
Jeffrey Urban
School Service Representative
Instrument
French Horn and his bass/baritone voice (which is evident when you speak with him)
Education
BM in voice with a minor in instrumental music, Cleveland Institute of Music
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
His HS band director also wants us to mention that Jeffrey graduated from Marist HS, the best Catholic HS on the southside. (Had to say that since he works with all these Brother Rice alumni)
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
His HS band director also wants us to mention that Jeffrey graduated from Marist HS, the best Catholic HS on the southside. (Had to say that since he works with all these Brother Rice alumni)
Professional Experience
Jeffrey has spent his professional careers straddling the art and business worlds. Most recently he was the manager of scuba/sporting retailer as well as their Master Scuba diver trainer. At the same time he was performing in various theatres around Chicago. We were able to convince him that joining Q&F would help satisfy both loves.
Ensembles/Organizations
Founder of the Southside Chamber Brass, member of the Cleveland Opera, Park Forest Singers and the St Joan of Arc Choir in Skokie. Has performed at many theatres around Chicago. Member of AFTRA and PADI and Delta Sigma Phi Social Fraternity.
Hobbies
Traveling and Dancing with his lovely wife Oksana, Karate, Scuba and snorkeling, and hacking away on his computer (his Macintosh computer...he had to have this mentioned but don't worry - he's coping with his PC at work).
Jim Fuller
Customer Service Manager / Mt. Prospect
Instruments
Began musical experience with the Suzuki violin program in 4th grade, and once performed for Shinichi Suzuki himself; Saxophone (alto and baritone)- 5th grade - current; Five string banjo (2002-current); currently studying with original banjoist for Union Station
Education
Emporia (Kansas) State University; Bachelor of Science - Music Merchandising
Professional Experience
1980 - 1992: Brook Mays Music, Dallas, Texas
1992 - 2008 Selmer Company (later Conn-Selmer),District manager
1992 - 2008 Selmer Company (later Conn-Selmer),District manager
Interests
Golf (though Tiger Woods has nothing to worry about), reading, aviation history, home improvement
Folake L. Akerele
Customer Service Representative / Mt. Prospect
Instruments
Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone
Education
Bachelor of Science – Music Business Indiana State University
Professional Experience
Disc Jockey for college radio 89.7 Hot Mix 90 (2002-2005).
Stage Managed for the Music Industry Association at Indiana State University. Shadow manger for the Communication & Marketing department (ISU)
Stage Managed for the Music Industry Association at Indiana State University. Shadow manger for the Communication & Marketing department (ISU)
Organizations/Ensembles
(ISU)-Secretary for Music Industry Association/ Music & Entertainment Student Association;
Clarinetist for ISU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Clarinetist for ISU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Hobbies/Interests
I’m really into Forensic Science - with my passion and dedication for music it would be great to combine the two…My goal is to start my Master’s in Acoustic Forensics…. Once there is a curriculum established for such a degree.
E-mail

Kevin Hook
Customer Service Representative / Mt. Prospect
Instrument
Trombone
Education
2000 Graduate of Indiana State University with a B.S. Degree in Music Merchandising and Administration
Organizations/Ensembles
Member of Music Industry Association
1995 & 1996 Kansas Intercollegiate Honor Band
Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity
2008 Yamaha Summit Club Award Winner in Excellence in Piano Sales
1995 & 1996 Kansas Intercollegiate Honor Band
Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity
2008 Yamaha Summit Club Award Winner in Excellence in Piano Sales
Interests
Enjoys history, politics, football, camping, and gardening
Julie Hill
Customer Service Representative / Mt. Prospect
Instrument
Bassoon
Education
Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Minor in Leadership Studies, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 2009
Professional Experience
Marketing Intern at the Peoria Civic Center
Events Intern at Yamaha Corporation of America
Guest bassoonist with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Wesleyan Orchestra while at BU.
One of the founders for Bradley’s Musicians in Business (MIB) organization.
NAMBI scholarship recipient 2007.
Events Intern at Yamaha Corporation of America
Guest bassoonist with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Wesleyan Orchestra while at BU.
One of the founders for Bradley’s Musicians in Business (MIB) organization.
NAMBI scholarship recipient 2007.
Organizations/Ensembles
Bassoonist in the Bradley University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Winds 2005-2009
Marched color guard in the Prospect High School Marching Knights 2001-2004
Marched color guard in the Prospect High School Marching Knights 2001-2004
Hobbies
Dancing, photos, seeing friends, live music, music advocate groups, networking, traveling.

Mike Edwards
Customer Service Manager / Montgomery
Instrument:
Mike tries to play the Trumpet, but it usually plays him.
Education:
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Professional Experience:
Mike joined the Q & F team in 2003. Formerly, he was a band director in Plainfield, IL. Mike is an active brass clinician, adjudicator, trumpet instructor, and performer.
Organizations:
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educator’s National Conference, The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, The National Band Association, and The International Trumpet Guild.
John Shaffer
Michiana District Manager
Instruments
Percussion
Education
BS and MS from Indiana State University
Professional Experience
Taught Band and Choir
Owner of Paxton Music
Manager for Q&F
Owner of Paxton Music
Manager for Q&F
Organizations/Ensembles
Perform in Windiana Concert Band, Church Praise Team, and various wedding bands.
Hobbies/Interests
Motorcycling, Tennis, Golf, Woodworking.
E-mail

Brian Fine
School Sales Representative / Valparaiso
Instrument
Guitar - I know it's not a real instrument but bear with me. I can still play a concert scale on the trumpet as I played in middle school.
Education
Many college classes taken in the fields of Biology, Accounting, AutoCAD, Computer Science & Computer Technology. This is also the reason I have not yet received a degree.
Professional Experience
Before joining Paxton Music in 1999, My main source of income was from restaurant management. I managed a Wendy's, Dominos Pizza & Bob Evans. Expanding waistline and loooong hours prompted me to seek my fortune elsewhere.
Hobbies
Spending time with my son, Alex & wife, Bridget; Playing in the rock band EchoFarm (www.echofarm.net) and golfing.
Steve Rehlander
School Service Representative / Valparaiso
Instrument
Trumpet
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music Enterprises - Summa Cum Laude, from Valparaiso University
Professional Experience
Started with Paxton Music in the summer of 1996 as an intern and has been at the Valparaiso store ever since. While with Paxton, Steve was in charge of special projects which included accessory and music purchasing.
Ensembles
Steve is a member of Windiana, Northwest Indiana’s Professional Concert Band, the Valparaiso University Community / University Concert Band, and over the summer, the Michigan City Municipal Band.
Shannon Kirker
Customer Service Manager / Valparaiso

Rod Myers
Repair Shop Manager / Valparaiso
Instrument
Electric Bass
Education
Degree in Band Instrument Repair from Western Iowa Tech - 1994
Professional Experience
Rod began working at Paxton Music after his graduation, and he has been here ever since!
Rod has been a continuous member of NABIRT (National Association of Band Repair Technicians) since 1994. He has attended several repair clinics throughout the country, and in 2000 he completed the Yamaha Dealer Development Program.
Rod has been a continuous member of NABIRT (National Association of Band Repair Technicians) since 1994. He has attended several repair clinics throughout the country, and in 2000 he completed the Yamaha Dealer Development Program.
Hobbies
Playing music, watching my favorite football and basketball teams (the Steelers and Pacers).

Dell Knickerbocker
Woodwind Repair Specialist / Valparaiso
Instrument(s)
Sax, Voice, Clarinet, Flute, Pliers, Torch, Screwdriver......
Education
Central Michigan University, studied saxophone performance for three years then left for an education on the stages of Chicago. I am learning something new everyday!
Professional Experience
A woodwind repair specialist for 23 years. Joined Paxton Music in March, 1989 and has headed up the woodwind department ever since. Professional Voice-over artist, have recorded 4 Documentaries for the History Channel with dozens of local and national commercials for radio and TV. Private instructor for sax and clarinet for 17 years. Band leader and sideman in the Chicagoland area for 15 years, having performed with Doc Severinsen, Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Phil Woods, Albert King, Ko-Ko Taylor, The Temptations, and The Four Tops to name a few! Saxophonist with the Indiana Symphony and Valparaiso Nazarene Church.
Hobbies
Motorcycles (if it's above 50 degrees , I'm ridin'!), my Golden Retriever and Beagle, weight training, psychology, spiritual reading for enlightenment. I love to cook as well as take in the good restaurants!

Travis Fernandez
Woodwind Repair Technician / Valparaiso
Instrument(s)
French Horn
Education
Bachelor of Science as a Horn Major at Central Michigan University
Associate of Science in Band Instrument Repair at Western Iowa Tech Community College
Associate of Science in Band Instrument Repair at Western Iowa Tech Community College
Hobbies
Away from work I enjoy tinkering with my Harley Sportster and taking scenic drives with my wife.





