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.
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
Jacob Hoskins
Brass Specialist & Shop Manager
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
Jacob DeWitt is a graduate with a Bachelor’s from Wayne State University and Master's degree from Western Michigan University.
Specializing in jazz performance, Jacob primarily plays saxophone and doubles in flute and clarinet.
Outside of performing, Jacob enjoys writing, recording, and teaching all styles of music.
Jacob DeWitt
Sales Associate & Saxophone Instructor
get in touch with Jake:
Jacobdewitt7@gmail.com
Aaron Is a Senior at Kent City High School.
He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and has a deep passion for music.
He plays many instruments and was a Drum Major for 2 years at Kent City High School. He also engages in WGI with LSM WEST as a tuba player.
Aaron Schnicke
Sales Associate & Intern
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.
get in touch with Clint:
mottelerc@gmail.com
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
Nate Moored graduated from Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University for Trombone Performance. Also dabbling in piano and French horn, he loves to play music with others.
When not playing his instrument, Nate loves arranging, reading, gaming, and hanging out with his wife, Sarah.
Nate Moored
School Service Specialist
Kristi has been with WMBI since the beginning and handles all aspect of customer service, including invoicing, phone calls, inventory, and office work.
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
Billing & Accounts Manager
Owner
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
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
