| Riedstra's Violin Shop Inc is
a full service violin, viola, cello, bass and bow dealer and repair facility. We
also have a new division that sells and services (minor repairs) all brass and
woodwind instruments. Members of our
staff have a combined total of over 80 years experience and training to help you with your
violin family instrument needs.
Job Opportunities: Click here for more information about one opening currently
available.
Henry Riedstra, Honours
B.A., B.Ed.: president, with over 30 years experience as a luthier (violin and bow
maker/restorer) and appraiser. Apprenticed in violin making and restoration (1978-1984)
with Pete Molenaar (professional European violin maker, restorer, appraiser, and
reseacher) of Toronto . Henry undertook further in-depth training in appraisal and
authentication, including some time with Dario D'Attili. Henry used to play the cello
professionally in the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing
free-lance and studio work. In addition to the cello, he also plays the violin. He has
also been a teacher since 1979. Henry has also repaired brass and woodwind instruments for
many years..
Linda Riedstra, B.A.,
B.Ed.: Store Manager and book keeper.
Quentin Bouvron is a
graduate of the School of Violin Making in Newark, England. He received the position
of full-time violin maker and restorer in our store in Kitchener in August 2006. He
has finished a Stradivari style violin which is now for sale in our store ($5000) and has
started a Guarneri model violin in our store in Kitchener (2009) as well as doing
restorations, repairs and bow rehairing.
Richard Manuel started his
full-time training in violin making, and violin and bow restoration with Henry Riedstra in
our Stratford Workshop on May 1st, 2006. He is presently building an Amati model
violin in our workshop.
William Aitken, a fine
violin and mandolin maker, and maker of other instruments too, works part-time for
Riedstra's Violin Shop.
Other Musicians in our Family:
Richard F. Riedstra was the head of Music at Elmira District Secondary
School from 1965 to 1987.
Maria G. Riedstra taught Strings in elementary and secondary schools in
Waterloo County for fifteen years.
Lutzen Riedstra is a fine bassoonist.
Kyla Riedstra-Wiesner studied the flute for five years during high school
as well as violin from age five. She also performed with the Kitchener Waterloo Youth
Orchestra as a violinist for three years. She is an elementary school teacher (K-6)
and is presently (Sept 2009) relocating to Belleville, Ontario.
Janelle Riedstra played the Trumpet and Baritone and String Bass
for several years in high school, as well as two years in the Kitchener Waterloo
Youth Orchestra. She is presently playing Bass for the rock band Montague Street in
Toronto. She is also a qualified book publishing agent, editor and marketer with a
degree in Women's issues and Religious Studies from McMaster University.
Davin Riedstra, our son, plays trombone and violin. He has attended
the University of Waterloo for three years in Science and Psychology.
Job
Opportunities:
We have an opening for a well-trained
brass and woodwind repair person at our store in Kitchener, Ontario. Please
send your resume to the address below.
Qualified applicants: If
you would like us to keep your application on file, please send your application to our
Stratford location at:
Riedstra's Violin Shop
38 Neal Avenue
Stratford, Ontario, Canada N5A 6W8 |
