Imagine, if you will, the year 1956. Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, The Cold War put a fear of communism in American culture. RCA released the one of the greatest two-sided 45 rpm singles by Elvis Presley (“Hound Dog” and Don’t Be Cruel”). In Hollywood, “The King and I” was making a unique splash in US Theaters. And, of, course, As The World Turns started its amazing 52 year run. Let’s not forget the journey of Walter Bringe. The German-born violin maker moved from New York to Florida shortly after winning a violin-building contest. Bringe eventually found his way to St. Petersburg and opened Bringe Music. Herr Bringe’s primary focus was building and selling well-crafted musical instruments and ancillary accessories.  However, Bringe Music evolved into a full-fledged music store.

Following his retirement in 1978, Bringe sold the company to Lakewood High School band director Bill Findeison. Findeison expanded the store’s offerings to include a variety of band instruments, guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, drums, sheet music and performance guides, as well as an instrument repair department.  Findeison marketed Binge Music’s unique array of services to the band directors at local schools in the Bay Area. The Bringe School of Music was also established under Bill’s leadership in 1981.  

In 2000, Findeison retired and sold Bringe Music to employees Lynn Weigand and Joan Clinger.  Weigand who started working for Bringe in 1981, was the store manager since 1983.  Clinger’s pedigree was in credit management.

“I have enjoyed working at Bringe since the day I walked in looking for a job,” confesses Weigland. “When I was offered the opportunity to purchase the company 17 years later, it was a no-brainer.  Besides, selling music is far superior to selling life insurance or motor vehicles,” she laughs, adding that she and founder Walter Bringe worked the sales floor before his passing in 1983. “I remember him sitting on his little repair bench adjusting flutes and fiddles while I rented instruments to 4th and 5th grade beginning students, “ recalls Weigand. “Bill (Findeison) is happily retired but still directs the Second Time Arounders Marching Band, of which we are the charter sponsor.  “I see him often, especially this time of year because the Rounders are rehearsing for annual spring performances,” she adds.

After nine years of ownership, both Weigand and Clinger – and their 15 employees, have dutifully maintained the focus of Binge’s initial vision.

“Over the years, our staff shares a common value: Believed in the value of music,” Weigand insists. For us it’s not simply selling guitars, amps, or sheet music – it’s providing a path for more folks to get involved in the greatest art form in the world. We don’t sell products; we sell enjoyment and the accompanying fulfillment that comes with experiencing music.”

Weigand adds that The Bringe School of Music – with 2 dozen professional instructors and nearly 500 students per week, offers private instruction on almost every instrument and beginner, intermediate and advanced  courses for guitar, keyboard, youth jazz ensemble, adult jazz ensemble, and youth choir!  Weigand proudly points out that Adventures in Music – an introductory summer music camp for youth aged 8-12 years old, will hold its first summer camp in 2009.

What instruments are the most popular for sales these days? “Guitars sell very well and are quite popular,” she answers. “Pianos and, amazingly, drums are popular as well.” Then she mildly chuckles. “You may not believe this, but the ukulele is enjoying a bit of resurgence these days – it’s cyclical though.  If a popular band suddenly is using an accordions and lutes, we’ll get bunches of folks looking for accordions and lutes.  What is popular and trendy often corresponds with our customer’s preferences!”

The emergence of a recession has definitely affected many small and large music-oriented businesses.  Circuit City. Mars Music, to name a few. Has the economy affected Bringe Music? “True, the economy has hurt thousands of small and large businesses across the country. Several well-established music stores have gone out of business, especially in 2008.  I think the economy has definitely affected the sale of larger ticket items like trumpets, guitars, and the like.  However, we do see an increase in instrument repairs. Apparently people decide to get their old instrument fixed rather than purchasing another.  The School of Music always does well for us. We’ve been getting more new students who might not be able to afford a vacation but can easily afford lessons.

“We don’t believe in failure and we work very hard to find ways to improve our performance every day.  We hold weekly meetings with the sales staff to discuss relevant issues affecting the business and strategies conducive to achieving and subsequently maintaining or overall vision.”

Then Weigand playfully muses:” And we’re very stubborn!” For more information on Bringe Music, go to www.bringemusic.com.