While keeping violins and related products front and center, Meisel has for hundreds of years been about string instruments, and that will never change. But don’t think that that is all they do…”A little diversifying has been really good for us,” declares Meisel owner Neil Lilien. “Our recent addition of electronic tuners and metronomes has been very successful.”
It is with a profound sense of sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend and associate, Don Johnson. Don served as editor of MUSICAL MERCHANDISE REVIEW for the past twenty five years and under his stewardship the publication developed a broad international readership.
We humbly acknowledge the many hundreds of phone calls, e-mails, faxes and letters received during the past days regarding the untimely passing of Don Johnson. As a tribute to his memory the following are a sampling of comments received. Space and a publication deadline does not permit a complete list, however additional reflections from his industry friends will appear in the July issue.
Next Year in Salt Lake City…More than 290 print music dealers and suppliers, including 30 first-time attendees gathered in the historic city of Boston for the RPMDA’s (Retail Print Music Dealers Association) annual convention April 23 to 25. Lori Supinie, Senseney Music was installed as the incoming president and Kevin Cranley, Willis Music, was given the organization’s stellar honor, the “Dorothy Award” for his longtime contribution to the print music industry. Denny Senseney, Senseney Music and past recipient of the award, made the presentation. The association also announced a new award, “The Sandy Feldstein Service Award,” in tribute to the late author, educator and print music personality which was given to the music industry publications, MMR, Music Inc., and Music Trades for their support of RPMDA and the print music industry.
It’s a perfect storm of challenges: States are suffering financial crises that are affecting school budgets; gas prices are up, home prices are down; and the federal government’s No Child Left Behind has administrators sweating over the next set of tests rather than making sure students are exposed to the arts.
