Twenty-four students from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, on their way home from the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, toured the Conn-Selmer Vincent Bach manufacturing plant in Elkhart, Indiana on March 2nd. Dr. Stephen Hawk, Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz Studies at Slippery Rock University, wanted each of his students majoring in music education to see first hand, how American made Bach brass instruments are made.

Extremely concerned about the comprehensive approach to education for all of his students, Dr. Hawk considers knowing how instruments are made a critical aspect of his class curriculum. This is one of the reasons why music majors from Slippery Rock have gone on to employment in a variety of fulfilling careers and are successful at obtaining positions as teachers in both public and private schools. “The tour of the Bach Plant was very informative for the students and myself”, said Dr. Hawk. “I have toured this same plant several times over my years as an Artist/Clinician and was most impressed by the improvements that have been made to increase the quality and consistency of the Bach Brass line!  Under Tedd Waggoner's leadership, the entire production facility seems to have a new found commitment to excellence and a return to the vision of Vincent Bach.  Bravo to all of you for the improvements!  I so look forward to continuing my commitment to playing Bach trumpets and presenting clinics on Bach trumpets, knowing that the quality and consistency is much improved!” 

“Musicians worldwide recognize the Bach name for outstanding quality,” said Jeff Christiana, Director of Marketing for Bach instruments. “Conn-Selmer is committed to supporting highly effective programs to schools and organizations that are pursuing educational excellence.”

For complete information about all American made Bach products, visit www.bachbrass.com.

Conn-Selmer, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States and a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.  To contact Conn-Selmer, write to P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.