Contact: Laurie Andres, 608-831-7330 x 1305, laurie@fullcompass.com
Madison, WI – Jonathan and Susan Lipp, owners of Full Compass Systems, recently attended the National
Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C. Here they joined celebrity
musicians, researchers, congressional leaders and other NAMM members to press Congress on the
importance of providing music education to all children.
This year’s fly-in was the largest ever, with NAMM members and artists attending more than 100 meetings
with Congress to urge the reauthorization and full funding of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
(ESEA) and to continue the designation of music as a core academic subject.
“We want to make sure that kids have access to music in schools. That’s why I’ve been coming to
Washington for nine years begging Congress to make music part of every child’s education,” Susan stated.
“I feel like what I’m doing here has meaning. It’s empowering. It makes you feel that what you say and do
can make a difference in this country, which is a beautiful thing.”
The Lipps are passionately committed to finding ways to facilitate funding for school music programs and
to make high-quality music education accessible to students across the nation. They have also established
scholarships at UW-Madison for theatre and music majors and host several annual fundraisers and
performance events to promote music education. Donations support local youth arts organizations and
students in Madison, Wisconsin, where Full Compass Systems is headquartered.
NAMM is a not-for-profit organization acting on behalf of the music products industry to ensure people of
all ages have opportunities to experience the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM is also an
invaluable resource for information about new, innovative technologies related to music performance and
production. The organization was established in 1901 and is supported by over 9,000 members from over
100 countries.
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Full Compass is a national supplier of professional audio, video, lighting and musical instruments.
We offer over 700 comprehensive lines including sound reinforcement, recording, special effects
lighting, acoustical treatment, security products, instruments and accessories.
