Canadian Music Trade - October / November 2019 | Page 15

Korg Acquires Sakae Drums Korg has announced its acquisition of Sakae Drums. Operations will take place in Osaka, Japan, as the company continues to design new models developed by Sakae’s product and design team. “Every Sakae finished product is a work of art,” says Jeff Shreiner, brand manager for Sakae Osaka Heritage at Korg USA. “Sakae always have, and will contin- ue to be, wholeheartedly committed to making the highest-quality drums possi- ble. We look forward to this new chapter and continuing the Sakae legacy.” For more information, contact Korg USA: 866-444-9201, [email protected], www.korgusa.com. JOHN STONER STEPHEN ZAPF John Stoner Retires from Conn-Selmer; Stephen Zapf Named Successor After 17 years as president and CEO of Conn- Selmer Inc., John Stoner has retired, the company announced. Stephen Zapf has been selected to take over that dual role and lead the company. “I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work with all of the employees of Conn-Selmer, all the dealers, educators, and art- ists in this incredible industry,” Stoner says. “I am extremely proud of all that Conn-Selmer has ac- complished during my tenure and that we have been able to continue the legacy of producing musical instruments in the United States.” Zapf grew up in the industry as his great-grandfather and grandfather started Zapf’s Music in Philadelphia in 1928. “John has been a friend and tireless supporter of music education for many years; he leaves big shoes to fill and I know that we will all miss him,” Zapf says. “It is my honour to build on his legacy and lead Conn-Selmer through a new era of growth and innovation in music around the globe. I am for- tunate to inherit a great team and have access to necessary resources to reinvest in a suite of iconic brands, including Selmer, Bach, Conn, Ludwig, Musser, Leblanc, and more.” For more information, go to www.conn-selmer.com. CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 15