COOPER MUSIC - Key Persons
Chad grew up in Russellville, Arkansas playing trumpet in the school band. He also played drums in a rock band, which he continues to perform with today. He graduated from Russellville High School and began working in his family's trucking business; however, his love of music drew him towards a different profession. His life long friendship with Hal opened the door as an Apprentice Repairman over twenty years ago. He honed his skills and ultimately became a Master Brass Repairman. In 2005, he was named the Shop Foreman, where he oversees all activities in the shop and provides the ultimate in customer service.
Clay brings an incredible work ethic and warm personality to our staff, after three decades of serving as a dedicated band director. He received his BME from Arkansas Tech University and MME with an emphasis in conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Clay has served as a major role in the band community, being an active adjudicator and clinician throughout Arkansas, past president of The Arkansas International Association for Jazz Education, and having helped form the new chapter of Arkansas Jazz Educators. In Clay's spare time, he loves to hike, cook, and smoke cigars with his wife, Julie. He also has five daughters, a grandson, and two dogs.
Hal Cooper, Jr. is the co-owner and founder of Cooper Music based in Russellville, Arkansas. His music Company provides repair services, band instruments, music supplies and anything else a director could need. He travels weekly to schools and universities around the state. Hal has been in love with music his whole life. His father, being a decorated university band director, instilled in him a passion for band and music. Hal played in the school band and also in a rock band for many years, inspiring him early in life to pursue a career based in music. He graduated with an Associate's Degree in Music Science from Minnesota State University. Hal mastered his craft of repair and became a Master Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Technician. He is a member of The National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians and also serves on the board of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association as the Exhibitor Liaison. Before co-founding Cooper Music with his wife, Tracy, Hal worked with and alongside some of the best music store owners and repair technicians in the state. He has over 30 years of experience in the band industry. His great customer service and quality repair has established his presence in the band community.
Kelsey is a graduate of University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Strategic Communication. Before finding a home at Cooper Music, she worked as a communications assistant at Ozarks Outdoors and an English tutor for Student Support Services at her university; both positions helped her develop important skills in the customer service and marketing fields. Kelsey also designs and maintains our website, a skill and passion she has had since she was 8 years old. In her down time, she enjoys playing video games, studying languages, and playing piano.
Talon assists our band instrument company with customer service, bookkeeping, payroll and inventory. He comes to Cooper Music as a prior manager and bookkeeper for a janitorial service and a customer service rep for a call center. Talon has a bachelor's degree in History from Arkansas Tech University. He lives in Russellville with his wife, Summer, and their four dogs, Moxie, Hazel, Lux, and Zen. He enjoys playing video games and following his favorite football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tracy was educated at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a degree in accounting. She is a member of the Association of Government Accountants, The Arkansas Society of Public Accountants, and is an IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer. Before co-founding Cooper Music with her husband, Hal, she worked for both private company and public tax accounting firms. She now uses these skills to oversee all financial processes at Cooper Music.