After a 10-year run, Phantom's Music will be closing its doors on Monday, Nov. 30. Over the years, the store has been one of Cochrane's go-to sources for musical equipment and lessons.
After a 10-year run, Phantom's Music will be closing its doors on Monday, Nov. 30.
Over the years, the store has been one of Cochrane's go-to sources for musical equipment and lessons. Originally known as Picks and Sticks, the store was bought and renamed in 2005 by Graham Mehain.
From then on it has been managed and partly owned by Gary Lefebvre at 111 2nd Ave. West in Cochrane until June of 2011 when it moved to its current location at 214 Grande Blvd.
Lefebvre is a well-known face in the Cochrane music industry due to his previous career as a successful touring musician. He transformed Phantom's Music from being solely a provider of goods and services into a prominent part of Cochrane.
The store has donated the use of sound equipment for various events in the community such as the Remembrance Day Ceremony and the RCMP Musical Ride, as well as many private functions.
“We just do what we can for the community, ” said Lefebvre.
He attributes the store's end to changing times and a downturn in the economy.
“It's really weird - it's never been this bad. ”
According to him, when Phantom's Music was thriving four or five years ago, it saw roughly “150 students coming through the door per week for lessons ” which meant he had four rooms constantly being used.
Now, with three piano and two guitar teachers on staff, the store is lucky to book two or three students per teacher each week. Fortunately for current students, the teachers on staff plan to continue offering lessons privately once the store closes.
But a void is still left for the customers who frequented the shop for supplies.
Greg Kovacs, a resident of Cochrane who plays guitar as a hobby, has been shopping for strings, chords, books, and guitars at Phantom's Music since it opened.
He says while he could easily go to large, corporate music stores in the city for his “staple ” musical items, he makes a point not to do so.
“I shop local; this is where I live so this is where I shop. ”
Kovacs explained aside from providing merchandise, the store was also a weekly “gathering spot ” for local musicians to sit and discuss the industry.
“That's something that will be missed but (we'll) move on and figure out another place (to gather). ”
Lefebvre, a well-known face in the Cochrane music industry before Phantom's Music, had a long and successful music career touring across the country. He is sad to see the store shut its doors but doesn't regret the time he has put into the business.
“I enjoyed my time doing this - it was a labour of love.
“I would have (worked here) anyway (even) knowing what the outcome is. ”
Lefebvre will be “moving on to greener pastures ” as he plans to take some time off after the closure and then start teaching private guitar and drum lessons in the new year.
Those interested in taking lessons can call Phantom's Music listed number (403-851-1273) after the store's closure as all calls will be forwarded to his personal line.
Lefebvre would like to extend one final “thank you to everybody who's ever walked in the door and made Phantom's a part of their lives. ”
