The entire NUVO team is thrilled to learn WindStars Pre-Band curriculum and NUVO instruments were awarded Best Tools for Schools at NAMM 2025. This is a testament that the combination of our range of Pre-Band instruments and the WindStars curriculum is the perfect tool for getting young kids into playing in band and better prepare them to later transition to beginning band.  It is our hope that WindStars and NUVO instruments can continue to positively impact young lives by kickstarting their musical journey.

Below is an excerpt from SBO Magazine’s April issue:

“Many years ago, kids started band in 4th grade. Now that many begin in 6th grade, these innovative brass and woodwind “bridge instruments” can help elementary students (ages 4-12) develop real instrumental skills with smaller durable and waterproof instruments that build actual embouchures and fingering skills. Don’t let the various color options fool you – these are not toys. They are real instruments with mouthpieces to transition students into traditional band instruments.”

NUVO is also extremely excited to share that a new product also received the Best Tools for Schools award – the NUVO ZIP-KIT!

The ZIP-KIT is a portable drum set designed for the classrooms. It is the brainchild of Dave Wish, founder of Music Will, a charitable foundation that provides free music lessons and instruments. Dave spent years developing the concept and after he met with the NUVO team at the 2024 NAMM Show, the ZIP-KIT becomes a reality.

“Our partners at MusicWill introduced us to the ZIP-KIT. If you have lots of young percussionists who want to play drumset, how can you afford to accommodate them (and stand the noise!!)? The ZIP-KIT packs up into a small carrying case. It includes quiet versions of a snare, tom-toms, cymbals, bass drum, hi-hat, and a throne perfect for home practice or a busy classroom. It can be sized for 4-5 year olds or for adults! We heard several pro drummers sit down and wail on this (but quietly!!).”

You can read more about the ZIP-KIT on Music Will’s website.

This ZIP-KIT will be launched as a new brand and will have its own website very soon. This marks the third brand under the Nuvo Instrumental umbrella, with NUVO in Pre-Band, NUVOBand in beginning band – which we have launched this year, and finally, the ZIP-KIT in percussion.

We are proud and grateful for the Best Tools for Schools awards our products have received. They remind us of why we do what we do. It is our genuine hope that kids of all ages and backgrounds will be able to experience the joy of making music, and they can thoroughly enjoy this journey when we equip them with the right gear.

Read the full article on SBO website: https://sboplus.net/best-tools-for-schools-from-namm-2025/