Nick Rail

Jon Andersen has enjoyed playing music nearly his entire life.  A jazz saxophonist, Jon played in a number of small and large bands over the years and found work with several noted musicians in and around his neighborhood, Santa Barbara.  When he was approached by his longtime friend Nick Rail, to assist with his band instrument business, Jon jumped at the opportunity.  For over 25 years Jon has hit the road for Nick, calling on band directors over a very large part of southern California, and enjoying each visit and new friend he makes.  When he reflects back on the hundreds of k

Gary Francisco opened his own music store in Southern California in the mid 1960s. Over the years he developed a strong business calling on schools and creating lesson programs. After closing the store he was asked to join the Nick Rail team and has since become an important part of their school music program. As Director of Sales, Gary also oversees the other programs within the store and says he enjoys every part of his work. His passion has been an asset to his customers and the industry for nearly 50 years!

A. A. (Sid) La Grandeur was trained in band instrument repair in Elkhart, Indiana before returning to Santa Barbara, California where he opened his own shop. The repair shop soon became a retail store and La Grandeur Music was born. Sid hired a young man to train on repair, who later became a key element of the business. In fact, that young trainee was Nick Rail who has since opened his own retail company that now has six stores throughout Southern California.  

Laura Penrose is the dynamic and visionary owner of Nick Rail Music, a prominent chain of seven music store locations across Southern California. In 2019, she purchased the business from its beloved founder, Nick Rail, just months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With unwavering determination and the support of her husband, Tom, Laura navigated the immense challenges of that period while steadfastly growing the company and deepening its ties to the music community. A lifelong music enthusiast, Laura began playing piano at age four, later becoming a pit orchestra captain

Nick Rail was the visionary founder and dedicated president of the Southern California retail chain that proudly bore his name, starting in 1986. Nick began his career in 1974 as a talented and meticulous band instrument repairman at La Grandeur Music. Inspired by his hands-on experience and deep commitment to music education, he opened Nick Rail Music, a welcoming store devoted to supporting school band programs. Each location featured a full-service, expert repair department, reinforcing his passion for quality and service.