Personalities that make up The Bard’s Musik Shoppe
A Little Bit About Rod & Ginger
Rod was the originator of the company and was the chief designer as well as full time instrument maker. His amazing artistic skills to design and build these wonderful instruments were without equal.
Rod got his Wings in July 2015. He is now flying with the best and making music with the Greatest.
Ginger is continuing the making of the instruments in Rod’s footsteps.
“I was raised in Boston and Cape Cod. I never thought of myself as particularly artsy. Years later in Denver Colorado I met Rod and he convinced me to delve into the arts and craft business. He was very convincing. I was sure I didn’t have an artsy bone in my body.
He taught me how to do acid etchings on glass and crystal. He was learning how to make and tune bamboo flutes. Together we created a small company and started doing craft fairs, we called ourselves Bamboo and Glass Works. Seven years later we reinvented the company to just be musical instruments. It was a leap of Faith. But this way we could branch out into other ethnic instruments.
Ours was a great partnership. Rod and I both worked on the decorating of the bamboo. He did the final tuning and I did the final work on the Saxophone he invented.
My joy though comes from the interaction with people and teaching I do at our booths at Renaissance Festivals. The joy in a person’s eyes when I’m able to teach them how to blow a flute or saxophone is amazing and very satisfying.”
A Little Bit About Josh
I have been exploring the world of art and science for a good majority of my life. From writing, drawing and jewelry making to food science and music, I have always been immersed in creativity and finding new and interesting ways to stimulate the senses and have fun while doing it.
Music has always been a major passion and driving force in my life ever since I was young. I was blessed with incredible programs and directors throughout my time in school. From choir and band to musical theatre, I took it all in and let it fill my world and the world of others.
Since joining the Bard’s Music Shoppe family in 2016 I have had the opportunity to learn how to make some incredible instruments and gain a greater understanding of the physics that make it all work, and to experience the joy of sharing that knowledge and music with others once again.
A Little Bit About John
John O’Monroe has loved music for as long as he can remember, starting with a precocious playthrough of Ocarina of Time in diapers! In grade school he learned percussion, leading the Pride of Hancock High’s front pit and indoor percussion ensembles to regional success. After serving active duty in the Navy, he studied Music Performance and Physics at Auburn University while touring nationally with drum and bagpipe band Wolgemut. Since 2021 he has performed solo hammered dulcimer and coordinated drum jams at Bristol and Carolina Renaissance Festivals.
John got his first flute in 2024 when he began work at Bard’s Musik. His experience as a beginning adult combined with his musical expertise make him a patient and passionate tutor. As a fluthier, he calls on his performance experience and physics knowledge to make every instrument ready for the stage.
When he’s not making and selling flutes John enjoys making leather goods, winning races in driving simulators, and playing music with friends.
A Little Bit About Sam
Samuel Pollack Aka Windbard the Mystic Traveler has been a passionate flute player for over 15 years, his love of the flute started in middle school starting with the silver flute and now all these year later knows how to play endless varieties of wind instruments and collects them.
He is also a world traveler and performer taking opportunities to explore new countries and cultures and bring the healing sound of the flute where he goes. Samuel is also a sound healer and plays events that cater to those who want to feel at peace and calm. His passion to to play for others and bring the gift of music to those who rarely have those opportunities.
Sam has begun his Rennaisance faire journey in 2023 and has worked for Bards Musik Shoppe for the past 2 years in Arizona and Colorado.
What We Do
Spreading the Joy of Music
Our
Instruments
Bamboo flutes & instruments on display carry a legacy, a story whispered from generation to generation.
Our
Festivals
Join us in the enchanting world of Renaissance festivals nationwide and experience the convergence of history, music, and artistry.
Hear the Instruments
Discover the soulful sound of our hand-crafted instruments. These tutorials open the gateway to deepen your musical craft.