Stanton’s Hosts RPMDA! Monday, May 13, 2013
Stanton’s was honored to be the host dealer for this year’s RPMDA Convention held May 1-4. RPMDA is an organization of sheet music retailers and publishers who meet annually to discuss topics related to selling print product. As the host dealer for the convention, Stanton’s opened our doors for a tour of the store and a private “Tailgate Party” for our guests.
For an event of this size, we needed to secure a noise permit, a fire permit and a building permit to erect the 3200 square foot tent from Lasting Impressions event rental. With a “tailgate” themed party, we turned to JP’s Barbeque for catering and Hospitality Inc. for setting up the open cocktail party. The tent and party was set up in the South side of our ample parking lot, and guests could easily mingle and socialize inside and outside of our large store. For entertainment, we asked Ben Huntoon, Stanton’s resident “Jazz Guy,” to put together an 18-piece big band featuring some of Columbus’ top jazz players. The “Stanton’s Reading Band” included jazz educators from The Ohio State University, Capital University, Otterbein University, Denison University, Columbus City Schools, members of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, as well as alumni of the Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Bill Watrous and Woody Herman 
bands. So did we hire a good band…no, we hired a GREAT band! The band’s 2-hour set was some of the best powerhouse jazz played in Columbus, and was certainly a highlight of the convention. Over the next few days, many guests from the party told us that it was one of the best activities they’d ever attended associated with RPMDA!
Stanton’s Sheet Music is so proud to have had this opportunity to open our store up to the network of music store owners, buyers and publishers across the country. With the success of our party and the vibrancy of our Downtown, Arena District and Short North areas, we hope that all the convention participants were assured that Columbus is an exciting, metropolitan capital. Thanks to all who attended and see you next year in Dallas!