L-R: Standing in front of an assortment of guitars, Leon Barrows and Gene Menet view the Music Junction as a way to share their knowledge of music with the community.
ALACHUA – Leon Barrows was born into music.
Barrows’ father is an inductee in the Music Hall of Fame, and Barrows says his whole family is musically inclined.
“We didn’t have a choice,” he said.
Seven years ago, Barrow retired from his contracting job in upstate New York and moved to Florida. He says he always dreamed of opening a music store.
In 2007, his dream became reality. He called the store Music Junction and opened a shop in High Springs. Less than a year ago, Barrows moved Music Junction from High Springs to Alachua. That was a good decision, as Barrows says business in Alachua has been better than it was in High Springs.
“Everyone in Alachua welcomed us with open arms,” Barrows said.
Music Junction, located at 14856 on Alachua’s Main Street, sells many instruments, but Barrows also focuses on offering music lessons to members of the community. The store offers lessons for the banjo, guitar, dobro, piano and violin. Barrows said there will soon be lessons for wind and brass instruments as well.
Music Junction’s students range in age from 4 to 92. While Barrows has students from all walks of life, he said one of the store’s primary efforts is teaching children how to play musical instruments.
“I want to teach everyone who wants to learn,” he said. “Music is really important.”
Gene Menet, a friend of Barrows, helps run Music Junction and also teaches banjo. He emphasized the importance of learning to play music.
There’s nothing like having the ability to become one with an instrument,” Menet said.
Barrows said most people find out about his store from word-of-mouth. He said he thinks it’s important to buy instruments locally and keep money circulating throughout the community.
Barrows said he loves to meet different people and mingle with Alachua residents.
“Everyone who comes through the door is my family,” he said.
The Music Junction is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Email Astewart@Alachuatoday.com
L-R: Standing in front of an assortment of guitars, Leon Barrows and Gene Menet view the Music Junction as a way to share their knowledge of music with the community.
ALACHUA – Leon Barrows was born into music.
Barrows’ father is an inductee in the Music Hall of Fame, and Barrows says his whole family is musically inclined.
“We didn’t have a choice,” he said.
Seven years ago, Barrow retired from his contracting job in upstate New York and moved to Florida. He says he always dreamed of opening a music store.
In 2007, his dream became reality. He called the store Music Junction and opened a shop in High Springs. Less than a year ago, Barrows moved Music Junction from High Springs to Alachua. That was a good decision, as Barrows says business in Alachua has been better than it was in High Springs.
“Everyone in Alachua welcomed us with open arms,” Barrows said.
Music Junction, located at 14856 on Alachua’s Main Street, sells many instruments, but Barrows also focuses on offering music lessons to members of the community. The store offers lessons for the banjo, guitar, dobro, piano and violin. Barrows said there will soon be lessons for wind and brass instruments as well.
Music Junction’s students range in age from 4 to 92. While Barrows has students from all walks of life, he said one of the store’s primary efforts is teaching children how to play musical instruments.
“I want to teach everyone who wants to learn,” he said. “Music is really important.”
Gene Menet, a friend of Barrows, helps run Music Junction and also teaches banjo. He emphasized the importance of learning to play music.
There’s nothing like having the ability to become one with an instrument,” Menet said.
Barrows said most people find out about his store from word-of-mouth. He said he thinks it’s important to buy instruments locally and keep money circulating throughout the community.
Barrows said he loves to meet different people and mingle with Alachua residents.
“Everyone who comes through the door is my family,” he said.
The Music Junction is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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