Coralville, IA – August 9, 2019, West Music has been named a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music products and music retailers. The award honors retail music dealers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their stores, neighborhoods, and customers who share the vision to create a more musical world through their local communities. To determine the list, an independent panel of reviews hundreds of submissions rated across categories including customer service, innovation, music advocacy, store design, marketing, and sales promotions. award was presented at the industry’s annual mid-year gathering, Summer NAMM, on Friday, July 19 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Celebrations continued as West Music President and CEO Robin Walenta commemorated the completion of her appointment as NAMM Chair in Nashville on Saturday, July 20th. In assuming this role, Walenta became the first female Chair in the organization’s 119-year history. During her appointment, she pioneered the Smart Women In Music (SWIM) Fund to expand diversity, inclusion, and support for female leaders in the music product’s industry.
Walenta commented, “I am proud to be at the forefront of the increasing diversity and broadening inclusivity within our industry. My sincerest hope is that I have challenged all to think differently. Today, it is more important than ever that we create and support a culture in which our differences are welcomed, celebrated, and valued.”
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
