![]() He retained his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors and devoted his time to the development of Miyazawa Flutes USA. Also, in 1980, Pearl West stepped down as President of West Music. What began as a 12-page black-and-white catalog evolved into the current full color, 200-plus page catalog that is sent to elementary schools, universities, and churches throughout the United States and abroad. Steve West’s passion for elementary music education led to the formation of the West Music Music Education Catalog Department in 1980. West flutes, and all flute manufacturing was transferred to Japan. Pearl discontinued the limited production of P.L. A new division of West Music, Miyazawa Flutes USA, was established to distribute this outstanding professional flute on a national level. In 1977 West Music was awarded the exclusive distribution rights of Miyazawa Flutes from Japan to the United States the original relationship with Miyazawa began primarily thanks to Pearl’s expertise in flute design and production. ![]() The move allowed for greater expansion of all departments, including guitars, keyboard, and lesson studios. In 1973, the downtown Iowa City location moved to its current location in Coralville. Shortly after, a second West Music location was opened in east Iowa City. Steve West joined the company in 1969, after graduating from the University of Iowa. West Music’s inventory expanded to include not only band instruments and pianos, but guitars, drums, percussion, and amplifiers. West Flute) in the basement of their home. Pearl designed and built the first Westwind flute (later called the P.L. A new location was established with West Music selling musical instruments and repairs on the first floor at 14 South Dubuque Street and Eble Music on the second floor, selling print music.ĭuring the early 1950’s, Pearl and Eleanor continued to operate West Music, with Eleanor serving as the office bookkeeper while raising their two children, Shari and Steve. Pearl West purchased the musical instrument and Charlie Eble purchased the print music inventory from Huyett Music. Chris Peterson continued to play extensively in touring dance bands for the remainder of the war.Īfter the war, Pearl West again established a storefront for the retail sale of musical instruments and repairs, West Music Company. In April 26, 1943, the partnership was dissolved, Pearl West returned to teaching woodwinds at City High School, in Iowa City during the day, and at night, continued the repair business in the back of Huyett Music. To save money the partnership closed their first location and moved shop to the back of Huyett Music Company at 110 Iowa Avenue in the summer of 1942. The partnership continued, though availability of instruments and accessories became more and more difficult. A mere five months after establishing the new music company, World War II was declared. They opened Peterson-West Music Company, a music retail and repair shop, on 24½ South Clinton Street in Iowa City, Iowa, above the current the Airliner Restaurant/Bar. Following their marriage, the Wests returned to Iowa City for Pearl to complete his college degree. There he met Eleanor Bosworth they were married on March 15, 1940. In 1939, prior to receiving his degree, Pearl moved to Des Moines to work as a repairman for the Paul Wendel Music Company. While attending the UI in pursuit of a music education degree, Pearl repaired university instruments and played in a number of big bands. When Gower was hired as the high school band director at City High in Iowa City, he encouraged Pearl to move to Iowa City as well and enroll at the university. In 1931, Pearl moved to Centerville, Iowa to finish high school and pursue his interest in music and ability for instrument repair with the director of Centerville High School, William Gower. Pearl toured and played throughout southern Iowa and northern Missouri in his youth. When the Great Depression negatively impacted farming, the family turned to playing music to survive. West Music Founding and Early Years: 1914 – 1960 West Music’s founder, Pearl West, was born in 1914 to a very musical family.
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