Band and Orchestra
Paula Walker began working in the music industry right out of high school for the Gemeinhart flute company in Elkhart, Indiana. In the early years she worked primarily on student instruments for Gemeinhart, which provided products designed especially for younger students. Her attention to detail...
Nancy Singleton began working for the Armstrong flute company in Elkhart, Indiana in the 1970s. She was trained on hand work and later trained others in the factory. Nancy stayed on with the company as it merged and changed names over the years, first with UMI then most recently with Conn-Selmer.
Peggy Morse began working in the music industry right out of high school for the Selmer Company in Elkhart, Indiana. Peggy has worked in the factory for most of her career and stayed with the company when it merged with Conn in 2003.
Kenneth Glore began working for Bach in the saxophone department before working for Linton on oboes and then off to Armstrong flutes that was later bought by Selmer. He has been with Conn-Selmer ever since. In all, he has been in the industry for over 50 years and has enjoyed his work in the...
Sue Bagnall is quick to point out that her favorite part of working for Conn-Selmer and being involved with the music industry are the people! She was hired by Selmer and stayed with the company during the merge with CG Conn, working primarily in the office. Over the years, she feels the greatest...
Judy Rinehart began working for the Selmer Company in Elkhart, Indiana in the 1970s. Her work at the time was very precise hand work, which changed over the years with the advent of the CNC machines, but was never fully replaced by machines. With the goal of creating quality musical instruments,...
Steve Lynn began working with his brother in 1974, finishing flutes for the Gemeinhart Company in Elkhart, Indiana. Three years later he joined the Armstrong Company as an experienced finisher. He worked with legendary flute maker Emerson DeFord for a few years before joining Gemeinhart again and...
Jeff Crume began his career in the music industry with the Armstrong Flute Company, which was later purchased by UMI and then Selmer. In 2003 Selmer merged with Conn, allowing Jeff to remain with the same company for over 30 years! He has worked many of the positions within the factory and has...
Tom Ott began training in the tool and die business right after high school at which point he was hired by the CG Conn Company in Elkhart, Indiana to work in the factory. Tom has been there ever since! Tom’s work has been focused on making jigs, dies and machine tools for the process of musical...
Rick Hesch began working in the music industry right out of high school for the Selmer Company in Elkhart, Indiana. Rick has been a dedicated factory worker who has learned many skills throughout the plant. He recalled his early days of training when a mentor was assigned to sit down with him and...