From our family to yours.

MEET OUR TEAM

Ben Piela graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor's degree in Trumpet Performance and enjoys performing music with as many people as possible. Before his career at WMBI, Ben worked in Operations Management for 3+ years.

Ben's favorite part about working at WMBI is the ability to be around other musically-minded folks, as well as having the opportunity to provide 1:1 lessons, professional-level instruments, and the best customer service available.

Benjamin Piela

General Manager

get in touch with ben:
benpiela@westmichiganband.com

Kristi has been with WMBI since the beginning and handles all aspect of customer service, including invoicing, phone calls, inventory, and office work...she really does it all!

Her favorite part about working at WMBI is being with family and meeting and serving new people. Kristi enjoys being able to help families by donating instruments and services.

Kristi Didaskalou

Accounts & Billing

Owner/President

David Didaskalou

David has been in the music business since he was only 14 years old. He was trained by his older brother, Nick Didaskalou, and was mentored by Max Colley Jr., Jon Montgomery, and Roy Emerson.

His favorite thing about owning his own business is being able to spend time with his family, help those in need, and make customers happy.

get in touch with Dave:
westmiband@yahoo.com

Jacob Hoskins

Brass Technician/Specialist

A Houghton College graduate with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry & Business Administration, Jacob is passionate in providing quality services and products that will further advance players and their musical creativity.
Under the guidance of Eric Satterlee at Meridian Winds for over 6 years, Jacob became well-versed in the field of music retail and repair. Additionally, Jacob is the owner and operator of his small business, Bájoc Music—which is tailored towards offering high brass players custom mouthpieces, components, and instrument enhancement products.

get in touch with Jacob:
jacob@westmichiganband.com

With a Bachelor of Music Education from Calvin College and a Master’s in Education from Cornerstone College, Jenni has over a decade of experience as a band and music teacher. Her passion for woodwind repair began at the Yamaha Musical Products factory, where she had the privilege of learning from skilled QA technicians, production workers, and Pro Shop employees. Jenni further honed her skills by attending specialized training with renowned technician Cliff Ferrees and remain an active member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT).

Head Woodwind Technician

Jenni Pollmann

get in touch with Jenni:
jennip@westmichiganband.com

Clint Mottler

Brass/Woodwind Technician

Clint is a proud veteran and a former member of the military band. Clint has been repairing brass and woodwind instruments for over 33 years and was trained in the military band repair program.

Clint's primary instrument is the French Horn and enjoys teaching privately in between repairs.

Joyce received her Bachelor's in Music Education from WMU in 1988, and retired from Northview High School after directing bands for 33 years. She joined the WMBI team last summer and loves working with students, and has enjoyed providing school service for their families as well as band and orchestra directors.

She loves spending time with her husband, Tim, and five children who are the light of her life: Tim & his wife, Maggie, Shelby, Melody and Joey. When Joyce isn't at WMBI, her favorite activities include hiking, reading at the beach, catching sunsets and creating things with power tools.

Joyce Antel

Head of School Services

get in touch with JOYCe:
joyce@westmichiganband.com

Max Colley III was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the nationally recognized Northview High School where he won numerous awards. Max was a member of the 1986/1987 McDonalds All-American Band and Jazz Band. Max received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. Max has studied with Tim Froncek, Ken Olson, Greg Alley, Daniel Kovats, Dennis Horton, Marcus Belgrave, Rob Smith, Bobby Shew, and Jon Faddis. In 2014, Max was named Jazz Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. Max has released 5 CD's under his own name. Max is active in the West Michigan jazz scene teaching, giving clinics and workshops, and performing on trumpet and drums.

Max Colley III

School Service Specialist

get in touch with Max:
swingfactor@gmail.com

Will is a junior at Western Michigan University majoring in Music Education. Will is not only a gifted musician but also is a talented brass repair tech and salesman.

Will has served as first trumpet in the Rockford High School marching, concert, and jazz bands, and enjoys skiing in his free time.

Will Male

Sales Representative/Brass Tech

Joey Crowley

Sales Representative & Saxophone Specialist

Joey is a music education major and c-NAfME chapter president at Grand Rapids Community College. With a focus on the saxophone and conducting, she spends as much time teaching and helping local band directors as she can.

Dedicated to education, Joey’s favorite parts of working at WMBI are the opportunities to learn about instrument repair and equipment, and to meet other musicians and music educators.

Sammie has been with WMBI for nine years, and serves in a variety of different roles that include billing, inventory and stocking, and purchasing supplies!

She enjoys alongside of her mom, Kristi, and brothers, Micah and Dillon, and appreciates the flexibility it offers so she can spend time with her husband and two children.

Samantha Harder

Accounts & Billing,
Inventory & Stocking