About Us...
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2011, Playground Music Center today is a third generation family business.
Since 1961 Playground Music Center has proudly served Northwest Florida and South Alabama through the sale and service of quality name brand musical instruments. Our active in-store music education centers provide many learning opportunities through both traditional private instruction and innovative group programs incorporating early childhood development through mature adult. Our knowledgeable staff includes former music educators, professional musicians, and active amateur musicians who all share a common passion for making music while eagerly encouraging others to make music as a lifestyle.
(See Contactpage for locations).
James H. Leonard - Founder
After serving in WWII, James "Jim" Leonard completed his bachelor degree at Murray State University then went on to earn his masters in music education at Louisiana State University. In 1948 he accepted his first teaching position at Fort Walton School and in 1952 became the first band director at Choctawhatchee High School. Jim completed 19 years of band directing with straight superiors at district and state festivals. His efforts in music education led to the nationwide adoption of school music as an accredited field of study rather than an extra-curricular activity. Jim Leonard remains an active member of Kiwanis International now serving for more than 60 years. He previously served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Ft. Walton Beach and ultimately served as district governor. In 1961, more as a matter of convenience, Jim and wife Maura opened a small music store providing students quick access to needed supplies that would ultimately provide continuity to his first love, band directing. However, during that period the Cold War was raging and Northwest Florida was quickly growing due to its large military presence and consequently within just a few years Jim found himself at a crossroad requiring decision on whether to remain an educator or pursue life as a businessman. With a wife and four children to provide for Jim put his faith in his entrepreneurship deciding to grow a music business. His passion for music and music education contributed significantly and provided an opportunity to develop many healthy relationships with customers over the next 25 years. Jim selected the name Playground Music Center in 61 because the chamber of commerce, marketing to tourist during that era, promoted our beautiful white sandy beaches as The Playground Area. Today we live on what is known as The Emerald Coast, however 50 years later we remain Playground Music Center, Inc.
Anthony D. Leonard - President
In 1991 Jim Leonard turned the reigns over to son Tony. He holds a bachelors degree in music education from the University of Florida (72) and has been with the company since graduation. Tony grew up in and around a school band room and a music store admiring his father's accomplishments. So, upon graduation it felt somewhat natural to hit the road calling on school band directors representing the company as a school band education representative until 1976. That year Santa Rosa Mall opened and Tony was appointed manager of the new mall store location, operating that store until 1988 when the company decided to merge its then 3 FWB locations into one much more efficient location.
Playground Music Center, Inc. maintains active memberships in: FBA (Florida Bandmasters Association), NASMD (National Association of School Music Dealers), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and MUG (Music Industry Insights Group).
MIIG
Musical Industry
Insights Group
Our Mission...
To develop long term customer relationships through consistently sharing relevant and accurate product knowledge, friendly interaction, and creative merchandising, ultimately providing each of our customers with a positive shopping experience and a value which exceeds their expectations.
A Brief Video History
Try Before You Buy Rental Plan...
Most parents tell us... "We'd much prefer to rent before we buy" when their children are first learning to play.
Low Risk ... Our Try Before You Buy rental plan is simply a month-to-month rental allowing exchange or return at any time.
Band Director Recommended... This plan earns high marks and recommendation from music educators because it provides a quality name-brand beginner band instrument to every student
No Credit Checks and No interest... Ever!
Purchase Option... This plan provides the opportunity at any time to apply up to your first 12 months rental payments toward an instrument purchase.
View Rental Instruments
View Video Rental Presentation
Encore... Step Up Program
Encore Rent-To-Own... A program designed to facilitate a natural transition from your Try Before You Buy period to that point in time where you feel confident your child is committed to the school band program.
Why Step Up? ... Beginner instruments have specific features which enhance the early stages of learning. However, as students mature these features may become a detriment and a transition to an intermediate or advanced instrument is then encouraged.
You're Approved!... Any student enrolled in a school music program where an associate of Playground Music Center calls on that school regularly qualifies and therefore is approved for our Encore RTO Program.
Apply 12 Months Rental Payments ...Up to your first 12 months rental payments from your Try Before You Buy rental will be applied when you transition to our Encore RTO Program.
Return Privilege... If circumstances change you may return
your instrument at any time*.
*Certain conditions and terms apply
Request More Information
CMR Protection...
For Your Piece of Mind and Protection ... we offer an optional product known as Comprehensive Maintenance and Replacement (CMR)
For a Low Monthly Fee... CMR Protection is available during your rental period.
Comprehensive Maintenance... Covers all repair services that have been necessitated during normal use of the instrument and provides you with a loaner instrument while your instrument is being repaired, all at NO additional cost!
Replacement... provides you with a replacement instrument in the event your covered instrument is lost, stolen or destroyed. This event carries a $100 deductible.
View CMR Fees
View our low monthly CMR fees...
Limited Availability
We Rent Stringed Instruments...
Any student that is enrolled in a school string or orchestra program that is within our School Delivery area is elegible to rent a violin, viola or cello from us.
For more info, please contact us.
CMR Monthly Fees...
Back to CMR Coverage
We Deliver... direct to your school through our Music Education Associates who visit your school's band room on the same day each week.
Save Time and Money... whether it's your online rental, any accessory item, music book, or repair pickup/delivery...we're first pleased to assist you and then we'll deliver your order FREE!
Order Now Online or Call 888-720-MUSIC (1-888-720-6874)
Your Complete Satisfaction...or your money back!
Download 2011 School Delivery Schedule PDF File.
We visit schools outside our weekly scheduled routes on an "as-needed" basis.
Please Contact Us for more information or if your school could benefit from our School Delivery services.
Hank Rockwell
Hank, son of Bob and Sherry Rockwell, grandson of Jim Leonard, grew up immersed in school music programs and Playground Music. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University graduating in 2006. Hank was selected a Florida All-State musician multiple times, participated in many honor bands throughout the Southeastern United States, and while attending FSU was a selected member of the Florida State University Summer Chamber Winds Ensemble. Immediately following graduation Hank joined Playground Music and now calls on school music programs in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton school districts.
Hank knows and loves school bands! He is available in the FWB store at 850-243-2514, mobile phone 850-830-1137, or email: hank_playgroundmusiccenter.com
Scroll down for contact information >
Neal Wells
Neal hails from Pensacola Florida moving to Fort Walton Beach in 1958. Neal and wife Michelle reside in Navarre and have four children and four grandchildren. He is a graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School where he was a member of the Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Band. Neal is an accomplished drummer and guitarist and has performed professionally since age 12 in a wide variety of venues and musical genres. He has been a valued member of the Playground Music Center team since 1989. Neal earned his Bachelor's of Theology degree from the Christian Life School of Theology.
He is available in the FWB store at 850-243-2514, mobile phone 850-855-7242, or email: neal_playgroundmusiccenter.com
Neal hails from Pensacola Florida moving to Fort Walton Beach in 1958. He is a graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School where he was a member of the Fort Walton Beach High School Band. Neal has performed professionally since age 12 in a wide variety of venues and musical genres. He has been a valued member of the Playground Music Center team since 1989. Neal earned his Bachelor's of Theology degree from the Christian Life School of Theology.
Neal is based out of the FWB store and you can reach via 850-243-2514, mobile phone 850-855-7242, or email: neal_playgroundmusiccenter.com
Bob Rockwell
Born in Ohio & raised in Michigan, Bob and wife Sherry reside in Fort Walton Beach and have two grown sons. Bob attended Eastern Michigan University majoring in history. Bob joined Playground Music center in 1981 starting literally on the ground floor working delivery and store maintenance. He gradually moved through inventory control to combo sales and ultimately became Playground Music's school band road rep to the entire Northwest Florida panhandle in 1986. knowledge of the music industry and related products coupled with his great people skills have supported the development of many trusted relationships with band directors, students, and parents. Serving school music programs for nearly 30 years makes Bob a valuable asset to the school music community. He enjoys playing cornet with the Emerald Coast Community Band. Bob is available in the Fort Walton Beach store at 850-243-2514, mobile phone 850-830-4775, or email: bob_playgroundmusiccenter.com
Lamar Weathermon
A native of Panama City, Lamar attended Rutherford High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Troy State University. He and wife Becky reside in Panama City and have two grown children. Lamar is store manager of the Panama City location and additionally serves as the school road rep for Bay, Gulf, Jackson, Washington and Liberty school districts in Florida and all middle and high schools programs in the Dothan, AL market. Prior to joining Playground Music in 1991 Lamar was a band director in Georgia and Florida for 12 years. While teaching he served as district chairman and executive board member with the Florida Bandmasters Association. His bands consistently received superior ratings at district marching and concert festivals. Lamar also is a highly respected private instructor specializing in all low brass instruments. Being an accomplished trombonist and brass instructor makes Lamar a go-to guy for questions ranging from embouchures and mouthpieces to instrumental literature and methods. He embraces every opportunity to help band directors, students, and parents in reaching their right personal decision. Lamar's extensive background makes him a valuable resource for any instrumental music program. Both Lamar and Becky are very talented and creative in the recruiting and beginner instrument selection process. Lamar is available in the Panama City store at 850-785-1355, mobile phone 850-867-1355, or email: lamar_playgroundmusiccenter.com
