Shawnee Mission West H.S. does not endorse one company over another, but here are just a few resources that have been helpful to the bands and band students at West over the past several years. It is important to mention that support of our local music dealers is of primary importance. Money that you spend locally comes back to you and to West through investment of the local music store. PLEASE – try to shop locally as these music stores do a LOT for the local music education market through re-investing in our local schools in many different ways. They are our partners in education! Internet business sometimes offer good deals, but all of your money leaves the local area and they give NOTHING back to the local students.

REW Music (Full Service) *** 

Owned by Bob Woepple and operated in the Lenexa area for many years, is the most used full service music store in our area. Bob’s children have all attended West H.S. He has also volunteered his services as an assistant director for many years. He is still very active with the West Bands. REW can handle most all of your instrumental needs from reeds, mouthpieces, oil and other accessories to new horns. Start here for everything you need for your band experience. Their address is: 12842 W 87th Street Pkwy. www.rewmusic.net

Explorers Percussion (percussion instruments and music)

Explorers Percussion on Wornall street is THE store for percussionists. Think of it as a toy store for drummers! The owners are a great couple who are percussionists, know percussion and are professionals in the business. Their staff is wonderful as representatives. www.explorersdrums.com

J.W. Pepper Music (print music only)

J.W. Pepper (formerly Wingert-Jones Music) has served the Kansas City and Midwest area since the mid 1960s. The staff is helpful, LOCAL and eager to help plus you have a national network of stores from which music can be shipped. The firm J.W. Pepper was founded just after the Civil War, so they have been around for awhile. If you are looking for any kind of sheet music – they can get it! Pepper has a local store in at 14651 W. 95th St. www.jwpepper.com

Luyben Music (print music)

It might be helpful for those folks who are always shopping for solos and ensembles to know that Luyben is THE source for small ensemble and solo works for the Conservatory. The selection and help are the BEST! Mr. Luyben was a clarinet player (Luyben Ligatures for the clarinet were his invention) and was in the Navy band. Ms. Luyben (Mrs. Coble) is the owner and operator. Small, family business that DOES IT RIGHT! She is also one of the most respected clarinet players and dealers in the country. www.luybenmusic.com

Meyer Music (Full Service)

Meyer Music is owned by the Meyer Family in Blue Springs Mo. Each son is owner/manager of his own store and Michael does a great job with the store closest to us at 135th & Quivira (11890 W. 135th St.) They too are honest, fair and very helpful. www.meyermusic.com