The Starkey Family has been part of Wichita’s musical heritage for over 90 years. When East High (Wichita High School) opened in 1922, Jim’s mother Flossie Nairn was in the choir. Jim and Sally both graduated from East and were proud members of the band and orchestra program. Jim started working in dance bands during his senior year at East High. In the 50’s , The Jim Starkey Orchestra was one of the area’s top dance bands. Jim taught public school, conducted church choirs, did extensive composing and arranging for all idioms, and started Jim Starkey Music Center in 1954.

Wichita Symphony season ticket holders since day one, the Starkey Family deeply values the orchestra’s contributions to our community and the many long and dear friendships we’ve had and continue to have. 3 of our teaching studios are named for symphony founders Bob Hollowell, Dick Helt, and Catherine Lombar. 2 of our studios are named for legendary WSO violinists James Ceasar and Bea Pease. Our Recital/Classroom is named for longtime WSO maestro James Robertson.

Jim and Sally helped found the Wichita Jazz Festival in 1971. Their son Dee came back to the store in 1979 upon marrying Linda (current Director of the School of Performing Arts @ Wichita State) and has overseen much growth and change in the 30 years since.

Dee has a passion for local history and architecture. He is an enthusiastic docent at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Allen-Lambe House and always enjoys a healthy dialogue about our architectural history and heritage, jazz, baseball, Dylan and progressive era history and politics, but his most rewarding endeavor is still seeing the music store @ 18th & Garland continue to serve generations of local students, educators, performers and families.