Began musical experience with the Suzuki violin program in 4th grade, and once performed for Shinichi Suzuki himself; Saxophone (alto and baritone)- 5th grade - current; Five string banjo (2002-current); currently studying with original banjoist for Union Station

Emporia (Kansas) State University; Bachelor of Science - Music Merchandising

1980 - 1992: Brook Mays Music, Dallas, Texas
1992 - 2008 Selmer Company (later Conn-Selmer),District manager

Golf (though Tiger Woods has nothing to worry about), reading, aviation history, home improvement

Bassoon

Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Minor in Leadership Studies, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 2009

Marketing Intern at the Peoria Civic Center
Events Intern at Yamaha Corporation of America
Guest bassoonist with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Wesleyan Orchestra while at BU.
One of the founders for Bradley’s Musicians in Business (MIB) organization.
NAMBI scholarship recipient 2007.

Bassoonist in the Bradley University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Winds 2005-2009
Marched color guard in the Prospect High School Marching Knights 2001-2004

Dancing, photos, seeing friends, live music, music advocate groups, networking, traveling.

Mike tries to play the Trumpet, but it usually plays him.

Bachelor of Music Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Mike joined the Q & F team in 2003. Formerly, he was a band director in Plainfield, IL. Mike is an active brass clinician, adjudicator, trumpet instructor, and performer.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educator’s National Conference, The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, The National Band Association, and The International Trumpet Guild.

Percussion

BS and MS from Indiana State University

Taught Band and Choir
Owner of Paxton Music
Manager for Q&F

Perform in Windiana Concert Band, Church Praise Team, and various wedding bands.

Motorcycling, Tennis, Golf, Woodworking.

Guitar - I know it's not a real instrument but bear with me. I can still play a concert scale on the trumpet as I played in middle school.

Many college classes taken in the fields of Biology, Accounting, AutoCAD, Computer Science & Computer Technology. This is also the reason I have not yet received a degree.

Before joining Paxton Music in 1999, My main source of income was from restaurant management. I managed a Wendy's, Dominos Pizza & Bob Evans. Expanding waistline and loooong hours prompted me to seek my fortune elsewhere.

Spending time with my son, Alex & wife, Bridget; Playing in the rock band EchoFarm (www.echofarm.net) and golfing.

Trumpet

Bachelor of Arts in Music Enterprises - Summa Cum Laude, from Valparaiso University

Started with Paxton Music in the summer of 1996 as an intern and has been at the Valparaiso store ever since. While with Paxton, Steve was in charge of special projects which included accessory and music purchasing.

Steve is a member of Windiana, Northwest Indiana’s Professional Concert Band, the Valparaiso University Community / University Concert Band, and over the summer, the Michigan City Municipal Band.

Electric Bass

Degree in Band Instrument Repair from Western Iowa Tech - 1994

Rod began working at Paxton Music after his graduation, and he has been here ever since!
Rod has been a continuous member of NABIRT (National Association of Band Repair Technicians) since 1994. He has attended several repair clinics throughout the country, and in 2000 he completed the Yamaha Dealer Development Program.

Playing music, watching my favorite football and basketball teams (the Steelers and Pacers).

Sax, Voice, Clarinet, Flute, Pliers, Torch, Screwdriver......

Central Michigan University, studied saxophone performance for three years then left for an education on the stages of Chicago. I am learning something new everyday!

A woodwind repair specialist for 23 years. Joined Paxton Music in March, 1989 and has headed up the woodwind department ever since. Professional Voice-over artist, have recorded 4 Documentaries for the History Channel with dozens of local and national commercials for radio and TV. Private instructor for sax and clarinet for 17 years. Band leader and sideman in the Chicagoland area for 15 years, having performed with Doc Severinsen, Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Phil Woods, Albert King, Ko-Ko Taylor, The Temptations, and The Four Tops to name a few! Saxophonist with the Indiana Symphony and Valparaiso Nazarene Church.

Motorcycles (if it's above 50 degrees , I'm ridin'!), my Golden Retriever and Beagle, weight training, psychology, spiritual reading for enlightenment. I love to cook as well as take in the good restaurants!