Hey, I’m Linden. I co-founded Bandwagon Music & Repair back in 2016, and since then, every day has been a new adventure. I never really know who—or what—is going to walk through the door, and honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of this job. Over the years, this team has become one of the biggest reasons I look forward to coming in every day.

My background is in music education. I taught high school band for two years and middle school band for eight. While teaching middle school, I started learning instrument repair on the side, and that eventually turned into Bandwagon. I hold an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master’s in Instrumental Conducting and Pedagogy, but I’d say my biggest achievement by far is my family and kids.

My main instrument is saxophone, but I really enjoy playing all the wind instruments. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me out on a disc golf course—being in nature helps me reset and recharge. On weekends, I love hiking or hanging out with my family. And if there’s a cigar and a glass of bourbon involved? Even better.

If I could instantly master one skill, I’d love to speak Spanish fluently. I’m always down for a good dad joke, and my dad has had a huge influence on how I approach running a small business—he set the example long before I started Bandwagon. One life lesson I carry with me: People like to feel pretty. Doesn’t matter who you are, everyone deserves to feel good and be treated with respect.

Hi, I’m Jennifer! I’ve been with Bandwagon since day one—literally. Linden and I started this crazy journey in 2016, and it’s been an incredible ride. One of the most special things about working here is getting to do it alongside my husband, but I also genuinely love the team we’ve built. Our people are our greatest asset. Whether I’m helping a customer find the right fit for lessons, repair, or purchase—or just catching up with a staff member—I find so much joy in the relationships we’ve formed here.

I studied Music Education and spent years in the classroom before stepping into the behind-the-scenes world of running a business. I’m honored to have been selected for the 2024 Women of NAMM Summit, and I continue to look for ways to grow, improve, and support others—both in the shop and beyond. These days, my work mostly lives in operations, planning, team development, and keeping all the moving parts (and people!) flowing in the right direction.

Outside of Bandwagon, I homeschool our kids and love diving into just about any creative or practical project—gardening, reading, cooking, travel planning, crafting—you name it. If I could master any skill overnight, it’d be speaking another language… or finally getting comfortable with Adobe. Sundays are sacred for our family—church, brunch, and rest—and anytime I’m outside with the kids, that’s a win. A square of dark chocolate or some waffle fries doesn’t hurt either.

My biggest influence has been my Grandmama, who taught me the importance of hospitality, hard work, and always having something sweet on hand. She passed that legacy to my mom, and now I get to watch her carry that forward as a grandmother herself. That kind of generational love is priceless.

At the end of the day, I believe kindness wins. No one’s perfect—so give them grace.

Hey, I’m Nate. I’ve been with Bandwagon for two years now, managing the retail side of things and helping support our school services behind the scenes. Whether I’m answering questions, organizing the chaos, or just helping people find what they need, I love being part of a place that makes music more accessible—and honestly, working with this crew makes it easy to show up every day.

I play saxophones, flute, a bit of clarinet, and I’m slowly getting the hang of piano and guitar. I actually came to Bandwagon first as a customer, dropping off my sax for repairs. A while later, I saw a job opening and thought, Why not work at the place I already trust? Before that, I earned a degree in Jazz Studies from NIU, left behind a desk job, played cruise ships, toured internationally, and recorded in some pretty iconic studios.

Outside of work, I’m all about lounging, practicing, and diving into the world of N64 and cheese (yes, seriously). I’m a regular at Tailgate, and I’ll never say no to ice cream. My dream skill would be speaking multiple languages, but for now I’m happy speaking music.

Hi, I’m Tim! I’ve been working at Bandwagon for just over a year now, and I spend most of my time in retail helping customers find the right instrument or gear that fits their needs. I really enjoy the face-to-face interactions, especially when you see the joy on a kid’s face when they get a new instrument. And honestly, getting to work alongside such a great group of people is a huge bonus.

I’ve been playing drums and guitar for about 20 years and have been in and out of bands over the years. Before working here, I was a regular customer—and I always appreciated the atmosphere at Bandwagon. Eventually, I brought in a résumé and the rest is history. I also hold an associate degree in sound engineering from Oxygen College in Geelong, Australia.

When I’m not at the shop, I’m usually spending time with my kids and family, or watching whatever sport’s in season—Aussie rules football, hockey, and cricket are my top picks. Tailgate Brewery is one of my go-to local hangouts, and if there are chips around (any kind, really), I’m probably snacking. One day I’d love to master ice skating, but for now I’ll stick to chasing my kids around and enjoying the unpredictability of life. As they say: You never know what tomorrow is going to bring.

David Attenborough has been a big influence on the way I view the world, and I try to stay curious, calm, and ready to help—whether that’s finding the right drumsticks or just making someone’s day a little easier.

Hi! I’m Alyssa, and I’ve been with Bandwagon since November 2023. I work part-time in retail and help manage our rental program, so there’s a good chance I’ve helped you pick out reeds or filled out your rental paperwork.

I’ve played oboe, English horn, guitar, and piano over the years, and I earned my Bachelor of Science in Songwriting with a minor in Music Business. Music has been part of my life since middle school band, and I love getting to share the gift of music with everyone who walks through our doors. In 2022, I was honored with the John Philip Sousa Award — a pretty cool milestone for me!

Outside of Bandwagon, I’m usually writing songs, trying out new recipes, or out shopping. I love Mexican food, good coffee (Land of a Thousand Hills is my go-to), and one day, I will learn how to whistle. My mom is my biggest inspiration, and Lincoln — our shop kid — never fails to make me smile.

Life’s too short not to go for it, and I’m glad I get to be part of something that brings joy and music to our community.

Hey, I’m Lauren! I’ve been with Bandwagon for about two and a half years, working in the repair shop. I love getting to work with my hands, and I especially enjoy the variety of repairs that come through — no two days are ever the same. The bonus? My coworkers are pretty great, too.

I originally studied tuba and earned a Bachelor of Music, thinking I’d go into band directing. But over time, I realized what I really wanted was to fix the instruments instead of conduct them. That led me to pursue an Associate’s degree in Band Instrument Repair from Western Iowa Tech, and I haven’t looked back.

Outside of work, I’m big into video games and love spending my weekends playing with my partner Paul, going to ska shows, or getting tattooed. My pets — Pike (my dog) and Izzy (my cat) — always make me smile, and my mom has been one of the biggest influences in my life. I try to live by the idea that you’ve got to find your own happiness, whatever that looks like.

You’ll probably catch me with a Milo’s sweet tea in hand, and if I’m lucky, one of their burgers too — especially when I get to visit home. And if I could master any new skill instantly? Drawing, hands down.

Hi, I’m Jacob! I’ve been part of the Bandwagon team since May 2024, working in the repair shop. One of my favorite things about this job is the variety—we see so many different instruments and musicians come through the door, and the energy from my coworkers makes it an awesome place to be.

My journey in music started back in 6th grade band, and it’s taken me from marching band and wind ensemble to the symphony orchestra. I earned a Bachelor’s in Music Industry from Middle Tennessee State University and later completed a diploma in Band Instrument Repair from Southeast Minnesota State College in Red Wing. These days, I’m proud to regularly sub with both the Chattanooga and Huntsville Symphony Orchestras—being on stage and helping others do the same through repair work is a great balance.

When I’m not at Bandwagon, I’m usually hiking around Middle Tennessee, catching a football game with friends, or hanging out with my wife, Merin. Centennial Park is one of my favorite green spaces in town, and if there’s hot chicken involved, I’m in. If I could instantly master one skill, it’d be doing a backflip… because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to pull that off?

A great concert always puts a smile on my face, and my biggest influence has been my parents—I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I try to live by a simple rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. Works every time.

​​Hey, I’m Caroline. I’ve been with Bandwagon for a year now, working in the repair shop. What I really appreciate about this place is the team mentality. At a small business, you get what you put into it, and working with a group of people who genuinely care about what we do makes all the difference.

My main instrument is clarinet, and like a lot of folks, I got started through the classic middle and high school band route. During college, I started out on the path to becoming a band director, but during student teaching, I realized that wasn’t the right fit for me. So, after COVID, I went back to school for instrument repair and haven’t looked back. Helping both students and professionals make music through well-functioning instruments turned out to be exactly where I belong in the music world.

Outside of work, I’m into cosplay—especially sewing and prop building—and I love crocheting, gaming, drawing, and hanging out with friends. If I could instantly master any skill, it’d be 2D animation (for the cosplay synergy, of course). My older brother has always been one of my biggest influences—he helped pull me out of my shell when I was a shy kid, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Give me a good plate of food and I’ll be smiling—Hai Woon Dai is a favorite, and I’ll never say no to dark chocolate. Life lesson I stick by? Never lend money expecting any back.

Hey, I’m Sam. I’ve been part of the Bandwagon crew for about a year and a half, working as a part-time guitar tech. Whether I’m setting up a guitar, troubleshooting electronics, or making sure your instrument feels just right, I love getting to use my skills to help local musicians keep playing and sounding their best. 

I’ve been playing piano since I was 7 and picked up guitar at 13. I even added keytar to the mix for fun. Right now, I’m working toward an AAS degree in Electronic Engineering Technology, which ties in perfectly with my tech work here at the shop.

Outside of Bandwagon, I’m into photography, walking in the woods, and making music whenever I can. My favorite local hang is Crieve Hall Bagel Co., and my go-to comfort snack is a box of Cheez-Its. I’d love to instantly master aerial arts one day (yes, really), and my cat never fails to make me laugh.

Paul Reed Smith and Jack Higginbotham have had a big influence on my life—without the community they created, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I try to live by the idea that life is hard, and it’s up to you to choose your challenges.

Hi, I’m Laura, and I’ve been with Bandwagon for two years. I work in School Services, where I get to partner with directors and help support students and programs through the incredible work our team does. I love being part of a mission that’s all about helping young musicians succeed.

Before Bandwagon, I was a band director for many years, specializing in beginning and intermediate band. I’ve also been a band parent and served as a supply and contracting clerk for a United States Air Force Band. Each of those roles gave me a unique perspective and a deep sense of urgency when it comes to serving our clients well. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education from Kent State University and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Utah, and I was honored to be part of the military music community recognized with the 2019 National Medal of Arts.

Outside of work, I love cooking, trying new recipes, and exploring new restaurants—Coco’s Italian is one of my favorites. On the weekends, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or sitting down with a comforting plate of pasta. I’m always inspired by the moms in my life—my mom, my stepmom, my grandma, my mother-in-law, and my friends who are moms. They’ve shaped who I am in so many ways.

One thing that always makes me smile is seeing someone holding, carrying, or playing an instrument. I believe your mindset can be your greatest tool or your worst enemy, and I try to carry that perspective into everything I do—both at Bandwagon and in life.

Hi, I’m Chuck! I’ve been with Bandwagon for about a year now, serving as part of the School Services team. After spending 30 years as a band director, it’s been a natural fit to stay in the music world—just in a different role. I love that I still get to work closely with band programs while also enjoying the camaraderie of the Bandwagon crew.

I earned my Bachelor of Music from Middle Tennessee State University and my main instrument is French horn. Outside of Bandwagon, I keep things interesting working security at concerts and hockey games, which has led to some fun behind-the-scenes moments. On quieter days, I’m usually at home tackling a repair project or streaming my favorite shows—anything from documentaries to a good action flick.

My grandson is a constant source of joy, and I’m a firm believer in showing up prepared—“If you’re early, you’re on time” has always stuck with me. Whether I’m grabbing a bite at Panera or indulging in some good pasta, I’m all about the simple things. And if I could instantly learn any new skill? I’d love to get better with mechanical work—there’s just something satisfying about fixing things with your hands.