North Carolina
Bill McFadyen grew up in the music business and followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and older brother in running the McFadyen Music stores. Bill took on the role of managing the repair department, which became a very important element of the business and their abilities to provide...
J. Scott McFadyen served as president of the family operated store after his father, the founder, retired. Scott was heavily involved with the music industry by helping to establish NASMD and serving on the NAMM Board of Directors. Scott's father was also the mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina...
Malcolm McFadyen served as president of the family music store just as his father and grandfather did before him. Malcolm worked with his father to establish many of the procedures for the store, including the personnel manual and the employee’s handbook. The handbook outlined the philosophy for...
Dennis Howren is the president of the Howren Music Store in Charlotte, North Carolina. The store was founded by his father and was run by his two older brothers before Dennis took over as president. The store has a strong school music program and in fact one of Dennis's first jobs after returning...
Greg Howren is the past president of his family's music store in Charlotte, North Carolina. Greg followed in his father's footsteps and continued to build the music store, which focuses on school band programs as well as the combo business. After his father was president of the company, his older...
Marion Holloway is the president of Holloway Music in Monroe, North Carolina. The store was established by his grandfather in 1912 and run for many years by his father, who served as a mentor in business for Marion. Marion and his wife have been dedicated to their community and the needs of their...
Harry West was the founder of Fine Musical Instruments located in Statesville, North Carolina. The store was an early pioneer in vintage stringed instrument sales and in fact, Stanley Jay once called Harry, "the father of us all." His store was later renamed Harry and Jeanie West's Fine Musical...
Guy Ward was the president of the Ward Piano Company, located in Canton, North Carolina, from the 1940s until his retirement. After his daughter and son took over the company, he continued to go into the shop every day even at the time of his 2013 NAMM Oral History interview when he was 89! As...
Marlene Parker teamed with her husband, Drew, to move from Canada to South Carolina to take over a small town music retail business, Separk Music, which had been established by a band director who had since passed away. Drew and Marlene felt compelled to continue to achieve the original mission of...
Drew Parker has traveled a remarkable musical journey as musician, Canadian band director, publisher, and music retailer. Along the way, he earned the reputation as a dedicated music educator. With his wife Marlene, he bought Separk Music in North Carolina. Drew has remained active in the music...