KHS Musical Instrument Company
Steve Rorie landed a part time job the very same day he graduated high school at the Vincent Bach plant in Elkhart, Indiana. He later would accompany his grandfather and father at EK Blessings to observe them while they worked honing and de-burring trumpet valves . His passion for how musical...
Andy Strayer began his career in the music industry working for a music store, which he joined right after earning his music business degree at Wingate University in North Carolina. After several years in retail, Andy became a manufacturer’s rep for Leblanc and later for Pearl Drums. Along the way...
Joe Butkevicius became a flute specialist as an instrument repairman. Over the years Joe worked in music retail, for Pearl Flutes and now is employed by KHS. Joe has also been very active with NAPBIRT, the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians. In addition to its...
Karl Leong participated in the International Coalition during the NAMM Show beginning in 2012 to discuss collaborative efforts in creating more active music makers. As CEO of KHS, Karl has been active in these and other music education efforts both in Taiwan and around the world. As CEO, Karl has...
Tabor Stamper was a band director before joining the manufacturing side of the industry for which he has a true passion. During his NAMM Oral History interview, conducted in March 2011, Tabor spoke of the interest he had in providing top quality instruments for students as well as step-up products...
Agness Tsao earned her college degree in banking and always had a love of music, singing in choirs from a young age. After college she began working for KHS Musical Instruments, which had a retail store in Taiwan and its manufacturing in the country as well. Agness was only the fourth employee to...
Gabe Ireland joined the Coast Wholesale Company while in high school. After college he continued to work for the company as the rock and roll boom began and the entire industry began to change. He stayed with the company after it was purchased by Kaman Music and worked his way up the corporate...
Wu H. Hsieh is the president of KHS Musical Instruments. KHS was named for the Chinese words Kong for contribution, Hsue for school and Sheh for society, therefore clearly stating the company’s goal of contributing to school and society. KHS produces a long line of brands such as Jupiter, Mapex,...
Joseph Chen has put his vast knowledge of international trade along with his love of music together for a successful and respected career in the music products industry. His career began with Wu Hsieh at KHS Musical Instruments, which led to Joseph’s own company, Reliance International. Under his...