MAY 5 I AMERICAN BAND INSTRUMENT SERVICE I ANNIVERSARY
American Band Idol

American Band Instrument Service in Tyler, Texas, celebrated its 20th anniversary on April 10 with an outdoor party, which included live music and refreshments.

During the anniversary celebration, the store held its eighth annual American Band Idol competition. Middle school and high school bands of every musical style were invited to perform for three judges, who provided the students with encouragement and constructive criticism after their performances.

Thirty-four musicians competed. The band Mike and Chris, comprised of members Mike Graham and Chris Smith, claimed the winning title. They received a 5-foot-tall trophy, American Band Idol T-shirts and a Pearl Firecracker snare drum.

American Band Instrument Service owner Mac Miller said the anniversary celebration resulted in a 22-percent sales increase over last year’s event. Several professional wind instruments were also sold during and soon after the competition. Accessory sales also rose.

“We are so happy to make it this far,” Miller said. “A lot of people said we wouldn’t last six months. Then they said we wouldn’t last one year, then five years. Our anniversary is all about encouraging young musicians and supporting them in band at school.”

bandusa.com