Meet Our Team

Mark Maxwell

You may have seen him on his social media series called, “If You’re In A Band…”, Mark Maxwell prides himself on helping musicians and aspiring musicians learn from his years of experiences (and mistakes!). If not, check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/maxwellshouseofmusic/

Born into the Maxwell family literally meant growing up in the music business in Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana! Music is what Mark knows, from playing in bands his entire life (most notably ‘Spanky Lee’ and ‘The Crashers’), to being a regional leader in music advocacy, education, retail sales, audio/visual and lighting installations, plus international music-related mission work in the Caribbean. He is a well-rounded conduit and resource within the music business! Knowing that music can change lives for the better, Mark strives to be the “go to” resource.

Recently winning 3 of NAMM’s major awards – Best Showroom Design, Innovation Award, and the prestigious 2024 NAMM DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD has equated to an exciting time for Mark and the business.

In addition, Mark has been appointed by Indiana’s Governor Holcomb to be one of the fourteen Indiana Arts Commissioners! His role is to connect Indiana artists and musicians to each other to form a network of Indiana creatives, and to shine a light on the resources available through the Indiana Arts Commission. For more information, please visit: https://www.maxwellshouseofmusic.com/pages/indiana-arts-commission-info

Whitney McNicol

A drummer in a band, an avid tennis player, and a financial professional, Whitney brings incredible and unique skills, personality, and leadership to Maxwell’s Music! She is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville, with a degree in Accounting, and has over 25 years of experience in Accounting & Financial Analysis. Whitney’s business acumen continues to lead Maxwell’s Music to the top! In fact, Maxwell’s Music is amongst the TOP 100 MUSIC STORES in the world!

Brooks Ritter

Brooks Ritter has been with the Maxwell's Music team since 2018. You can find him on the sales floor most days willing to share his vast knowledge of music with you. He is also our Online Sales manager where he adds our in-store inventory for customers to buy both near and far.

Brooks debuted his most recent album, Ghost Come To Life, on January 1st, 2021. Ritter is a Louisville, Kentucky native musician, and his music ranges from “soul to roots music, with a little indie-rock.” His previous album, Stereo of Steel, follows the same pattern with 10 original songs. His previous works are Gather Round and The Horse Fell Lame. Ritter has toured and played with various bands during his music career, including Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek, Greg Laswell, Anderson East, Zella Day, Ben Sollee, and others.

Tonya Hennesy

Tonya is the Online Sales Guru at Maxwell’s Music, whose understanding of all-things-technical for online sales is well beyond what most of us can even begin to comprehend. (Thanks for making us feel inferior, Tonya!) From being a roadie, to a band mom, to a band manager for her son’s various bands, the local music scene has been a huge part of Tonya’s life.

At Maxwell’s, she is beloved for her calm demeanor, silly sense of humor, kind heart, and exceptional baking skills; she is part of the fabric that makes Maxwell’s Music a Top 100 Music Store! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grown kids, Sydney and Cooper, which ensures endless laughter!

Steve Robbins

Steve has been with Maxwell’s for over 5 years as a Master Instrument Technician and Luthier. Prior to working in a music store setting, Steve’s day job was as an Electrician who worked in the medical industry as both a Senior Technician who repaired medical equipment, and as a House Technician for major hospital systems. His love of music and instruments kept him involved with both being a musician, and also becoming a highly skilled Instrument Technician and Luthier.

With decades of guitar and instrument repair shop experience, Steve’s skills are a vital asset to the Maxwell’s Music “Repair Land”. As an added bonus, Steve is the store’s very own in-house Santa Claus every Christmas season! Be sure to bring the kiddos to see him at our next Christmas Open House!

Tim Denison

Regardless of what title you use for him –luthier, instrument tech, or guitar repairman– Tim’s skills shine. Proof of that comes daily from highly satisfied Maxwell’s Music customers, but also when Tim proudly replays a conversation with Paul Reed Smith, founder and owner of PRS Guitars. As Smith inspected a guitar built by Tim, he questioned Tim on everything from the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, to the neck build, to the hand-carved volute. Then came the big moment…the compliment from Paul Reed Smith, “Tim, you have done a great job on this guitar.” That is something that will stick with you forever!

Nathan Brinager

The pitch black forest was offset by the sky filled with stars. From far away the sound of banjos and mandolins swirled through the night air. A sound pierced the trees; a cry of a baby. The mother coyote's eyes darted to the sound. As she approached, the cries grew louder... more desperate. She came upon the clearing to find a small child wrapped only in a Gibson banjo t-shirt. She quickly scooped- up the youngster and returned to her shelter. The love that grew between them was beyond measure. Stories of the mysterious "wolf-boy" were spread at Yahtzee games and throughout bingo halls throughout all of Toler Creek.

At age 21, the now-grown child ventured too far past the safety of the nest as he discovered Hwy 23. He was mesmerized by the cars, sounds, and potential the long road held. As he scurried down that road, he began to feel more and more at 'home'. He knew his roots instinctively, yet craved his lost future.

Adapting quickly to society, the boy, now named Nathan, embraced the modern world, but never lost the love of that magical sound that soothed him. It is the spirit of bluegrass that runs strong in this one, and it's lovingly shared today at Maxwell's Music by him.

Mickey Hall

Originally from Scottsburg, Mickey has played drums & percussion for over 14 years. He studied music at The University of Louisville where he earned a bachelor's degree in instrumental music. Mickey spent 2 years as Band Director at Charlestown High School, and several years as marching drum line instructor for Scottsburg & Jeffersonville High Schools. His favorite style of music to play is funk/jazz, but he listens to a lot of rock, metal, and EDM. In addition to sharing all of his skills & experience on the sales and educations teams at Maxwell's House of Music, Mickey is also the assistant drumline instructor for The University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band.

Randy Carmichael

Randy Carmichael is a Southern Indiana native and US Army Veteran who has traveled the country over the past several years, is back home again! Also known as the Maxwell’s House of Music “Jack-of-all-Trades”, Randy manages the education department’s Rock School and Weekend Warriors programs. In addition, Randy is the Operations manager. He’s also a working musician (bass), and you can catch him playing gigs around town. Busy man!

Randy’s presence brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ability to Maxwell’s House of Music. He studied Music Performance/Education (trombone and bass guitar) at Indiana State University. In addition, he has extensive touring experience throughout the Midwest and Texas with several rock, country, and blues bands.

Call Randy about joining a band, regardless of your age or genre interests. He is always looking at unique ways to put groups together in order to make more music in our community!

Jack Hovland

The most recent addition to the Maxwell’s House of Music family is Jack Hovland. Jack recently relocated to the area from San Diego, California. Jack’s contagious positivity is noticed by all! Jack’s skills are highlighted on the retail sales floor as he does product demonstrations to show-off Maxwell’s House of Music's huge inventory of retail items.

Jack is a guitarist who has played in a hard rock band in California, and is now playing in a local classic rock cover band. He is also an avid runner who trains all year long for marathons – even in his new home’s colder climate! Boston, look out…Jack is on his way!

Come meet Jack!

Jen McNelly

Jen McNelly was born with music in her veins. From her early days of piano and high school band and orchestra, to playing guitar in several local rock and indie bands, Jen believes strongly in the power of song. Her graduate work led her to help build a college radio station while hosting an evening alternative music show. These days, you can catch her on guitar in a local classic rock cover band, The Way Back.

Jen comes to Maxwell’s House of Music from a background of program and community development, marketing, and media. She’s excited to be on the team as the director of education!

Jenna Foster

Jenna Foster can do absolutely nothing without music. While being homeschooled as a child, her mom often had The Beatles playing in the background. When she would play outside, she would take her solar powered radio and tune into the former oldies station, WRKA. After studying piano for many years as a child, she joined marching band in high school as a percussionist. During college, her favorite classes were those that had anything to do with music; it should've been a sign that her degree in Elementary Education would end up being used to teach Music for the next 13 years. Jenna also spent those years pursuing her own musical endeavors by taking vocal instruction, performing in bands and community theater, and even producing and directing several musical theater productions. Jenna is currently in a band, The Way Back, and is excited to be a part of Maxwell's education team!

Jordan Williamson

Jordan Williamson is one of our on-staff gurus regarding drums and percussion instruments. He has years of experience playing in various local bands, and at church, as well as recording tracks for local and regional artists. Jordan has studied at The Berklee College Of Music, at Jamie Aebersold’s Jazz UofL camps; he also studied Music Business in Memphis, TN. In addition to those skills, Jordan is working with the on-line sales team. Jordan's presence and fun personality perfectly round out the Maxwell's House of Music team as they continue to exceed customer's expectations!

Jordan Sangmeister

Jordan is an artist and advocate based in Kentuckiana for over a decade. A Murray State University graduate, she’s enriched her craft through collaborations with many organizations including Girls Rock Louisville (now Out Loud Louisville), WXOX 97.1FM, Louisville is for Lovers, and the Motherlodge Live Arts Exchange. Jordan writes and performs with bands like Bungalow Betty and The Get Down, blending her creative pursuits with a keen business acumen. Additionally, she has shared the stage alongside NRBQ, Southern Culture on the Skids, Greg Martin of the Kentucky Headhunters, Chappel Roan and more. She strives to drive music advocacy and education in her community. At Maxwell's House of Music, as a strings and service enchanter, Jordan shares her extensive music knowledge on the sales floor and as a resource for our local and regional artists.