'It's the most exciting time of year': Topeka music store gears up for busy season
TOPEKA (KSNT) - September marks the busy season for local music shops in Topeka as beginning, middle and high school band are getting back into the swing of things.
Manning Music has been serving the musicians in the capital city for more than 35 years. From instrument loans and lessons, to repairs, a new school year means many new faces walking through their doors.
Store owner Todd Manning told 27 News he's thrilled to welcome all the new musicians.
"This is the busiest time of year," Manning said. "It happens every year, all the kids getting out and getting started with beginning band. It's also the most exciting time of year."
The music store partners with almost every single school district in the area to provide instruments and services to band and orchestra programs.
"We work with about every school district in the area, either public schools or the precocial schools," Manning said. "We're interested in getting all the band programs off on a good foot. We're excited to help no matter what."
Getting off on the good foot can mean treating instruments with care, but that doesn't always happen.
KSNT 27 News spoke with Loren Gladson, an instrument repairman for Manning Music who's been fixing instruments for more than 35 years. He told 27 News while this time may be the busiest time of year, doing what he loves never gets old.
"I find it just gratifying," Gladson said. "You know, in some cases as you get older it can be more of a hobby job. It's not something that you necessarily have to do full time."
This time of year can be stressful for employees, but it can mark the start of a new musicians journey. And for Manning and his employees, that makes it all worthwhile.
"It's always exciting this time of year. So many kids coming in, there's nothing like seeing the enthusiasm and light in kids' eyes when they get their first instrument," Manning said. "You can tell kids have been thinking about this all summer."
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.