YAMAHA CORP. OF AMERICA APPOINTS SEIICHI YAMAGUCHI AS NEW PRESIDENT, TOM SUMNER TO RETIRE S eiichi Yamaguchi has been named president
in the United States,” Yamagu- chi said. “I’ve enjoyed my previ- ous time living and working in the U.S., and I know Yamaha can make an even bigger and better impact on the lives of U.S. musicians and educators.” Current YCA president
of Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA). Outgoing President Tom Sumner will re- tire later this year. Yamaguchi previously served as managing executive officer and executive general manager of the musical instruments business unit of Yamaha Corporation. Since beginning his career at Yamaha in 1985, Yamaguchi has held a variety of key leadership roles at the company. A few of his key roles have included chairman and manag- ing director of Yamaha Music and Electronics China, managing officer and general manager of the musical instruments and audio sales unit, and managing director of Yamaha Scandinavia. “I am looking forward to working with the great team at YCA to expand the brand’s reach
Robert M. Sides Purchases Johnstonbaugh’s R obert M. Sides Family Music Center, headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, has purchased Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers. Former owners Bob and Judy Johnstonbaugh closed on the deal on March 6 — the same day as their retirement party. “Our employees Alex, general manager, Nathan, sales manager, and Kelly, office manager and accountant, have been a huge help in getting operations, customers and staff transitioned so smoothly,” said Peter Sides, president and third-generation operator of Robert M. Sides Family Music Center. “We’re honored that Bob chose us as the next stewards of JMC. We’ll be exhibiting side by side at the PMEA All- State Conference at the end of April and are looking forward to collaborations and sharing best practices between JMC and RMS going forward.” {johnstonbaughs.com} Ted Brown Music Celebrates 95 Years with June Event T his year marks the 95th anniversary of Ted Brown Music, based in Tacoma, Washington. The Ted Brown Music Company, originally founded by Ted Brown in 1931, has remained family-owned for four generations. “I’m proud to carry on the legacy From left: Robert M. Sides’ Alysa Sides Greevy, Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers’ Bob Johnston- baugh and Robert M. Sides’s Peter Sides. president and third-generation owner of Ted Brown Music. “I feel humbled by our musical community here in Washington.” “Reaching 95 years as a family- owned company is both rewarding and motivating,” said Garrison Grisaffi, educational services director of Ted Brown Music and fourth-generation employee. To celebrate, Ted Brown Music will host a party at each location on June 27. The event will feature food trucks, free live music, demos and special discounts store-wide. {tedbrownmusic.com} my grandfather began 95 years ago,” said Whitney Brown Grisaffi,
Tom Sumner (left) and Seiichi Yamaguchi
Tom Sumner started with the company in 1988 as a salesperson and has served as president since 2018. “I am humbled and honored to have worked in an industry I love, for a company I love and respect and with people I love and respect for my entire career,” Sumner said. “I owe everything to my Yamaha team members around the globe — especially here in the United States — who come to work every day dedicated to serving music mak- ers and music lovers.” {usa.yamaha.com}
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