SBO (School Band & Orchestra Magazine)

Sidney Davis took over the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) trade magazine in the 1980s. Originally the magazine began reporting on the industry in the 1880s and became an important resource for suppliers and retailers alike. Sid hired the magazine’s first editor, Don Johnson, who was with the publication for over 25 years and stayed on until his passing in 2008. Sid also assembled a jazz and school band magazine designed for educators. His list of innovations included providing the industry’s first electronic weekly newsletter.

 Don Johnson received his degree in journalism and later landed the editor’s job at a recording industry trade magazine.  Years later the magazine was sold to the owners of the Music Merchandise Review (MMR).  Under Don’s editorial direction the magazine has focused on music dealers with profiles and product news.  He also worked hard to ensure that each issue would contain tips and suggestions that could be applied to any retail store.  In 2007 Don led the effort for the first

Rick Kessel was the Publisher at MMR, working closely with Sid Davis, when he had a few ideas to expand their content to reach more specific readers. As a result the magazines School Band & Orchestra (SBO) and JazzEd were created. These publications played a vital role in addressing the needs of music educators at different levels, such as junior and high school band directors, and by giving them a voice. These successful offshoots were just one element at MMR, for which he served as Publisher for several decades. Rick’s love of music goes back to hearing his grandfather play

Mike Lawson always wanted to become a musician as a child. The process was not easy as his family could not afford an instrument for him, but his desire was always strong. He worked hard to earn the money when he was a little older, cutting grass and other odd jobs, and finally purchased a guitar. Along the way he studied music magazines and books to learn all he could about the gear and the art of being a musician. Those experiences provided Mike with a unique perspective which he used when creating books aimed to serve musicians.

Christian Wissmuller began playing the violin at the age of four, encouraged by his classically trained guitarist father and vocalist mother. Christian went on to learn other instruments and continues to play in several bands. Along the way, he earned a degree in English and Journalism at Boston University and was trained at Berklee College of Music in recording engineering. The timing was not perfect because at the time of his graduation, 1999, the home recording market was booming. Looking to continue in the field of music, Christian turned to his skills as a writer, working for