‘Made in Elkhart’
When I was growing up in another part of
the state, all I knew about Elkhart is that this is
where my trumpet was made. Later in school,
when I moved to the trombone (I consider it
a move up, but trumpet players may disagree)
my new instrument of choice was also made in
this Northern Indiana industrial community.
Years later, when I had the opportunity to
move to Elkhart, I was pleased to see that my
new community home still makes musical
instruments. The Elkhart musical heritage
is still a point of pride. The industry, like so
many industries in the country, has changed to
meet a changing market. The student models
that introduced me to band and to Elkhart
are mostly made overseas now. But a “made
in Elkhart” tag still means something to
professionals that are seeking top-of-the line
instruments.
We have the craftsmen who know how to
design and assemble a quality instrument.
Innovations in mouthpieces were created here.
We have the support companies that know
how to properly treat the metal and other
materials. Pianos and mallet instruments join
the brass and reed instruments to complete the
Elkhart-made ensemble.
Then, and this is the most exciting part,
Elkhart is home to many people who know
how to play these instruments for our
enjoyment. The people who work in quality
control for the instrument companies are
some of the most talented musicians in the
world. And they live right here, which works
to our benefit. Most communities Elkhart’s
size cannot support a municipal band, yet we
have one that plays free concerts every week
during the summer. Older musicians who
want to keep playing continue to perform with
the New Horizons Band. We get a sampling
of our performance talent during the annual
Rhapsody on the Green event on Island Park.
Our high school music programs are among
the best in the state, which feeds into the
longevity of our musical tradition.
The pinnacle of music history and
accomplishment in Elkhart happens each
summer during the Jazz Festival. While
other communities are losing music festivals,
Elkhart’s Jazz Festival has been getting
stronger and better.
Make sure you take the opportunity to
enjoy the Jazz Festival, or Rhapsody on the
Green, or a great performance at the Lerner,
or one of the other musical treats we enjoy in
Elkhart. Music is our heritage. Make the most
of it.
“Leading Business” is the
monthly magazine published by:
Ambassadors Claudia Meenan, ext. 134
June 12, Council meeting, 4 pm
Annual Golf Outing Denise Polachek, ext. 132
June 26, Council meeting, 4 pm
Business Recognition and Beautification
Denise Polachek, ext. 132
June 17, Council meeting, 8 am
Economic Development
Trevor Wendzonka, ext. 110
June 20, Council meeting, 8 am
Education Kathy Cardwell, ext. 122
June 12, Council meeting, 7:30 am
Environmental Trevor Wendzonka, ext. 110
Government Trevor Wendzonka, ext. 110
June 11, Council meeting, 8 am
Leadership Denise Polachek, ext. 132
June 24, Council meeting, 4 pm
OSHA Jim Walsh, ext. 121
Technology Jim Walsh, ext. 121
Transportation Kay House-Clark, ext. 138
June 13, Council meeting, 8 am
Women’s Claudia Meenan, ext. 134
June 3, Council meeting, 9 am
Young Professionals Arielle Schmitt, ext. 128
June 5, Council meeting, 4 pm
4 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
418 S. Main St. | Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-1531 | Elkhart.org
All rights reserved 2014
Permission from the Chamber
president is required for any
reproduction, reprint or reuse of
the content of this magazine. A
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is available at Elkhart.org and in
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and member companies. Please
submit news releases, event
information, article ideas and
inquiries to Trevor Wendzonka,
Greater Elkhart Chamber
communications director, at
[email protected].
For information on advertising
with “Leading Business,” contact
Arielle Schmitt, Greater Elkhart
Chamber marketing specialist, at
[email protected].