One of the reasons the St. Louis Music Sales Team is so dedicated to great products and service is because they’re often musicians themselves or have a deep passion for music and education. In our “Meet Your SLM Sales Team” series, we’ll be giving you a glimpse at why our colleagues are so driven by music, and what inspires them. For May, 2017, we’re honored to introduce you to Randy Dukes…
Where are you from? Where did you study?
A: I grew up in Illinois, right across the river from St. Louis. I attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville studying Jazz Performance and Music Education.
Are you musical? If so, what do you play and with what bands?
A: I’m a multi-instrumentalist. Saxophone is my main instrument. I’ve played around St. Louis since 1995 in various bands. (Jazz, pop, r&b, and wedding bands)
Please describe your career path before SLM, ie. companies you have worked for, mentors you may have had, any sideways paths you may have taken….
A: I started at St. Clair Music Service in Belleville IL as an instructor and eventually moved into retail, selling Alvarez and Blessing instruments. From there I moved to Alton and worked at Winds & Strings Music selling mainly String instruments, and then Hazelwood Missouri at Dale’s Music where we did everything from PA to sheet music.
How did you first connect with the SLM Team?
A: When I worked at St. Clair Music, Craig Breckenridge was my inside rep at SLM. We also purchased from US Band and Orchestra. That is where I met Mark Ragin and Gail Rose
What is the most invaluable insight you have learned in your time at SLM? How does this affect your approach to work and life outside the office?
A: Not just at SLM, but while working in music retail I realized the importance of music in our schools. So many schools are losing their arts programs. Here at SLM I get to work with people whose lives have all been touched my music in some way, and we all work together to help those brick and mortar stores that are out there supporting music all across the country.
What do you do that inspires you outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my family, my son, and playing music every chance I get.
