier for such an important and meaningful project,” says Chris Simpson, CEO of Wenger Corporation. “Our company was founded by Harry Wenger, who designed products for rehearsal rooms and performance spaces. His passion as a music educator to help students learn continues in our culture to this day.”
“The renovation of the rehearsal room and storage area is a true transformation and will help this program flourish,” says Stacy Hanson, marketing communications director at Wenger Corporation.
