Ohio

Bill Cooper is an independent sales representative whose background includes a great many experiences that have helped Bill best serve his dealers. Bill, who played French horn in school, taught college, owned a chain of music stores in Ohio and worked for St. Louis Music for 17 years before becoming an independent sales rep. Bill provides dealers with more than a list of products; he works to help the store grow by providing services and suggestions, which have proven to be appreciated by most of his long time dealers/friends. 

Larry L. Fresch Sr. exuded the passion and the love of music that is so much a part of this industry. His four Fresch Music stores in Ohio not only became part of their communities, they encouraged the growth of music programs and music making at every level. After working for a small retailer in Sandusky for two years, Larry bought the store, renamed it and began his long association with NAMM –the year was 1958. The Fresch Music store in Columbus, Ohio opened in 1969 and became one of the first great mall store successes in the music products industry. Since he was a child he loved the piano and played it often (his first professional gig was when he was 14 playing in a night club).

Bill Harvey was between band director jobs in the summer of 1974 when he took a road sales position with Buddy Rogers Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. He felt the sales job would allow him to travel to area schools and line up his next director position for the fall. While on the road, Bill discovered that he enjoyed working with directors, parents, and students as a retail salesman. So, he stayed. Over the years, Bill has worked his way up to managing the store and becoming a leader within the industry. He served as President of the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) as well as a board member of NAMM.
 

Larry Moody began his career in the music industry as a retailer working for Ziggy Coyle in Ohio. The store was owned by Ziggy, a past president of the NAMM Board of Directors, and Russell Hill. The retail experience was helpful to Larry, who was hired by Yamaha and later by the Gemeinhart Flute Company in Elkhart, Indiana. During his career in Elkhart he took part in the development of several new products and models, many of which are still produced by the company today. 

Kenny O’Brien is the president of Music & Arts, a retail store chain that his father, Ken O’Brian, established. Kenny oversees the stores, which focuses on school music and print and has locations in 18 states including Arizona to Delaware to Ohio and Texas. Kenny is proud that he continues, as his father did, to keep up with his knowledge of the business by actively participating in educational programs such as those offered by NASMD and the NAMM Idea Center as well as other industry organizations.

Tom Ostrander was the founder of Colonial Music in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Now a string of stores, the retail company began with the simple idea of providing top quality instruments to the area school programs. He was born in Phoneton, Ohio, which is in Miami County, and was encouraged to play music by his parents. He played in the school bands and sought to become a music director. Along the way, he developed an understanding of what school directors needed and what they didn’t need. Tom thought he could put that knowledge to work while still being close to music education.  He devoted himself to music education and programs, such as those designed by NAMM, to increase the number of active music makers.

Jerry Pellegrino wanted to own a business ever since he was a kid, so when the opportunity arose to start his own music store, he jumped at the chance. With a small loan and the help of several local school band directors, Jerry started serving the orchestra programs in the Canton, Ohio area. Over time the store expanded to serve larger band and orchestra programs in and around the Canton area. During that time Jerry found his reputation was spreading to programs around the state and even outside Ohio. 

Jim Rupp has had a passion for drumming as far back as he can remember. As a percussionist for several traveling groups in the 1970s such as those led by Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman, Jim recognized the need for a pro drum shop in which the musician customers are addressed on their level. He established Columbus Pro Percussion and cared out a unique market in the area focusing on what he knew best. Jim has also been active within the industry, serving on the NAMM Board and for the Percussive Arts Society.  

Jim Strouse is the president of Stranton’s Sheet Music in Columbus, Ohio, and a founding member of the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA). Over the years the organization has provided unique presentations and classes to help expand the print music industry as well as providing a setting to allow both retailer and publisher to gather together and discuss the business. Jim has been awarded the organization’s highest honor, the Dorothy Award, presented to those committed to the industry and to promoting print music. 

Dan Vedda grew up playing music. As an arranger and trumpeter he gained a respected reputation in the Westlake area of Ohio. After working for a music retailer in town he was encouraged by a music teacher friend to open his own store –so he did. Skyline Music--the name comes from his rock band the Skyliners--brought Dan’s great knowledge of music and business together. He focused on the often-forgotten customer of music stores, the music teacher. In 1996 he became a regular columnist for the Music and Sound Retailer.