Colorado

Tony Buffalo retired in 2023 after a distinguished career as a district manager for Guitar Center. His father was a trumpet player and leader of a swing band called Vito Buffalo & His Orchestra, and as you can imagine, he grew up in a very musical home. Following in his father's footsteps, Tony honed his skills as a guitarist, leading his own band, Night Watch, to local fame in Central Illinois's vibrant music scene. With a passion for music and a knack for sales, Tony joined Guitar Center in 1986, quickly excelling as a top salesperson and rising to the role of store manager

Mel Graner was a school band director for nearly 30 years--it was in his blood and he very much enjoyed each class. When the school district let him go to hire a younger teacher, he was not yet ready to retire or give up on teaching music. He opened Graner Music in Colorado Springs, CO, and continued teaching both by providing lessons and by imparting knowledge to his customers. He was raised on a farm and has held on to many of the values he gleaned from those early years, including the idea of helping your neighbors.

Don Hilsberg fell in love with the harp when he was in the third grade and was taken to the symphony. His parents could not afford a harp, so young Don began taking organ and piano lessons. Midway into college at the University of Denver, Don was given the chance to play the harp and it was all he had hoped for. He really connected with the instrument and today serves as a harp technician for Kolacny’s Music. Along the way, Don was a beloved music teacher for nearly 30 years, teaching at the elementary level and even preschool. Don retired from his teaching position on a Friday an

Lucien Hut dedicated his entire career to teaching, selling, restoring and designing the piano!  As a retailer he established Pianos International in Colorado.  He later moved to Montana where he taught at the university for several years.  His interest and involvement in music began when he received piano lessons as a ten year old boy during World War II.  He later studied to be a piano technician and even designed several models for the Young Chang Piano Company.

Patrick Jacobson, along with his friends and fellow Roper Music employees Seth Strickland and Kris Kjeldgaard, became owners of the store in 2019. Their mentor and teacher, John Handley, who purchased the store from Mr. Roper, taught all three of them the fine art of instrument repair and wanted them to take over the business. Patrick, who played saxophone in high school, was inspired by John’s approach to customer service and repairs. Patrick learned all he could about flute and clarinet repairs and enjoys working with local band directors to provide the accessories and instrumen

Kris Kjeldgaard finished her degree with a music major and a minor in business and went job seeking. She was not sure what the direction of her career would take and in fact, looking back, did not see what was to come. She interviewed for a job at Roper Music and soon was hired. She tried her hand on the road calling on school band directors for the Grand Junction, Colorado-based store, but discovered quickly she was much better suited for paperwork and running the office. Along the way, the owner of the store, John Handley, taught Kris the art and craft of string instrument repai

David Kolacny has a remarkable family history steeped in bringing music to others. His grandfather took over a small music store in Denver in 1930 and since that time the store and its staff have served music makers of all ages. His father focused on string instrument repairs such as upright basses and David too found his own niche in harps. In addition to selling, repairing, and even designing artwork for harps, David currently serves as President of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen.

Debra Kolacny began playing the organ at the age of eight, not knowing a life of music was ahead of her. She joined her junior high school band as a percussionist and in high school focused on theater arts, where she met her future husband, David. His grandfather started Kolacny Music in Denver, which David would later take over as president. Debra and David were married in 1976 and she focused on a ten-plus-year career in banking. When the music store was switching from paper records to the computer, Debra was asked to join the team to oversee the big project. She never left!

Bruce Mihalek has played the piano since he was just eight years old. When he saw the Beatles on TV, Bruce purchased a guitar and formed his own band. The band was the Animals Fax of Lyfe. It was the love of music that led him to work at a few music stores, including Well's Music in Denver. When the store was bought by Schmitt Music, Bruce stayed on, which he felt was an important learning opportunity. He worked with Tom Schmitt, who became a mentor for Bruce. He later worked with several keyboard and organ suppliers such as Lowrey and Roland.

Mike Reininger has always had an unwavering love for drums. Growing up surrounded by music, he often sang with his brother and developed a keen sense of rhythm through tap dancing. In fifth grade, he joined the school marching band as a snare drummer, a defining moment when he knew percussion would always be an integral part of his life. Thanks to the GI Bill, Mike attended college while continuing to play local gigs at night and on weekends. He later toured with his band, becoming an early adopter of electronic drum kits, blending cutting-edge technology with the energetic New Wa

Liane Rockley gained a degree in flute performance in New York before moving to Denver, where she taught music at a local music store. The storeowner, Bob Rockley, who would become her father-in-law, suggested that she work in the band department of the store to better understand the music business. Today Liane is Vice President of Rockley Music along with her husband, and has been an active participant in the music industry. Liane has been a strong supporter of industry groups such as RPMDA and serves on the NAMM Board of Directors.  

Robert Rockley took over the music store that his parents had started in Denver, Colorado. Bob, along with his wife Nina, expanded the products they carried while he focused on growing the guitar department. The store remains in the building that his father built and even as a kid Bob contributed to the business, including the store's logo. Over the years he noticed with pride that the store became a hub for guitarists and students alike. 

Nina Rockley has been a strong force in the success of Rockley Music in Denver, Colorado. Soon after marrying the store's president, Robert, she brought her business knowledge to music retail and soon helped expand and grow the store’s sheet music department. With great attention to detail, Nina was able to create a service within the print products that would appeal to students, teachers and professional musicians. Nina and Robert have also been active in many music industry meetings and conventions. She is also very proud of the role her son and his wife have in carrying on the

Saul Rosenthal has been driven by two ideals, equal rights for all people and supporting music and music makers whenever possible! After earning his Ph.D., Saul taught sociology at the college level and proudly worked for the Anti-Defamation League for 15 years. He later served on the board of the Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver. All throughout his career, Saul played music, first singing and playing piano and later picking up the guitar and banjo. When his friend Harry Tuft decided to retire and sell his store, the Denver Folklore Center, Saul was right there with an off

Bob Rupp was on his way to Hollywood to make his name as a session player when his car broke down in Denver.  The year was 1979 and Bob never left Denver.  Without a job, Bob played around town and made some side money selling Dragon Drum sets.  The demand grew and soon Bob found himself making and selling his own kits, which led to the opening of Rupp's Drums in 1984.  Over the years Bob was able to expand his business, thanks to mail order catalogs and years later the Internet.  Along the way he provided drum lessons and repairs within his shop as well as successful clinics and

Jim Semeizer started playing saxophone when he was a kid and went on the road with the Les Brown Orchestra in 1962 for two and a half years. He learned repairs from his father, who was a watchmaker. The mechanics of instruments came easy to Jim and provided a career path. That career was put on hold when he was drafted and served in the army during the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, Jim worked on and off for his father before landing retail jobs at Brook Mays Music in Texas and later at Shoemaker Music in Florida. Those experiences cemented in Jim’s mind his interest in runnin

Johnny Smith! What can you say about meeting not only your personal hero but also a hero to thousands in our own industry! Johnny Smith was in person what he has been on recordings, warm, engaging and inspirational. Over the years Johnny has been linked to many innovative musical products, most notably the guitar that bears his name. Out in Colorado Springs, he even ran his own musical store for over 25 years. His music store contained a renowned repair shop and Johnny himself providing lessons.

Sondra Blanchard comes to music through theatre. She has worked in regional theatre and internationally as an actor, coach, writer, and director. Over the past 10 years, she has specialized in creating original work that often includes live music. She especially enjoyed creative collaborations with her musician husband, Shawn Cupolo. Shawn worked at HB Woodsongs for 14 years, which is where Sondra and Shawn met. They bought HB Woodsongs in 2017, and it was Shawn's passion until his death at the end of 2021. Sondra has taken over as sole owner, carrying forward the Woodsongs legacy

Seth Strickland had a wonderful grade school music teacher who was a great inspiration for him. Seth played saxophone throughout high school and in the jazz band. He later performed in a local blues band and whenever he needed a reed or a repair, he always went to Roper Music in Grand Junction, Colorado. While in college and needing a part-time job he stopped by Roper Music and was surprised to learn the owner, John Handley, was offering an apprentice position within the repair shop. He could not get over the fact that he was being paid while being trained on repairing the very in

Harry Tuft is a true legend in the world of Folk music! As founder of the Denver Folklore Center, he has provided instruments to music makers of all ages. As a promoter of all things folk, Harry has presented concerts with the likes of Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Flatt & Scruggs, John Denver (who used to buy strings from Harry) and his longtime friend Dick Weissman. In addition, Harry is a singer and guitar player who has performed on stage with many greats as well as released a number of recordings. Harry sold the Folklore Center to his dear friend Saul Rosenthal, who proudly con