Busines of the month: Music Families The opening of Music and Families, a music store for the whole family, continues a legacy begun generations ago. Both Claude and Deanna (Hammond) Nielsen grew up in southeast Idaho. Having raised their family in the Blackfoot area, the Nielsens were especially interested in giving back to and strengthening the community. Last August, Claude and their daughter. Larene, opened Music Families, in the old Milmor Hotel, downtown Blackfoot. Both of the Nielsenshad grandfathers who played several instruments. And now, with Deanna playing the piano, and Claude the violin and viola, the musical legacy continues, passed to the next generations of musical children and grandchildren. Not a day goes by that their two-year old grandson, Julian, doesn't play his one-eighth size violin. Because of the joy and blessings that have come to their family through music, it has become their mission to help other families create greater unity and happy memories with music. When Larene was 8 years old, having already taken piano lessons for two years, she asked if she could start taking violin lessons, too. Her father had inherited his grandad's violin years before. He said "Okay; you can start if I can take them with you." So at 45 years of age, Claude began learning how to play the violin. One of Claude's teacher, Susan Tripp, suggested he learn how to build violins as well. Taht piqued his engineering mind, and, having a love of learning and woodworking already, he began attending workshops to learn how to build and repair violins. That was 1995, and Claude has been repairing and making violins ever since. He and daughters Larene, Andrea, and Montana all play violins made by him. Throughout the years, the Nielsen family has entertained at parties, family functions, church meetings, weddings, and funerals, bringing joy, inspiration, or comfort to those attending. Their youngest daughter is serving a mission for the LDS church in New York City, and has had teh opportunity of playing her violin in the subways, singing on buses, and using music to soften hearts and bring sunshine to others' lives. Two daughters teach music lessons in the community. Violin lessons are offered at the store. A great day for Claude or Larene is wehn they ahve the opportunity to visit witha mother, father or grandparent about playin music with their children. Last fall Claude visited with a gentlemen, his hair tinged with gray, about music in his life. The man said "You know, some of my best memories of growing up are from when my grandad and I played the guitar together." Claude asked him "So...What are you doing for your grandson?" The guy was visibly moved and vowed to start playing with him. Inspiration and motivation for creating music in your family can be found at Music Families. Instruments of all kinds, print music, CD's, boks, abnd many music accessories, from reeds, strings, and guitar straps to metronomes and gifts can be found in the Nielsen's store. "We're always increasing our inventory," Larene pointed out. "We are excited to be bringing in Blueridge Acoustic Guitars in March." Music Families can order jsut about anything in; if you don't see what you want, ask. Music teachers have found it to be a real convenience to order music and have it available for their students to pick up at the store every Friday. A bulletin board for music teachers gives students and teachers alike an opportunity to make connections. Larene noted, "There are many music teachers and students in the Blackfoot community. We are working to create a central place for the sharing of informatino and idea." Music Families is loacted at 91 N Broadway, next door to Wally's Jewelry. Store ohurs are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m., and Saturday's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can call at 782-9768, or email requests or questions to info@musicfamilies.com. Their website is MusicFamilies.com. Both Claude and Larene agree that this is about the most fun they've ever had. "Come on in and look around. We're a family-friendly business, where children can play in a Kid's Korner while parents browse. Bring your family. We'd like to meet you!" |