Local Music Store Continues Music Legacy

Joliet is known as “The City of Champions.”  

And one reason is because of the legacy of outstanding musicians and school band programs. It even extends to the well-known music programs such as the Joliet Junior Concert Band and the Joliet American Legion Band.

To continue the musical success, musicians need the necessities to keep their instrument in the utmost condition. 

West Side Music Center in Joliet, can help provide those needs.

They have reeds for wind instruments, valve and slide oil for brass instruments and drum sticks and guitar picks. They also have music books and stands. These are just some of the important things musicians need that can be bought at West Side Music Center.

Jenny Scherf, owner of West Side Music Center, said her prices are comparable or less expensive than other music stores in the area.

“It’s economical to purchase things at West Side, especially in this economy,” Scherf said. “We are conveniently located and we are honest here.”

Students, church groups and music teachers receive a 10 percent discount on accessories, she said.

Rental

Although customers come to West Side to rent instruments, mainly for beginning band students, the big box stores, such as Quinlan and Fabish control the rental monopoly in the school systems.

According to both Jenny and Mark Scherf, Jenny’s husband and co-owner, they can attend local school band open houses and recommend their store and lesson programs, but unfortunately they are restricted to give information about their rental program.

“They have been a thorn in our side,” Mark Scherf said. “They have a hold on our music programs.”

The Scherf’s use K&S Music Inc. of Berkeley Heights, N.J. to accommodate their rental services.

“I wish the schools would open up communication more,” said Jenny Scherf. “The little guy can’t get in. The schools say they have no money, but they go with a rental company that is not local. We pay local taxes.”

Mark Scherf started a band program at St. Paul the Apostle School, where he uses his rental program. His son and daughter attend the school. He originally went to the Joliet Park District with the idea. Unfortunately, the program did not meet the required enrollment.

Lessons

“Musicians Serving Musicians” is not just a slogan but a way of life at West Side Music Center. Everyone staffed at West Side Music are active musicians with a firm knowledge of music theory; many who have college level educations.

Jenny Scherf said all the private instructors are professional musicians. Some are in local rock bands; one is a member of the Joliet American Legion Band; and there even is an instructor who won a Grammy Award.

“We are the best place in the whole town,” Jenny Scherf said. “We have the best teachers.”

And those professionals are not limited to those who teach music. Those who service the instruments are professionals too.

Eventually, all instruments need to be checked on and repaired. 

“Our repairman is a retired band director,” Jenny Scherf said. “People have brought in instruments you think are beyond repair and he has resurrected them. They look like brand new when he is done.”

Lessons take place Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The store is packed with instrumentalists on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to Jenny Scherf, lessons are provided for any instrument. Lessons are given on the standard band instruments as well as guitar and violin, she said. 

“There is even a girl who is taking accordion lessons,” Jenny Scherf said, adding that it was surprising and unique.

West Side Music Center offers three lesson payment options to meet the musician’s budget, Jenny Scherf said. Lessons are charged at $20 per half-hour session payable on a weekly basis. A monthly and a 12-week program, which lessens the cost of the weekly lesson, are available, she said.

Students taking lessons will participate in two recitals per year held at local nursing homes.

A “School of Rock” program, a.k.a “Band Camp,” is another option available for students. This is a 10-week group session program in addition to the weekly private lessons. It culminates with the store’s annual Minipalooza Benefit Concert and Silent Auction in August.

The concert is held at Live 59 in Plainfield, a local club for teens. 

“It’s amazing how good some of these kids play,” Jenny Scherf said.

For more information on West Side Music Center, visit the store on Facebook or at their Web site.