Popplers Music | Sioux Falls, SD
In 2016, Popplers Music purchased K&M Music, a local music retail business in Sioux Falls, SD. The many relationships Popplers had built with the music education community in South Dakota made this a logical fit for the company and allowed Popplers to expand into new communities. The acquisition of K&M allowed Popplers to offer the community more products and services and ultimately expand Popplers’ service to music education throughout the region.
In 2021 Popplers added the Yamaha line of pianos to the store’s product offerings and in 2022 we expanded “next door” to include lesson rooms and a recital area. We look forward to offering education workshops and performances in this new space, adding to the rich musical heritage of the region.
We thank the wonderful music educator’s, parents, and students for their continued support and look forward to serving the music needs of South Dakota for years to come!
Our Sioux Falls location is at 1119 W 41st. St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Feel welcome to call us at 605-336-6332 or reach us via email at sales@popplersmusic.com.
Paul Schilf General Store Manager
Dr. Paul Schilf holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Concordia University, Chicago, IL, as well as a Master of Arts Degree, with an emphasis in conducting, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education, both from the University of Iowa. Paul has taught all levels of instrumental music. In April 2016, Dr. Schilf retired from Augustana University and became general manager of Popplers Music Inc. of Sioux Falls and Grand Forks, ND. This new business venture allows for him to remain active in music education in a different capacity, aiding parents and directors in the music merchandising market. In addition, he maintains a very active conducting, adjudication, and clinician schedule.
Rolyn Beaird Educational Road Representative
Rolyn grew up in Brandon, SD, and received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree at South Dakota State University in 1985. He was director of bands at West Central High School in Harford, SD from 1985-1989 and later worked at K & M Music as a brass repair technician, education road sales representative, and Manager for 25 years. He is an Educational Music Sales Representative for Popplers Music. In addition to his job at Popplers Music, Rolyn also teaches private studio brass lessons, private lessons as a brass specialist at Sioux Falls Christian, and Adjunct instructor at the University Of Sioux Falls. He has been the director of the Sioux Empire Brass Society since 2016 and plays the principal euphonium for the Sioux Falls Municipal Band during the summer.
Rich Hastings Repair Technician
Rich Hastings has been repairing instruments since 1994 and is a graduate of Augustana College. In addition to his work at Popplers, he is a freelance musician in the Sioux Falls area.
Pete Afdahl Educational Road Representative
Pete Afdahl has been servicing band/choral directors since 1998. He is an Educational Representative/Road Representative for Popplers Music servicing over 50 schools/universities weekly. Pete’s musical background includes playing trumpet, but currently enjoys the outstanding musical abilities of his 2 children and spending time with his dog Chester.
Matthew Wellert Piano Department, Manager
Born in Santiago, Chile, Matthew Wellert is an avid cellist in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. Currently focusing on the piano department in Sioux Falls, he also manages the Popplers Music Artist Series by coordinating events with professional musicians from the surrounding areas. Aspiring to introduce music through culture and diversity, Matt enjoys collaborating with musicians from all backgrounds and all skill levels. He obtains a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of North Dakota, and two degrees from the University of Montana where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Cello Performance, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Criminology.
Joel Shotwell Repair Technician
Joel Shotwell is an active freelance saxophone player and educator based in Sioux Falls, SD. As an artist, he regularly composes, arranges, and performs with many groups in the region, as well as groups of his own creation. As an educator, he has a large private studio and teaches at various camps and clinics bands around the area. He also teaches adjunct saxophone and sax quartet at Augustana University. When not participating in musical endeavors he enjoys board games, camping, fishing, golf, and reading.
Ian Reiland-Smith Band/Orchestra/Sheet Music Department, Representative
Ian Reiland-Smith grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, and earned a bachelor's degree in percussion performance from the University of South Dakota in 2019. He has participated in and taught for the local drum academy Groove inc. Outside his music life, Ian performs stand-up comedy at local open mics and shows.
Darlene Fick Repair Technician
Darlene Fick began her career as an instrument repair technician in the fall of 2008 when she apprenticed with K&M Music to learn the craft of repairing flutes, clarinets, and oboes.
Chris Knutson General Representative
Chris Knutson has been with Popplers Music since 2017. He has lived in Sioux Falls for almost 30 years, and part of the musical community for almost the same amount of time. He played Trumpet at Lincoln High School and Augustana University and finished his degree at Dakota State University in Digital Art and Design. Today, he spends his time hiking, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. Chris helps out in each department at Popplers Music! Lessons, Account Management, Print Music, Band/Orchestra, and Pianos.