Julie Wagnitz, Director of School Music Services
Julie.Wagnitz@HeidMusic.com | (920) 734-1969 ext. 103 | Appleton

Julie has performed over 30 years as an established musician with bass guitar as her instrument of choice, though her first blush in music started with the trumpet and French horn. She is a graudate of Fox Valley Technical College. 

Julie has more than 16 years of experience with Heid Music and has enjoyed assisting musicians of varying experiences in all of our departments. In 2016, Julie began her role as Director of School Music Services to focus on helping the Heid Music team with strengthening school partnerships. She is passionate about how we join the forces of our Heid Music team, the school music education channel and families to create fun and dynamic opportunities with and through music. She also serves on the advisory board of the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center. 

Kari Zink, School Music Services Coordinator
Kari.Zink@HeidMusic.com | (920) 734-1969 ext. 225 | Appleton

Kari joined the Heid Music team in August of 2018 as our School Music Services Coordinator. She loves seeing kids getting their first instrument and the joy and excitement that brings. Kari has a Bachelor Degree in Organizational Administration, and was previously a Deacon at Memorial Presbyterian Church and is currently a Fellowship Committee Member. Kari is a Golden Girls afficionado, lover of Prince and David Bowie and a violinist. She loves spending time with her husband and their 7 year old aspiring musician, Owen. 

Matt Gieseke, Education Account Manager
Matt.Gieseke@HeidMusic.com | (920) 734-1969 ext. 113 | Appleton

Equipped with a small drum set at only three years old (purchased by brave parents), Matt has often said he was born to perform. Playing for the President of the United States before graduating high school, Matt put his undivided attention into becoming a professional musician. This hard work has led to an incredible career, including tours in 11 states and two countries, numerous studio and live CDs, and countless recording sessions for other musicians.

Matt has established himself as a respected and desirable percussionist in Wisconsin, and was nominated by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry for its 2013 Drummer of the Year. He has been working for Heid Music since 2012, and loves helping school music programs succeed. When he is not working, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 boys, or playing in one of his bands; Road Trip, BoxKar, Cool Waters Band, just to name a few. 

Phil Hinn, Education Account Manager
Phil.Hinn@HeidMusic.com | (920) 734-1969 ext. 104 | M (920) 216-2993 | Appleton

In the summer of 1974, Phil was recruited to play the alto sax under the teaching of Charlie Reehl in North Fond du Lac. His mother rented his first instrument from Heid Music. In high school, Phil expanded his musical knowledge and learned to play the electric bass. He has played in many bands, on many stages ever since. In 1994, Phil joined the Heid Music team as an Education Accounts Manager and has been servicing school music programs in the greater Wisconsin area for over 25 years. Phil has had the pleasure of knowing all three generations of Heid Music owners. Many directors that have worked with Phil have said that they can set their watch by his weekly visits. Outside of Heid Music, Phil enjoys building his own bass guitars and is happiest when he is knee deep in sawdust or spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and dog. 

Andy Hutchinson, Education Account Manager
Andy.Hutchinson@HeidMusic.com | (920) 734-1969 ext. 130 | M (920) 851-8775 | Appleton

Andy’s love for music education started by teaching violin lessons at age 15. He studied music education at UW Oshkosh and Lawrence Conservatory of Music, and has performed in Europe and Australia with the International Symphony Orchestra. Andy has played violin for the Oshkosh Symphony and Fond du Lac Chamber Orchestra as well. 

Andy taught all levels of orchestra for the Menasha School District for six years before transitioning to music retail, joining the Heid Music team in 2012.

Outside of work, Andy performs with Vic Ferrari Symphony on the Rocks and the Arlington String Quartet, teaches private violin lessons and directs the Rock Infused Orchestra. He also serves as a judge for Solo/Ensemble Festivals and Honors Auditions in Wisconsin. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. 

Megan O'Connell, Madison Area Schools Accounts Specialist, Music Enthusiast
Megan.Oconnell@HeidMusic.com | (608) 829-1969 | Madison

Megan joined the Heid Music team in October of 2018 and also is a Music Enthusiast in our Band & Orchestra department in our Madison store. Megan has her Master of Music in Performance, and plays with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Capitol City Band. Megan has also played in the Pit Orchestra for Middleton Players Theatre and Janesville Community Theatre. She has been learning to play the viola and the ukulele, and is enjoying the change in perspective. Megan also teaches flute and clarinet lessons in our Madison studios.  

Russ Nau, Education Account Manager
Russ.Nau@HeidMusic.com | (920) 498-2228 | M (920) 544-1475 | Green Bay

Russ has been with Heid Music since June of 1998. He spent the first 12 years in the retail store, before becoming an Education Accounts Manager for the Green Bay, De Pere, Door County, Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas. Being a lifelong musician has given Russ the insights necessary to serve his fellow musicians. Russ plays tuba in the Allouez Village Band, and guitar at Celebration Church in Green Bay. He understands the importance and the timeliness of delivering quality service to music directors in the area.

Russ is a native resident of Green Bay, and resides there with his wife, Kayya, and daughters, Ava and Abrielle.

Kari Phipps, Education Account Manager
Kari.Phipps@HeidMusic.com | (715) 423-1000 | M (217) 369-2463 | Stevens Point

Kari received her degree in music education from Valley City State University in North Dakota, and has taught a variety of music instruction in the school classroom setting, from fourth-grade recorder to advanced band. Most recently, Kari taught general elementary music, junior high band and chorus, and other grade-school subjects. She has over 30 years experience teaching music, and holds teaching credentials in 6 states. Kari has been working at Heid Music since 2015, and is grateful to be able to support music education in a different capacity. In her free time, she enjoys bike riding, traveling, photography and reading. 

Zach Ball, Education Account Manager, Music Enthusiast
Zachary.Ball@HeidMusic.com | (920) 650-4343 | Oshkosh

Zach has been working with Heid Music since July 2019. Zach has his Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Trombone performance from Marian University, and has studied many facets of music education. Zach enjoys being able to help educate and entertain as kids begin their musical journey as well as the relationships he has been able to build with the educators he works with. As busy as Zach is working at Heid Music, he's equally as involved outside of work as well! He is a singer in the South Shore Chorale in Fond du Lac, WI, and is the director for the Pilgrim United Church of Christ Choir and the Fond du Lac Women's Chorus. He enjoys playing recreational slow pitch softball and shooting darts. You might see Zach outside of Heid Music as he occasionally substitute teaches at the North Fond du Lac schools as well!