Conn Selmer Expands Sales Team
with Three New Appointments

Elkhart, IN – October 2, 2025 – Conn Selmer, the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments in the United States and a global leader in instrument manufacturing and distribution, today announced three new hires to their domestic sales team, including the addition of two new District Sales Manager positions in the Southwest and Midwest.

Michael Santander,

Newly Appointed District Sales Manager (DSM) – Southwest Region

Michael Santander joins Conn Selmer as District Sales Manager for the Southwest region, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a music industry leader, educator, and performer. He spent nearly 14 years as General Manager of Instrumental Music Center in Tucson, where he helped grow the business into an award-winning hub for musicians, earning multiple NAMM Top 100 Dealer recognitions. Michael also served as President of NAMM Young Professionals and as a NAMM Board Member, advocating for music education and career development across the industry.

An accomplished cellist and educator, Michael operates a private cello studio, has coached students to success at regional and collegiate levels, and has been a featured speaker at the University of Arizona Cello Congress. He continues to perform actively and serves on the Tucson Cello Congress Board of Directors. Michael lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, son, and two dogs.

Samantha Tranchida,

Newly Appointed District Sales Manager (DSM) – Midwest Region

Samantha Tranchida has been appointed District Sales Manager for the Midwest region. She brings more than a decade of experience in music retail and education, most recently serving as Regional Manager of Retail Operations for Quinlan and Fabish Music Company in Illinois. During her 11 years there, she gained broad expertise in customer service, purchasing, and operations, helping to support dealers and educators across the region.

Before her time in the music products industry, Samantha was a dedicated music educator, teaching middle and high school band in Illinois public schools. A graduate of Elmhurst University with a degree in Music Education, she remains a passionate advocate for advancing access to music for all students.

Darius Valentine,

Newly Appointed District Sales Manager (DSM) – Southeast Region

Darius Valentine joins Conn Selmer as District Sales Manager for the Southeast region, bringing strong experience as both a music educator and sales professional. A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, he studied tuba performance and music education at Jones College and The University of Southern Mississippi.

Before joining Conn Selmer, Darius spent more than seven years as a Music Education Sales Representative at Mississippi Music Inc. He then transitioned to education, serving as Assistant Band Director at Germantown High School in Gluckstadt, Mississippi. Outside of work, Darius enjoys tennis, traveling, and cooking, and he also serves as pianist at Pineview Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael, Samantha, and Darius to our sales team. Their experience as educators, performers, and industry leaders reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting our dealers with the strongest partnership and resources in the industry. This expansion positions us to deepen our dealer relationships and continue driving growth together.” –Shane Deuel, Vice President of Sales – North America, Conn Selmer

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For questions, please contact: media@connselmer.com.