Elkhart IN

Charles Bickel was working on the bench at Selmer when George Bundy decided to try a different plastic emulsion for his idea of a plastic clarinet. The first try was not successful. Mr. Bickel recalled the look in Bundy’s eyes when the first Resonate clarinet was tested, “We all started to clap and cheer.” The product saved the Depression-weary company and, because of its low cost, allowed many families on tight budgets to still afford music for their children. Charles worked his way up to president of Selmer before his retirement in the 1970s.

Jeanne Bundy-Morrow was only married to Frank Bundy a few months when her father-in-law, the pioneering instrument designer George Bundy, passed away. Because Jeanne had known George for many years it was a blow to her and her entire family when he died in 1951. At the time, George Bundy was president of Selmer, a position his son Frank would later hold. Jeanne spoke of her husband’s long and productive career in the industry following in his father’s footsteps when she was interviewed in 2004
 

Rollie Bunn worked at Taylor Music in Aberdeen, South Dakota, when he was growing up and in fact returned to the store to work full time after attending Northern State Teacher’s College. During his college years he was a part time band director, which he enjoyed, before returning to Taylor. Ten years later in 1969, Rolli moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where he soon became the marketing manager for Selmer. The company has just purchased Premier Drums, and Rolli was in charge of product development.

 Tom Burzycki served as President of Selmer Band Instruments while at the same time being on the NAMM Board as one of the first four commercial members to do so.  He followed that term as President of the American Music Conference during the important transition and growth of the organization during the 1990s.  His long career in the industry was followed by a part time teaching position at the University of Indiana, covering both business and advertising.  Tom’s unique approach to music education has played a vital role in many of the ind

Emerson Deford may have made more hand-crafted flutes than anyone else. It is a strong statement, but then again he has produced flutes under such brand names as Deford and Emerson since 1952. The years have come and gone and still the master of the flute sat behind his bench hammering and cutting each and every part of the instrument, some 380 parts in all. His brands gained international fame when he was requested to create instruments for symphonic orchestras and for such popular programs as the Lawrence Welk television show.
 

Lloyd Fillio grew up in the band instrument capital, Elkhart, Indiana. His father worked in the industry as did his uncle and cousin (Ernie Kenaga who was also interviewed). It seemed natural for Lloyd to work in the industry. He worked for CG Conn for a short time before moving over to Selmer in 1960 where he took part in the relocation of the Vincent Bach trumpet division, which was purchased by Selmer in 1963. Lloyd enjoyed his role as product developer and felt rewarded as the company began to focus on brass instruments from that point on. 

Rocky Giglio has been a strong leader in the development and marketing of the JJ Babbitt mouthpieces product line. For years. Rocky has listened to customers and professional musicians for ways to improve the line, all the while keeping a focus on the traditions and quality so closely associated with JJ Babbitt’s innovative products. Rocky has also been a strong supporter of the NAMM Oral History program, providing much appreciated advice and ideas, contributing to the meaningfulness of the collection. 

James Glanville was part of the team that relocated the Conn instrument manufacturing operations from Elkhart, IN to Nogales, Mexico, back in 1972. The result was a heavy blow to Elkhart, which had once been the Band Instrument Capital of the World. However, it was a needed move in order to keep the company viable in the changing world of manufacturing. James worked hard to produce quality instruments in the Nogales factory, which remained open until the early 1980s.

Dennis Guillaume began his career in the music industry in piano retail in the late 70's, a position he feels very much assisted him when he worked for Kimball Pianos throughout the 1980's. During this time the piano industry was experiencing steady decline. In an effort to reverse the trends, Dennis took part in several marketing and promotional projects including the 1984 Olympics in which 84 grand pianos were used in the opening ceremonies and the 1988 Super Bowl in which 88 grand pianos were used during the half time program –and every last one of the pianos were Kimball. Dennis saw to that.

Joe Guth’s career in the music products industry began with a short stint with Selmer and as a former band director he brought a great perspective to selling instruments to school music programs. He later had a storied 25-year career at Gemeinhart Flutes in Elkhart, IN, where he furthered his relationships with dealers in larger markets along with the band directors with whom he could so easily relate. One of Joe’s most satisfying aspects of his career in the industry is the many friendships he has developed along the way.