Meet the Davenport Team!
Jim Anselmo - Store Manager
Jim Anselmo serves as the Quad Cities Store Manager at West Music, bringing over two and a half years of dedicated experience to the role. Prior to joining West Music, Jim held a variety of jobs, gaining a broad skill set that he now leverages in his current position. As a guitarist who has recently rekindled his passion for playing, Jim enjoys the thrill of performing and strives to perfect his sound. His proudest musical achievement is overcoming the fear of playing in front of an audience. Jim's favorite part of working at West Music is the daily exposure to live music from different instruments. He believes in delivering on promises and prides himself on West Music's extensive inventory and ability to source items from other stores or warehouses. Outside of work, Jim cherishes spending quality time with his family.
Katelyn McKone - Band and Orchestra Sales Specialist/Teacher
Katelyn McKone is a dedicated Band and Orchestra Sales Specialist and woodwind lesson teacher at West Music's Davenport location, where she has worked for the past two years. Before joining West Music, Katelyn spent seven years as a middle school and high school band director. She plays saxophone, flute, and clarinet, and has a comprehensive knowledge of all beginning band instruments. Katelyn's musical journey began 22 years ago when she received her first alto saxophone from West Music in Marion. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Simpson College, graduating magna cum laude. Katelyn loves music as a form of self-expression and finds joy in watching her students achieve their goals. Her passion for helping children experience the excitement of picking up a new instrument drives her work at West Music. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, Link, playing video games, listening to live music, and reading.
Mark Wagler - Guitar, Bass, and Drums Sales Speacialist
Mark Wagler serves as a Regional Sales specialist for guitar, bass and drums at West Music, where he has been contributing his expertise for the past two years. Before joining West Music, Mark worked at Griggs Music and has been playing the guitar for an impressive 42 years. A graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, CA, Mark finds joy in playing, performing, and sharing music with others. He loves helping new musicians start their musical journey by putting instruments in their hands and guiding them with his extensive experience as a musician and teacher.
Michael Wahlmann - Regional Sales Associate
Michael Wahlmann is a Regional Sales Associate at West Music, where he has been making a difference for the past two years. Prior to his tenure at West Music, Michael worked at Griggs Music and has been playing the cello, along with a bit of piano, organ, violin, viola, and bass, for going on 43 years! One of his notable achievements includes contracting a fourteen-piece orchestra for a two-night tour with the band Foreigner. Michael's favorite aspect of being a musician is enhancing people's days through his performances. He loves working at West Music because he enjoys bringing joy to customers as they purchase their instruments. With a customer-focused approach, Michael ensures that he has their best interests at heart. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching movies.
Dana Calhoun - Sales Asscioate/Teacher
Dana Calhoun is a dedicated Sales Associate, String Specialist, and lesson teacher for piano and bass at West Music, where he has been enriching customers' musical experiences for six years. Before joining West Music, Dana served as a school choir accompanist. He plays piano, organ, string bass, electric bass, and guitar, with 45 years of experience on the piano and 35 years on the bass. Dana is a winner of the Clinton Symphony Youth Concerto Competition and has spent 18 years as a church organist, including conducting his own composition with the Muscatine Symphony. He finds joy in collaborating with other musicians and is passionate about fulfilling customers' needs and providing them with the tools to advance their musical journeys. In his free time, Dana enjoys board games, reading, watching K-dramas, and composing music.
Jacob Wirth - Piano Sales Consultant
Jacob Wirth is a dedicated Piano Sales Consultant at West Music, where he has been helping customers find their perfect instrument for the past two years. Prior to joining West Music, Jacob specialized in home organ sales. With a B.A. in Music Industry and 21 years of experience playing voice and trumpet, he thrives on collaborating with other talented musicians. Jacob loves the dynamic and positive environment at West Music, where every day brings new opportunities. Committed to his customers, he works relentlessly to match them with the ideal piano or keyboard. In his free time, Jacob enjoys biking, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and spending time with his partner and two dogs.
Ben McKay - Road Team Customer Service Representative
Ben McKay is a Road Team Customer Service Representative at West Music, having joined the team in March 2023. Prior to this role, he worked for the Rock Island/Milan School District. Ben is a seasoned trumpet player with 18 years of experience and holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Augustana College. He loves performing alongside other talented musicians and enjoys being surrounded by musical instruments and fellow musicians at West Music. In his free time, Ben stays busy playing in a band and participating in several community ensembles.
Nick Vasquez - Repair Administration Specialist
Nick Vasquez serves as a Repair Administration Specialist at West Music, where he has been ensuring the smooth repair of instruments for the past year and a half. Before joining West Music, Nick worked as a piano instructor and professional musician. He has been playing the piano for 18 years and holds a B.A. in Music Theory & Composition. Nick cherishes having an outlet for creative expression through music and finds great satisfaction in helping people get their instruments repaired so they can return to playing. He prioritizes making sure customers understand and feel comfortable with the repair work being done on their instruments. In his free time, Nick enjoys playing and writing music.
Thomas Wood - String Technician
Thomas Wood is a seasoned String Technician at West Music, where he has been expertly maintaining and repairing string instruments for 11 years. Prior to this role, Thomas was a 5-12 school band director and has played all woodwind instruments for an impressive 61 years. He holds a Master's degree from the University of Iowa and has enjoyed a successful teaching career alongside 30 years as a professional bassoonist. Thomas values the sense of musical teamwork and enjoys the friendly colleagues at West Music. His passion lies in ensuring efficient service for musicians of all levels. When not working, Thomas enjoys playing with his grandchildren.
Kim Saito - Band Repair Technician
Kim Saito is a highly skilled Band Repair Technician at West Music, where she has been perfecting her craft for the past 18 years. Before joining West Music, Kim graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and obtained a band repair degree from Red Wing. She is proficient in playing all band instruments, with a particular focus on the clarinet and specializing in flute repair. Kim has been playing since the 5th grade, accumulating 30 years of musical experience. She cherishes the opportunity to play with other musicians and enjoys the challenges that come with repairing a variety of instruments at West Music. Outside of work, Kim loves spending time with her family and traveling.
Kendall Hengst - Repair Tech/Lessons Teacher
Kendall Hengst is a dedicated Repair Technician and Woodwind Lessons Teacher at West Music, where he has been contributing his expertise for the past three years. Before joining West Music, Kendall worked as a barista while completing his studies. He plays all saxophones, clarinets, and the flute, with 17 years of playing experience. Kendall holds a B.A. in Music from Augustana College and a Certificate of Band Instrument Repair from Minnesota State College Southeast. He performs with numerous ensembles in the Quad Cities Area, including the Quad City Music Guild, Spotlight Theatre, and Quad City Wind Ensemble. Kendall's favorite part of being a musician is the sense of community it fosters. His dual role at West Music allows him to provide a unique perspective to his students, as he helps them play the same instruments he expertly repairs.