October 2012

It is surprising how many times I am asked about where to go to buy certain musical items. The questions range from where can I buy musical instruments? Who rents instruments? And how can I find a private teacher to teach my son saxophone?

Music stores in our local area are generally multi-service establishments. They carry a multitude of all things musical. Some specialize in guitars and portable keyboards; others carry a full range of band instruments and some also carry the string family of violin, viola, cello and string bass.

You can also find sheet music, not only for piano, but for other instruments as well. Almost all stores carry method books for most instruments. Method books contain musical studies and exercises consisting of scales, technical exercises, etudes, solo pieces and duets that a student can play with a teacher. All private teachers use some kind of method book when teaching instruments.

Repairs
The repair department is an important component of many music stores. Not all stores do repairs of instruments but it is not hard to find a good repair department by asking a few questions. A good repair department will not only repair woodwind and brass instruments but many will repair percussion equipment as well. Some stores do on-site repairs and others send out the instruments to qualified repair technicians. The repair of expensive musical instruments should not be entrusted to anyone but a professional, qualified repairman with a good “track record.”

Danville Music
“My goal is to get music in people’s heads, hands, and hearts,” said Greg Kennedy, owner of Danville Music. Kennedy has owned Danville Music since 1989 and is also an excellent guitar teacher. They have a working relationship with the San Ramon Valley School District and have instigated the “Working with Dollars” discount program. Danville Music is a full-line store carrying all instruments including woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings and offers music instruction for all ages and levels. They have an extensive inventory of sheet music and instrument method books. Rental instruments with purchase options are also available. “We also do instrument repair on site,” Kennedy said. “The teachers are experienced professionals – not fresh out of college.” Danville Music’s website is wwww.danvillemusic.com and they are located at 3 Railroad Avenue in Danville, their phone number is 925-743-0898.
House of Woodwinds

“Our store is a complete music store selling instruments, repair services, instrument rentals and lessons,” said Dave Otteson, manager of House of Woodwinds in San Ramon. They also stock sheet music and method books. Don’t be deceived by the name, they carry all instruments, not just woodwind instruments. The store started in Oakland many years ago. “The local store can’t be replaced,” Otteson said. “We have lots of stock at competitive prices.” Private teachers are listed at houseofwoodwinds@gmail.com. They are located at 2205-C San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Phone: 925-831-8341.

Runzo’s Music World
Dean Runzo, owner of Runzo’s Music World in Dublin, said, “We have a complete music store that services what we sell.” They sell all instruments including pianos, keyboards, guitars and percussion. “We do extensive work with the Dublin School District helping to inspire young musicians,” said Runzo. The store does repair work and has eighteen music instructors that teach virtually all the instruments. Runzo’s Music World has been a family business for over forty years and is located at 7017 Village Parkway, Dublin. Website is www.runzosmusicworld.com/ Phone: 925-829-4333.

Reeder Music Academy
“We are dedicated to offering the best music instruction possible,” said Douglas Christman, piano instructor at Reeder Music Academy. Their goal is to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages, 4 through 74.They offer instruction in all instruments and vocal training. Approximately eighty percent of their students are of school age and the rest are adults. They have twelve teachers that are all professional musicians and the academy presents multiple recitals during the year. They are located at 3482 Camino Tassajara in Danville at the Tassajara Crossing Shopping Center. Website: www.reedermusicacademy.com/Phone: 925-964-0571.

These are just a sample of the music store resources in our area. Whether it is learning to play an instrument, exposing your child to the joys of playing music or just listening to others play – the Tri-Valley area offers many opportunities to be involved in the world of music. Music is a wonderful, enriching endeavor that one can enjoy for a lifetime.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

At one time or another, most everyone encounters a well known person; a sports star, Hollywood celebrity or even a bona fide American hero. In ALIVE humor columnist Mike Copeland’s book, ALIVE & Kickin’, Mike devotes an entire chapter to his encounters over the years with famous people. When then ALIVE fitness columnist Lorrie Sullenberger’s husband famously landed his plane in the Hudson River to become miraculously transformed into a celebrity, Lorrie and Sully found themselves on a first name basis with the likes of “recognizable” folks like President Barack and Michelle Obama, Harrison Ford and Sean Penn.

This month we have two stories that tell of personal encounters with well known individuals. In the first article by author Bob Fish, you’ll read about his personal relationship with one of America’s — indeed, one of the world’s—most notable people, the first human being to walk on the Moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong. Then, in our second feature, you’ll learn about ALIVE retired Marketing Director Joe Redmond’s “up close
and personal” relationships with Hollywood notables like Shirley MacLaine, Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and even Marilyn Monroe!

It is exciting to meet other people who are well known. I suppose it has to do with the fact that we all appreciate accomplishment, and by connecting with others who have done things that are highly valued by many, perhaps a bit of their celebrity status will rub off. It’s why most of us cannot resist name dropping when the opportunity presents itself.

Even so, and although it is a well worn cliché, we might all do well to remember that even famous people “put their pants on one leg at a time.” In the end, what makes a person great is not how many people know of them (or follow them on Twitter), but by what their actions say about their character.

That said, there are individuals who, while they may not have yet garnered an invitation to the red carpet, I deeply admire and respect just the same. The two authors of our features this month, Bob Fish and Joe Redmond, are prime examples. Those who know Bob and Joe know that they both have accomplished much in service to others and to their communities. They may not be celebrities, but because I know their character, in my eyes they are every bit as deserving of recognition as any of the aforementioned individuals.

As much as we fawn over Hollywood celebrities and pay fitting tribute to genuine heroes like Neil Armstrong, we can all recognize admirable character traits—even greatness—in those closest to us, if we will but make the effort to see it.