Buddy Roger's Music

Stewart Blatt comes from a rich musical heritage, with his grandfather being a band director and euphonium player and his mother a professional singer and choir director. This deep connection to music paved the way for Stewart’s accomplishments, including a degree in music education from Bowling Green University. His ability to connect with band directors and understand their unique needs led him to a successful role as a road representative for Willis Music in 2008. His career trajectory continued upward when he became the business manager for Buddy Roger’s Music, which, in an un

Tony Colwell, a talented guitarist, spent years playing gigs around Cincinnati, Ohio, though financial rewards were scarce. In 1981, a friend from his local music retailer, Buddy Roger’s Music, suggested they could use some help, and Tony’s career in the music industry began. His natural ability to connect with musicians, along with his deep understanding of their needs as a longtime customer, made him a skilled salesman. Over time, he built a loyal clientele. When Buddy Roger’s closed, Tony eagerly joined his colleague Gregg in opening Third Rock Music.

Gregg Gammon built a loyal and extensive customer base during his time at Buddy Roger’s Music in southern Ohio. When the store closed, many dedicated customers reached out to him, urging Gregg to continue supporting their musical needs. This led to the inspiring vision of his own store and the birth of Third Rock Music. Gregg navigated numerous challenges with the unwavering support of his close friend, Tony Colwell, whom he met at Buddy Roger’s, and his compassionate and understanding wife, Angela. Together, they transformed their vision into an award-winning store that caters to

Bill Harvey was between band director jobs in the summer of 1974 when he took a road sales position with Buddy Roger's 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)

Christopher Hite has been a passionate musician since his early years, winning solo contests on the tuba as far back as 7th grade. With a strong foundation in piano, inspired by his mother, Christopher quickly developed the ability to read music and found a natural affinity for brass instruments. Throughout his school years, he thrived in performance settings, leading to a degree in music education. His distinguished career includes over 20 years of service in the US Army as a tuba player, with six of those years spent in Germany—an experience he fondly remembers as a highlight of

Lance Lankford was inspired by his high school band director. This relationship sparked Lance’s interest in music education, which he pursued in college. One of his college classes included a visit from a local band repair technician, which set Lane on his current career cores. He attended Red Wing Band Instrument Repair School in Minnesota and soon landed a job at Buddy Roger’s Music. When he arrived in 1984, the repair shop just opened and he focused on woodwind instruments, working closely with the shop’s manager Scott Snyder.

Barbara Meeks fell in love with music at an early age and played flute all though school and into college where she majored in music education.  While working at Buddy Roger’s Music in Ohio, she developed a passion for sheet music.  She later worked for Mannerino’s Music for a decade before joining the staff at Lorenz Music Publishing.  Barbara was also very active with RPMDA, serving on the board and working to provide meaningful benefits and educational sessions for its members.  

Dave Miller was just 14 years old when he cut grass for a summer to pay off a neighbor for their old guitar.  He and his friends would hang out at the local music store, which was Western Hills Music Mart in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The owner was Jack Shallat who later hired Dave to work in the music store. A few years later Jack sold his stores to Buddy Rogers, a fellow musician who he had gigged with when both men were playing in a big band.  The new company was called Buddy Roger’s Music and soon Dave was given more responsibilities including becoming a manager of a new location.  Wh

Jack Shallat was a professional violin player who landed several gigs with traveling bands in the 1930s and 40s.  During that time he met Buddy Rogers and both men opened separate music stores in and around Cincinnati in the early 1950s.  In 1967 they decided to merge their businesses and work together.  Their friendship grew over the years and in fact they both retired at the age of 70.  “Working five more years past retirement didn’t seem like work when Bud was next to me” Jack recalled during his 2012 NAMM interview.  At the time of his interview, Jack was still gigging 3 night

Scott Snyder appreciated the experience of participating in his school band program. He enjoyed the camaraderie amongst his bandmates and getting to know about various instruments. During the summers he worked at Menchey’s Music, furthering his knowledge and passion for the way instruments work. He was trained at Allie Music’s Band Instrument Repair School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, which helped establish his career as a repair technician. In 1984 Scott was hired by Jack Shallat at Buddy Roger’s Music in Ohio where he helped create their in-store repair shop.