By Emily Hamann
The Bellingham Business Journal

Bellingham Music and the accompanying Bellingham Academy of Music have changed ownership.

Rob and Stephanie Peterka bought the store and its music school from Ron Rondello, who opened the store in 1983 and will now retire.

“We are excited to take the torch,” Rob Peterka said. Their son has been learning to play the violin there for five years. Rob Peterka has been playing the saxophone and clarinet for more than 30 years. He currently hosts “Jammin’ At Jansen,” a weekly open jazz jam session and workshop in Lynden.

The Peterkas are planning on making Bellingham Music more active in the community.

“We definitely hope to get a little more involved in the community, more involved in the school system,” Rob said. They plan on working more to get the entire family involved with music.

The store will also carry more wind instruments, children’s instruments and some electric instruments.

Bellingham Music and the Bellingham Academy of Music are located at 232 E. Champion St.