Vince McBryde, left, and Tom Burzycki in 1997

MAY 1 I OBITUARY
Vince McBryde Dies

Vince McBryde, former NASMD president and longtime MI industry veteran, passed away on April 26. He was 77 years old.

NAMM's Dan Del Fiorentino wrote the following tribute:

"Just a few weeks ago, Vince and I spoke about my next trip to Elkhart, Indiana, to capture several more interviews. Vince was always my go-to man for Elkhart and was excited to help me make arrangements with those on our wish list. When I heard he passed away yesterday, I thought of how a trip to Elkhart will never be the same again.

"Vince picked up the saxophone at the age of 5 and played in bands throughout high school and into college, where he studied music with the hopes of becoming a band director. After a year of teaching, he fell into the music products industry where he became a leader and visionary. After working in retail, Vince began working for United Musical Instruments (UMI) in Elkhart, Indiana, before becoming the vice president in charge of moving the King Instrument Company from East Lake, Ohio, to Elkhart. He later worked for Selmer, Brook Mays and Blessings, among others in a long and successful career in the music industry.

"Here is a segment from his 2008 NAMM Oral History interview.

"Thank you Vince for all you taught me and your dedication to the industry, which has always been a source of inspiration for me."