Great Bend, KS ­ A440 Music (http://www.A440greatbend.com) announced today that JoAnn Gaunt has joined the A440 team to further develop their growing musical instrument repair and supply services. JoAnn Gaunt is a musician, teacher, and band instrument repair technician who grew up in Great Bend.
JoAnn holds a diploma in band instrument repair from Minnesota State College, Southeast Technical in Red Wing, Minn. After graduating from the Band Instrument Repair Program she worked for BAC Horn doctor of Olathe, and the Musician’s Friend Distribution Center in Kansas City, Mo.
JoAnn received a B.A. in music from Fort Hays State University in 2011. While there she studied Saxophone and Clarinet under Dr. Kristen Pisano. JoAnn performed with many ensembles at FHSU including the Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble I.
In April 2012, JoAnn completed extensive training to become a licensed Simply Music Piano Teacher. Simply Music Piano is a playing­ based program that looks at music in a totally new light. Its approach profoundly differs from the more common, “reading ­based” methods. JoAnn currently teaches this exclusive piano method and provides saxophone lessons in her private studio. In addition, Ms. Gaunt is the Director of Bands for Holy Family School in Great Bend.
JoAnn is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Association of Band Instrument Repair Technicians.
Joann joins A440 as repair shop manager to continue A440’s recent success providing rental, sales, and repair services to musicians throughout central Kansas. Joann comments “I am excited to start a new challenge with A440 Music and look forward to working with Brian, Dan, and Joel to further develop their ability to provide quality instruments to the student and adult musicians of our area.”
Dan Heath, co­-owner of the store with Brian Bellendir, said “Joann’s unique combination of experience as a musician, band director, and repair technician will make her a key addition to the A440 Music family. We view her appointment as a sign of our commitment to bringing high quality repair work done by knowledgeable and friendly technicians who know how to play the instruments they service. By adding JoAnn to our staff, we will be able to make regular on site visits to area schools and continue the fast turnaround on repairs that we have become known for..”
A440 Music is a full service nusical instrument supply and repair store which offers customers a range of quality music products and services to suite their needs. A440 began as a workshop in Brian Bellendir’s garage and has since grown to include band and orchestra sales, rentals and service as well as gear for guitar, bass, keyboard and drum players of all styles and abilities.  A440’s goal is to become the Central Kansas headquarters for musical instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and advice.