Wholesale Trip To Minneapolis, MN

   A. Cavallo Violins has began to venture deeper into the world of wholesale.  With the size of the company having increased by a significant margin, A. Cavallo Violins is just beginning to explore the opportunities and benefits of wholesale. Employing the new whole sale name of  Musaica Imports, Dr. Ross and I (Daniel Jacobsen) began the company’s second wholesale trip, this time to Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota. We left at approximately a quarter to 6 in the evening on the thirteenth of July. After a little more than six hours of riding in a car, we arrived in Minneapolis exhausted from the long trip but ready to undertake the challenge that lay before us in the coming days.

     Instead of staying at a hotel during our trip, we stayed at the house of none other than the principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra, Anthony ross, the brother of Alex Ross. As soon as we arrived, we were immediately greeted by their family dog, Ozzy, bigger than any dog I’ve seen in my life, but yet the most gentle animal you could imagine.

     The next morning, we began our day by enjoying a relaxing breakfast at Einstein’s and then set out to see our first client. Every violin dealer had a different approach and desire as to what they were looking for in an instrument. Some wanted a thin finger board, others thought that a thick finger board was more desirable. Some clients were so particular with the fittings and other instrument pieces that they would sort through them and pick out the ones they wanted and the ones they didn’t want.  Some of our wholesale instrument fittings have designs upon them which aim them more at a very specific market of the music industry The smallest details upon our instrument fittings were closely scrutinized by the dealers we met with. To say the least, they were impressed with our selection of fittings and the price attached to them. However, at this time of year the music business is somewhat slow and clients we met with offered to give our offers more thought as business picks up during the school year.

     The clients we met with were overwhelmingly gracious towards Dr. Ross and me. They were professional and wanted to get straight to business, which we both appreciated.  The last thing you want is to spend two or three hours with the client talking and then leave empty handed. Luckily, our trip proved to be fruitful for the most part. Clients are becoming more accustomed to the new supply of Chinese instruments on our wholesale list. Normally when the common man thinks of a product labeled “Chinese”, the first thought that comes to mind is “cheap”. However, this is not the case for the line of Chinese instruments we have in our inventory. They are well made and easy on your wallet, a wonderful instrument for an intermediate string player.

     The wholesale path of Musaica Imports is proving to be an adventure, not only for myself, but for Dr. Ross and my fellow employees.  After this last business trip, it is safe to say that Musaica Imports is off to a good start.

 

-Daniel Jacobsen,

 Marketing Intern

Shop adventure into wholesale

Hello, I am Cassandra Johnson the new General Manager of A. Cavallo Violins, LLC. Just over one month ago I joined the team here, just as Chris ventured off to graduate school. It has been a wonderful life experiment thus far, with many things to learn and adjust to each day. Besides myself and Daniel, the summer intern joining the team, we have expanded the business from retail and online to include wholesale.

Prior to the actual instrument arrival many things were happening in the shop. Matt & Maddy vigorously re-organized the basement workshop achieving better utilization of space, labeling of parts and accessories, creative storage, tool organization, and much more. Upstairs, Daniel took on compiling a list of shops nationwide to be considered as dealers. Meanwhile, Alex and I compiled a catalog from Terms & Conditions to Inventory tables.

Within days of joining the team, boxes of violins arrived from China. We were immediately impressed with the appearance, quality, and tone of the instruments. The instruments are from a workshop that is 3 generations old, having survived time and the cultural revolution due to its locale. All wood used is from a logging operation in Tibet, owned by the same individual, and is aged and dry racked for a minimum of 10 years. Direct supervision is provided by the owner, with varnishing of the finer grade instruments completed in the United States.

Once the instruments arrived, Maddy and Matt found themselves engulfed with set-ups. Daniel, for much needed breaks from the computer, found himself in the shop polishing violins. I too, at times have found myself aiding in this step as there is simply so much to be done with a single instrument prior to sale. Maddy and Alex began discussing packing methods of fittings and instruments and arrangements were made. Time did not seem to be on our side until one Thursday evening, an hour before shop closed, Alex and I were forced into the basement for 2 hours due to severe weather which included tornadoes! During this time Alex began the inspection and completion process of the set-ups.

As time elapsed and the instrument set-ups were completed, Alex began making initial contacts with shops. This meant setting dates for the trip and making travel arrangements. It also included preparing and leaving 3 fairly new employees and an intern behind for 3 full days to manage shop!

The first trip went quite well, even though the drive was lengthened by detours due to flooding in Iowa. Now that Alex has returned we have received more violins and the entire process is beginning again... from set-ups to contacts, travel, and packing. I guess its safe to say that we have added another aspect to the everyday life of the violin shop...

My First Week

     My first week of work here at A. Cavallo Violins has been one of great experience. I have found myself to constantly be striving to take in as much information as possible. From day one here, I have always been open to suggestions from my fellow colleagues on how to improve upon my “first week of work” skills.

     My first day of work here was one filled with both learning and confusion. I walked through the door of A. Cavallo knowing my days of summer leisure were at an end. I was however ready for the challenge of proving myself, and my abilities to yet another individual. The normal “work week” here as proven somewhat similar to a “college week” so far. We arrive at work ready to undertake the tasks set before us. The college world operates very similarly.

     What exactly do I do here?  I assist and observe the marketing process the company goes through in order to sell items all the way from violins and bows to shoulder rests and rosin. With  the company size having increased by 50% from last year, the marketing process is becoming increasingly crucial for the well-being of this company. Along with the growth of sales, the positive reputation of A. Cavallo Violins has also become more widespread. You are able to see this on the faces of people when they walk through the door. Alex treats every customer as a friend and looks out for their interests and well-being.

     I have been very impressed with my fellow employees thus far. The moment I walked in the door, I felt a very warm and welcome atmosphere. They have in a way taken me under their wing and have helped me to deal with various situations I must meet throughout the day. They are always ready to lend a helping hand. My boss, Dr. Alex Ross has also reassured me at times when I feel overwhelmed with the new experiences I am processing. At the same time, he offers the excitement of a challenging work day every time I walk through the door. It keeps all of us on our feet and alert. The experience I learn here has so far and will be very valuable to my future in finding a career in this field. How has my first week here at A. Cavallo Violins been? It has been a challenging week, but it has also been a great week.

 

Daniel Jacobsen-

College Intern in Marketing

 

 

Omaha Conservatory of Music Institute: July 20-25, 2008

I was clicking around on violinist.com to find any listings of summer music camps or festivals that any of you local readers might be interested in. Unfortunately, Omaha's Conservatory of Music Institute wasn't on the list so I thought I'd give them a spotlight on the blog.

David Barg is the guest conductor for this year's Omaha Conservatory of Music Institute. He has numerous experiences leading. Barg has led accredited for school ensemble leaders, various State Music Educators Associations, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, and many others. He has received a BA from Columbia University in Art history and Languages, graduate work in flute performance at Temple University. He studied with Jean -Pierre Rampal at the Paris Conservatory and a principal flutist of the Bolshoi Ballet during its American Tours.

The conservatory also features guest artists and institute faculty members. You can choose from one of 5 Majors (each with 4 core classes): orchestral/band musicianship; conducting; piano; composition; or voice/musical theater. While you concentrate on your major, choose from 10 electives: acting skills; composing for film; conducting; rhythm jam; orchestration/score study; musical styles: popular music then and now; orchestral excerpt preparation; art and interpretation; musical theater voice/chorus; voice for instrumentalists. The Institute also feature a Junior Strings program for pre-Twinkle through Suzuki Book 3 and a Guitar Program.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2008 To download the brochure, click here.

Omaha Symphony Masterworks Series: Piano Extravaganza

Omaha Symphony Masterwork Series: Piano Extravaganza
Pianists: Orli Shaham, Stewart Goodyear, & Alexander Krosantia
Friday May 30th & Saturday May 31st, 8:00 p.m.
Holland Performing Arts Center

The Omaha Symphony concludes its Masterworks series with a PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at the Holland Performing Arts Center. This program features three of the greatest piano concertos ever written performed by three of the most dynamic pianists of our time. Pianists Orli Shaham, Stewart Goodyear and Alexander Korsantia play music by Mendelssohn, Grieg and Tchaikovsky. Both concerts take place at 8:00 p.m. in the Holland Center, at 13th and Douglas Streets.

Chg's Final Post on Corner Violin Shop...

September 15, 2006. My first day as a full time employee at A. Cavallo. When I jumped on board, we were down to 3 employees. The shop had lost its full time repair woman earlier that year and Les was still working part-time as he was finishing up his undergraduate degree. Just before we had arrived, the shop had its first real administrative employee but unfortunately we lost her as well.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I got there. As a former violinist, I may have had some idea of what customers wanted but this was a totally different arena. I had to be on my feet and learn to be a jack-of-all-trades. Learning the lingo of the trade, answering phones, shipping and packing, repair and maintenance, databasing, and ringing up customers.

I was beginning to think that my employment would be a temporary phase like my stint as an intern on the Hill or a landscaper at Lauritzen Gardens. After a year and a half later of working there, I came away with a lot from that experience. Initially, doing all those seemingly menial gopher runs made me aware of how hard small businesses work to survive. Not only did they have to worry about their daily operations but they had to grasp abstract business concepts like selling, marketing, advertising, managing, and administrating. However, I also realized that if a small business like a violin shop was to thrive, it had to go beyond that. It had to be emboldened with a creative entrepreneurial spirit.

With a chance to experiment in a business model and goal that I believed in, I dove right in and did as much as I could. I helped establish A. Cavallo's online presence. It first started with listing a few instruments on eBay. Then learning to sell on Amazon.com. We launched a brand new database driven website and it showed real signs of promise at the end of the year. Today, we're finally starting to see more sales on our website than our Amazon platform.

It's not just in cyber-space where we have expanded but inside the shop as well. We've gone from the local shop that services and sells string instruments, to a business that has ventured into other areas like accessories and fittings imported from abroad. Who knew that the shop would be able to hold more than 5 double basses at a time or sell to more out-of-state customers? In fact, this month we've officially started up a wholesale end of the business. Alessandro Imports is the name and we hope to see you on the road.

Our staff has also experienced expansion and change. Les Korus helped us with all of our repairs and rehairs, before he left to become a full time bow maker. I wish him all the luck! You've already seen Matt Mickelson hard at work at bridge carving. Maddy Mayer has been with us on and off throughout the year but will become a full fledged workshop manger after attending classes at Oberlin. Here to replace me is, Cassie Johnson. She'll be a top notch administrator (something the shop has always needed) and will be the first one to greet you when you step into the shop. I've already mentioned the arrival of Daniel Jacobson but it looks like he won't arrive until the beginning of June. Who knows, maybe his position as an intern will be the start of a summer internship program to come?

And finally of course, there's the blog that I launched in May of 2007. It first served as a place for me to document my time at the shop, make mental notes, and write any creative ideas during the dead days of the week. I've left the task to my fellow employees. Let's hope they decided to keep it going:)

May 24, 2008. My last day as a full time employee. I'm off to Ann Arbor where I will be studying architecture and urban design.

Omaha Symphony Casual Classics Series: Patriotic Parade

The Omaha Symphony’s CASUAL CLASSICS series wraps up on Saturday, May 24h with a PATRIOTIC PARADE. The performance will feature music from some of America’s most well-known composers, including Copland, Sousa, Ellington and Bernstein. The program takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Holland Center, at 13th and Douglas Streets. Ernest Richardson conducts.

Polish Maker's Spotlight: Szlachtowski, Koscielny, & Cracovia Workshop

For a number of years, the shop had been investing its time in locating world class contemporary makers from abroad such as Italy or Germany. However, it seems like the boss recently has had an interest in the up and coming makers of Eastern Europe like Poland, Czech Republic, or Romania. If you've kept tabs on my Twitter account, you may have heard about the arrival of some new instruments. Two of these will be the topic of today's entry as I show off some nice photos of the makers, talk more about their background, and a bit of history on Polish violin making.

Jan Szlachtowski was Born in 1951 in Nowry Targ, Poland. In 1970 he finished school in violin making in Zakopane where he worked under one of the old Polish Masters Jozef Bartoszek. From 1987 to 1988, he worked at W.H. Lee firm in Chicago. In 1988 he returned home to his birth city where he opened up shop and can still be found working today. His main area of work is cello which have established quite a reputation amongst dealers in the U.S.



The workshop of Master Jarek Koscielny in Czetochowa, the town of the famous Black Madonna which is frequently visited by Catholic tourists and pilgrimages. His violins are made in the Stradivari and Guarneri patterns with an antiqued varnish look.



The Cracovia Workshop was established about 6 years ago in Southern Poland. Polish Master Ryszard Florek runs the shop with 4 assistants in the town of Bielsko-Biala. All the instruments are "aged", antiqued, and treated in spirit varnish.


As you can see, some of the best contemporary makers are coming from Eastern Europe. You may think that violin making in these countries are a relatively new cultural phenomenon but not so! According to an article in the the Warsaw Voice, a majority of the Polish violin makers are members of the-oldest, after Italy's, organization of violin makers in Europe. The Association of Polish Artists Violin Makers (ZPAL) is reported to have 113 members and is celebrating its 54th anniversary this May.

In fact, Poland has had a richer history of violin making that dates as far back as the 16th century. The first great makers of that era, Marcin Groblicz I (1530-1609) and Baltazar Dankwart (mid-16th century - 1622), started two dynasties of outstanding violin makers which lasted until the 18th century. Some scholars even believe that the prototype of the violin originated in Poland. Relics such as a primitive fiddle from the 11th century, a five-string instrument from the 12th century and a six-string instrument in 15th-century serve as some of the strongest evidences for their case. A collection of these instruments can be found at the Museum of Musical Instruments in Poznań.

Many of today's Polish makers go through secondary school whose curricula include the art of violin making. There are currently two in the Poland that offer such programs: High School of Fine Arts in Zakopane and High School of Music in Poznań. These schools' graduates have an opportunity to continue their studies at the Violin Making Department of Poznań's Music Academy. This means that Poland is the only country in the world where violin makers can receive a university-level education.

After years of training and apprenticeships, many of them have established their workshop in the mountainous region of Poland. Due to the low cost of labor in Eastern Europe, a favorable currency exchange rate for the US Dollar, and a tradition of highly trained makers, these instruments can be compared with others that are worth two or more times their market price.

One hectic day at the shop...

Wednesday is supposed to be our slow day but as Alex would put it, "We've been cooking with grease!" The last few days have been surprisingly busy as we've seen an uptick in the local foot traffic. I jokingly told Matt that we needed to log in all of his catch phrases he uses around the shop. Just to list a few, Alex often answers the phone with default lines such as, "Oh my gosh, I have been so busy that I haven't had time to come up for air, what's up?." Or another one of my favorite ;) is, "How you doin', we've been goin' like non-stop, a million miles an hour."

The morning shipments arrived with a quite a few packages than the usual load of bow rehairs. Yes, it's here, our shipment of parts from India. I can't imagine that Matt was too excited to see this job again. It was one of the first tasks we had him do when he first started to work here a month or two ago. Luckily, Maddy officially came to work full time today and will definitely help him sort all those parts.



More practice at the computer desk for Cassie. Processing the paperwork of the daily Amazon and website orders were her first task before she moved onto listing eBay descriptions. This is Cassie's official first week but she's adapted to the shop very well. For every little gopher task we've asked her to do, she's completed it quickly and replied with a new catch phrase that's been added to the shop vocabulary, "I win." Every little task was a game so I jokingly said, okay, you'll win a prize next time you've finished this or that. Her first prize was a Nilla Waffer ("borrowed" from Maddy). Her second prize was a can of V8 Splash I found somewhere in the back of the office.



As I was about to guide her with PayPal payments, the door chime rang. For the next few hours, I would her send her out to assist Alex in any sales or visits. Meanwhile, Maddy's mom and grandparents came to visit. I wish I had the card reader for my camera because I have a good shot of Maddy showing off an electric violin to her grandfather.



As for me, I managed to sell a violin! It's can be fun when I get interact with customers first since Alex is usually the go-to-guy. He was a bit tied up today, trying to take care of two cello customers. Cassie was still in training so there wasn't a whole lot she could to help but to assist in the sale.

Last week for Chris Gerdes. A. Cavallo down a man. Substitution summer intern Daniel Jacobson, next week. A. Cavallo back soon to be back at full strength.

Shot of the Day: Hanging Despiau Tree Bridges

My NikonD70 camera finally came back from the shop. The camera had this problem of interlacing the previous images that were taken and as a result the files were either unreadable or corrupt. The repairman had to replace this small little electronic component inside which did some damage to my bank account but I can swallow it with a dose of reality. Afterall, it's a highly specialized form of skilled labor, something which I clearly started to understand after seeing our guys at A. Cavallo do work on the benches. It just like any old rehair or new bridge that needs to be carved. The real cost isn't the material, it's the labor.

So what I've been doing for the past few days is trying to wrap up my last week here with my newly repaired camera. You know, some memorable photos along the way. I took some shots of Matt working at the bench. Then some other featured objects in the shop that customers might spot or find interesting. A good one I took has been the string of hanging bridges. Alex leaves them out to hand so they'll dry out.

Eventually, I'll do a more formal shoot of our new employees. Maddy is officially working today and so is Cassie. Look forward for to a future posting about them with full introductions.