Trade Regrets : Bryston President Brian Russell
Trade Regrets : Ray Auld
With sadness and surprise , the musical products and pro audio industry learned in late September that Brian Russell , the president of Canadian audio manufacturer Bryston , passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 68 .
“ It is with utmost sadness and a broken heart that we pass along the news of the sudden passing of Brian W . Russell , our President and
BRIAN RUSSELL
Overseas Distributor Liaison ,” Bryston CEO Christopher Russell wrote on the company ’ s Facebook page on Sept . 29 th . “ Brian was well liked by all who knew him . His travels took him to all parts of the globe , and he made friends and cohorts everywhere he went . Brian had worked at Bryston since the 1970s , and was easily one of the most valuable and hard-working members of the Bryston team . We will miss his hearty , jovial presence and his warm-hearted good spirits most deeply . Please make donations in lieu of flowers to the Heart and Stroke Foundation .”
As well , Brian ’ s colleague and friend James Tanner , the company ’ s VP of sales and marketing , wrote online : “ I worked with Brian for over 45 years and he was the most kind and caring individual I have ever known . He came across as a rough , gruff bear of a guy , but deep down , he had the emotions of a teddy bear . I will miss him a lot and I am still in disbelief over this .”
Canadian Music Trade sends our deepest condolences to Brian ’ s family , colleagues , and many friends .
Ray Auld , a muchloved and respected independent Canadian audio and MI sales rep , passed in late August . Throughout his career , Auld worked with Sennheiser Canada , Electro-Voice , Efkay Musical Instruments , and others .
Ray ’ s wife , Silvana Auld , shared on Facebook on Aug . 17 th : “ To all of Ray ’ s friends on Facebook and those of you who
RAY AULD worked with him , thank you for loving him the way I have for 47 years . He truly was a shining star in so many ways ... He was kind to everyone and never had a negative thing to say . He was my soulmate and friend . I will miss him dearly but find comfort in knowing that he is not in pain anymore . Thank you once again for caring . Our lives will be forever changed without him .”
“ I knew and worked with Ray for over 25 years with Sennheiser . He was an independent rep but knew the industry so well ,” Sennheiser Canada ’ s Nick Mandilaras tells Canadian Music Trade . “ Everyone , and I mean everyone , loved him and respected him . He knew what he was selling and was always there to help with pre-sale and after-sale . I learned a lot from Ray about the music industry . He will be missed by the whole industry .”
Canadian Music Trade sends our deepest condolences to Ray ’ s family , colleagues , and many friends .
DW Founder Don Lombardi Honoured with PAS ’ s 2020 President ’ s Industry Award
Drum Workshop ( DW ) Founder and President Don Lombardi has been honoured by the Percussive Arts Society ( PAS ) with its prestigious 2020 President ’ s Industry Award . The award recognizes individuals in the percussion industry who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field and exceptional support of the society .
From humble beginnings Lombardi became a respected professional drummer and drum teacher opening a school called “ Drum Workshop ” in Santa Monica , CA in 1972 . Under his guidance , Drum Workshop evolved to become one of the largest and most influential drum designers and manufacturers in the world . Lombardi ’ s innovative and pioneering approach to product development has led to more than 30 patents being registered in his name and has proved to be one of the key ingredients in the growth of the brand . His stewardship has seen the DW brand portfolio expand to include the revitalized Gretsch Drums , Latin Percussion , and Slingerland . In 2008 , Lombardi returned to his educator roots when he established the award-winning Drum Channel to share his passion for drumming , further develop drum education , and grow the drumming community . More recently he has been instrumental in the founding of the Drum Workshop Music Foundation , a new charitable organization whose goal is to provide the gift of music to underserved communities worldwide .
Speaking about the award , Lombardi says : “ Though manufacturing and education may seem like two different endeavors , like PAS I ’ ve always had a passion for education , and in coming up with inventions my goal has always been to improve the quality of a drummer ’ s life by designing products that make it easier to play , while also providing new tools to create with .”
DON LOMBARDI
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 21