President/CEO, John Stoner, Announces Retirement from Conn-Selmer, Inc. - Stephen Zapf Named Successor

Elkhart, IN – August 26, 2019 – Conn-Selmer, Inc. announces that John Stoner, President/CEO of Conn-Selmer, Inc. will retire effective Friday, August 30, 2019. Stephen Zapf has been selected to take over as President/CEO and will formally join the company on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.

Mr. Stoner has been with Conn-Selmer for 17 years and during his tenure made a significant impression on the music industry since joining the company in 2002. Ben Steiner, COO/CFO for Steinway Musical Instruments remarked, “John helped to transform the landscape of Conn-Selmer” and leveraged the impact of the company not only within the music industry, but also in the field of music education. Mr. Stoner’s departure “leaves a profound footprint and legacy.”

As John begins his transition he said, “I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work with all of the employees of Conn-Selmer, all the dealers, educators, and artists in this incredible industry.  I am extremely proud of all that Conn-Selmer has accomplished during my tenure and that we have been able to continue the legacy of producing musical instruments in the United States. I would like to thank everyone for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my 17 years with the company.  Although I will miss everyone and the company, I am looking forward to the next chapter that lies in front of me.”

Conn-Selmer’s next President/CEO is Stephen Zapf. Steve’s great-grandfather and grandfather started Zapf’s Music in Philadelphia in 1928 and it was from an early age that Steve’s love for music and the music industry was born. Steve mentions, “John has been a friend and tireless supporter of music education for many years; he leaves big shoes to fill and I know that we will all miss him.  It is my honor to build on his legacy and lead Conn-Selmer through a new era of growth and innovation in music around the globe. I am fortunate to inherit a great team and have access to necessary resources to reinvest in a suite of iconic brands including Selmer, Bach, Conn, Ludwig, Musser, Leblanc and more.“

About Conn-Selmer

Conn-Selmer is the leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments for student, amateur and professional use under the brand portfolio of Vincent Bach, C.G. Conn, King, Holton, Selmer, Armstrong, Leblanc, Ludwig, Musser, and Scherl & Roth. With a focus on quality craftsmanship,

innovation and superior musical performance, Conn-Selmer operates U.S.A. production facilities and is the North American distributor of Henri Selmer Paris woodwinds, and Yanagisawa saxophones. For more information on the complete line of instruments, services and support available contact Conn-Selmer at P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.

About the Division of Education at Conn-Selmer

The Conn-Selmer Division of Education, led by Vice President of Education, Tim Lautzenheiser, is dedicated to providing exemplary programs, services and advocacy tailored to the positive growth and development of music education around the globe. This mission is accomplished through five main areas including the Educational Clinician Network, Conn-Selmer Institute, Conn-Selmer VIP Program, the Music Administration Collaborative and the Conn-Selmer School Partnership Program. Collectively we seek a world where every child has access and support to a quality music education. For more information, visit http://education.conn-selmer.com or contact us at, education@conn-selmer.com, or 574-523-0698.