Monday, September 17, 2018
Here we go again! Things are back in the groove for another school year and the weeks are already flying by. The Quick Note newsletter is back for another year of helpful articles and it is now distributed to over 1,500 directors across the Midwest. Thank you so much for supporting this educational outreach tool that is so important to us. As you have any suggestions or article submissions, please let me know. I can always be reached at [email protected].
Stop and think right now. How many of your clarinet and saxophone players probably need reeds? Also, do you have middle school and high school students that would benefit from lessons? The answers to both questions are likely YES! We have two online solutions that can provide a helpful hand.
For reeds, many students play on worn-out or sub-par reeds because there has been a breakdown of communication between the student and the parent. Rarely is the issue that the parent can't afford the reeds or that the student isn't aware that quality reeds are necessary. The solution is to get as many of your students as possible signed up for thereedclub.com. This tool is very much like popular shaving clubs. With thereedclub.com, students can select the instrument, the brand and strength of reed, the quantity of individual reeds per shipment, and the frequency of how often the reeds are received. The shipments go straight to their door. Imagine never having to mess with selling reeds right as the bell rings. Imagine not messing with the transfer of money. Imagine your students getting regularly resupplied and always having fresh, quality reeds at great prices. Look no further - help us promote thereedclub.com with your students.
Another terrific resource is our new online lesson portal. One of our employees in our Broken Arrow, Oklahoma location is Dr. Carl Spaeth. Carl has taught online lessons for over ten years and helped us develop our own program. He recruited, vetted, and screened interested instructors and the program is now up and running. Students now have access to quality, weekly, private lessons from the convenience of their own home. Interested students simply need to go to palenmusic.com/iwanttolearn for more information.
We hope these tools are helpful to you and your students as you dig deeper into this fall semester. We appreciate your business and support very much and are always open to suggestions on ways to help. Blessings on a successful new school year.
How long have you been with PMC, and what brought you to the company? I have been with Palen Music Center for 2 years as of July 1st. The opportunity to continue to help directors and bands grow and develop is the main reason I was interested in Palen Music. I never feel as though I am selling anything to the directors. I feel as though I am helping them reach the goals and dreams set out by the staff and parents.
Where did you grow up? Musical family? Professional background? I grew up in Kansas City, MO and attended Center High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia. All of my siblings had tremendous vocal musical talent. I was the rebel in the family by going to band. My mother used to tell me about being in the Ruskin High School band and playing bass drum. I guess that is who pushed me toward percussion. I began my teaching career in Fredericktown, MO in 1985 where I taught for 2 years before moving on to Poplar Bluff, MO. I spent 7 years in Poplar Bluff and then moved to Washington, MO where I finished my career after 22 years as Director of Bands at Washington HS.
Any pets? We are extremely lucky to have Nike, a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd Mix as part of our family. In my opinion, he is the smartest and most lovable dog around. He is 12 years old and slowing down but still as bright as always.
Any interesting hobbies? My favorite thing to do is barbeque. I love taking an entire day to generate a delicious brisket, ribs, chicken, or anything. Hanging out on the patio or anywhere with family and friends is a close second.
Anything else you'd like to share? I am extremely lucky to have such a wonderful and talented wife, Julie, that has always supported and pushed me to be successful. My three boys, Clayton, Cameron, and Colton have also been and continue to be tremendous inspirations for me.
