Donovan Bankhead

President

Donovan is the President of Springfield Music, and has worked hard to position Springfield Music along with four other co-owned music retail stores to be fun, full service experiences for customers throughout Missouri and the surrounding states. He is highly-involved in the music industry, can often be found speaking at area universities, NAMM or NASMD, and is a bass guitarist and trumpet player. In addition to his tireless dedication to the music business, Donovan is a dedicated husband and father of two.

Misty Kristek

Vice President of Operations

Misty is the Vice President of Operations for Springfield Music, Inc and education program administrator.

Misty is a wife, mom and a hard worker! She's the glue that keeps this company together.

Paul Schmidt

Repair Manager

Paul Schmidt is the repair shop manager at Springfield Music Company based in Springfield, Missouri. Upon completing a degree in music at Missouri State University in 1990, he began repairing band instruments and serving as a school service representative at a local music store in Springfield. Mr. Schmidt is noted for his work with college music education programs and school in-service workshops presenting repair techniques and emergency tips. He recently presented at the 2017 MMEA conference on repairing in the classroom. Throughout the year you can find him at various marching band competitions, regional meetings, and numerous universities in Kansas and Missouri helping educators and students learn proper maintenance and repairs. One of Paul’s specialties is redesigning musical instruments to help students and adults with disabilities so they can enjoy making music again.

Dan Kuse

Store Manager

Dan is a veteran of the music industry with over 30 years sales and business management experience. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Ernie Williamson Music team. Music is his passion, and he plays almost every instrument in the store. Dan grew up in the Lake of the Ozarks area, and has opened shows for artists as diverse as REO Speedwagon, Charlie Daniels, Air Supply and everything in between. Currently, he and his wife Denise have a music duo known as The Double D, and play in the St. Louis area quite often, along with tribute shows to the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger.

Tony Marks

Shipping/Receiving

Tony is the go-to guy for the "ins and outs" of Fazio's.

He joined the crew in 2006 after leaving Vandelay Industries to head up the importing/exporting operations of both the store and website. Tony first worked in the music business at his father's store, Marks Music from 1988-1999. Tony's careful attention to detail makes him an essential element in upholding the Fazio's philosophy that every instrument we sell has passed a thorough inspection and is in perfect working order. He also enjoys long walks on the beach and he has a cat.

Denise Kuse

Retail Relationship Representative

Denise is a retired school teacher and has been with Ernie Williamson Music since 2014. Around here, she's known as "The Ukulele Lady", and would love to help you with your musical needs. Along with her husband Dan, they play music together as the duo The Double D. She is a talented guitarist, published author and real estate agent. She helps out at the store whenever she can, and is a great team member here at Ernie Williamson Music!

Mike Fey

Retail Relationship Representative

Mike is a self taught guitarist that has been chasing the perfect tone for over 15 years. He knows the tricks of the trade and is always ready to recommend a good book. Mike loves all types of music - be it growling riffs, or pensive melodies, he is ready to find a sound that inspires you.

Daron Bryant

Instrument Technician

Daron joins Fazio’s with over 20 years of repair and restoration experience with woodwind and brass instruments. Daron earned his Bachelor of Arts in Saxophone Performance and then went on to earn his Masters of Arts in Music Education from Lindenwood University

As a Saxophonist, Daron has performed in eight countries throughout Europe, Asia and Central America and all over the United States with multiple diverse bands sharing the stage with Jazz greats such as Randy Brecker and legendary Jazz Hall of Fame member, Clark Terry.

While in his last year of his graduate studies, Daron secured an apprenticeship with Master woodwind and brass repair technicians, Marvin Kranz and Bill Meyers. Over the next four years, Daron worked and studied under the tutelage of Marvin and Bill to gain his superior knowledge and precise skills of instrument repair and restoration.

Over the past two decades, Daron’s musical and repair skills have continued to advance significantly in the ever evolving band instrument repair industry. Daron is not only able to diagnose and repair common everyday woodwind and brass issues; he has also mastered and completed advance restoration techniques.

He has married years of time tested repair techniques to the advancing technology of the present day to provide the customer a superior service product that will not only meet, but exceed their expectations.

To contact Daron Bryant for repairs, consultations or estimates, please call Fazio’s at 636-227-3573 or [email protected]. Daron is also available to conduct Master’s classes and Repair clinics.

Patrick Stevenson

Sales Associate

Patrick is a professional bassist and combo music product expert. Originally from St. Louis, he has lived and worked in Nashville and LA and remains very active in live and studio projects. He is an avid vintage collector, and can help you select the perfect guitar, bass, amp, or related accessory to meet your needs.

Amanda Rueter

Vice President of Finance

Amanda is the VP of Finance for Springfield Music, Inc - and she plays an integral role in making sure that financial commitments are met, and she does it all superbly and with a terrific sense of humor!

She's also a mom, wife, horn player, and aspiring guitarist!

Donnie Kraft

Buyer

Donnie is a long time musician and veteran of the music and music retail industry. After a long stint at Hoover Music, he joined the Springfield Music, Inc team as head of purchasing, where he keeps our stores full of super cool gear!

Parker Dawkins

Instructor - Piano, Guitar

Parker gained an interest in music after watching his father perform gigs and leading worship at his local church. His father started teaching Parker piano at a young age, then began teaching him guitar shortly thereafter. His inspiration came from 90's rock bands and blues music. Parker quickly advanced as a guitarist and became immersed in music theory courses. He began writing songs, and is expanding into recording, mixing and mastering his own work as well. With an extensive knowledge of the fretboard and a genuine passion for music, Parker looks forward to sharing his passion for music with his students.