fixtures due to both asbestos and the ini- tial damage incurred by the incident, has forced the family to step back and evalu- ate the status of Yale’s Music Shop,” the shop said the Facebook post. “It is with a very heavy heart that the Yale family has concluded that we cannot recover from the devastating loss as a small, family owned, retail business in the current economic landscape. Like most other small businesses in recent times, it has been a great struggle to stay relevant in a digital world, and this loss is the final breaking point from which Yale’s Music Shop could no longer recover. Therefore, Yale’s Music Shop will not reopen as a retail store selling instru- ments, accessories, sheet music and books, and musical lessons.” Though the brick-and-mortar store will not reopen, the Yales plan to continue operations in a new form. They’ve been selling their remaining inventory through the Facebook page and eventually plan to rebrand under a new business name. — By Kimberly Kapela {yalesmusic.com}
Owner David Yale poses in store. Photo courtesy of Yale’s Music.
YALE’S MUSIC SHOP CLOSES DOORS FOLLOWING CRASH A fter nearly 35 years serving musicians in the Athens, Pennsylvania, commu- nity, Yale’s Music Shop is closing its doors following a vehicle accident in May.
Initially, the Yale family began cleaning and assessing the damage, but recovery efforts were halted when asbestos contamination was discovered within the building. In a Facebook post on Oct. 11, the family an- nounced that the financial costs of recovery were too great to overcome. “The extensive loss of product and
The longtime family-owned music store was forced to cease operations after a bus crashed into the side of its building, causing significant structural damage and product loss.
Brighton Music Center Hosts ‘Harmony for Hope’ Fundraiser
I n September, Brighton Mu- sic Center held “Harmony for Hope — Live Music & Fundraiser,” an event created to support Noah Schiemer, the eldest son of Brighton owners Beth and Richard Schiemer, following his di- agnosis with Hodgkin’s Lym- phoma. The fundraiser, which will become an annual tradi- tion, aims to raise money for
Noah and Richard Schiemer
UPMC The Hillman Cancer Center in the Shadyside neighborhood. The MI industry showed overwhelming support, with compa- nies, including Gator, Dean Guitars, Washburn Guitars, Blackstar, On-Stage, Zildjian, Conn-Selmer, NUX and CA House Music do- nating raffle items. Many of the vendors know Noah through his regular attendance at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, and reached out immediately after learning of his diagnosis to offer support. The event featured performances by local acts, including Concrete Soul, Dave Parker, The Extractions, J Roger Davis and IntEruptions, all longtime customers of Brighton Music Center. In addition to live music, a bake sale organized by one of Brighton’s elementary music educators and a booth from a locally-owned brewery helped raise funds. Brighton Music Center reported that the event raised more than $10,000 for Noah’s treatment and care. {brightonmusic.com}
18 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
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