Dubuque > Meet Our Team

Meet the West Music Dubuque Team!

Wendy Kephart – Store Manager

“I grew up in Cresco, IA. Home of the Crestwood Cadets! I was an active choir member and participated in several State solo and ensemble contests, as well as All-State auditions. I moved to Decorah IA after high school and attended Northeast Iowa Community College. I started my music career at the family-owned business, Kephart’s Music Centers Inc. As a manager/stockholder of Kephart’s Music, I worked in nearly every aspect of the company. And I loved it! But by far my favorite part was (and still is!) working with the beginning band, orchestra, guitar, and piano students. I love their enthusiasm and I like to think that my advice to parents on how to support their children’s musical studies is helpful as well. As the mother of two grown musicians, I have experienced raising musical children personally. And I understand the struggles that come with practice time, frustration, and performance anxieties. I also know the pure joy that is experienced by music students when it all comes together! And that is my passion. To help the next generation experience the joy and love for music. 

In 2014 our company, Kephart’s Music Centers Inc. merged with our family friends, West Music Co. And while working with West Music I have been able to continue the family tradition of supporting music education.   

I now live in Dubuque, IA where I manage the West Music – Dubuque location. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. My hobbies include gardening and houseplants, walking and workouts at the gym, and enjoying my 2 parakeets, Gracie and Skye. I also believe in lifelong learning and recently completed an online certification course for Project Management.”

Reid Barlow – Band/Orchestra Sales Associate

Reid is originally from Bettendorf, IA and now lives in Dubuque, IA . He attended Pleasant Valley Highschool (Bettendorf, IA) and The University of Iowa. Reid’s musical interests include trumpet, film scores, and all genres of music. Reid enjoys watching movies/tv shows, writing film reviews, playing video games, playing trumpet, being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, going to movies, museums, concerts, plays, etc. 

In Dubuque, Reid’s favorite places include. Backpocket Dubuque, Heritage Center (University of Dubuque), and AMC CLASSIC Dubuque 14. He also a pet dog named Kirby!

Derek Combs – Repair Technician

Derek has been repairing in Dubuque with West Music since 2003. He graduated in 2003 from Western Iowa Technical College in Sioux City, Iowa with an A.A.S. degree in Band Instrument Repair Technology. Derek is qualified to repair and restore all brass, woodwind, double reed, and percussion instruments. 

In his spare time, he plays drums and volunteers in his community with the Dubuque Jaycees.