One of the things on my to-do list is to have the oil changed regularly in my car. Iíve been fortunate enough to have the same mechanic for many years, but last year, I had to find a new one. My new mechanicís name is Charles Cannaday, but his nickname is ěRowdy.î He grew up during the í70s, in Chesapeake, Va., but moved to North Carolina when he went to work for a Nascar team in Mooresville. Due to a downturn in the economy, he was laid off, but he eventually found work at Stricklandís Auto and Truck Parts in Cleveland. I soon learned that ěRowdyî and I have a common interest, and that is the love of music.
One day when I was at Stricklandís, I heard music playing in the background. I soon found out it was a recording by the Salisbury Swing Band. Rowdy plays trumpet in that band. To understand Rowdyís love of music, one has to understand his dadís love of music. His dad, Jack, began playing trombone in high school, during the í50s, and even started his own band. They were good enough to be noticed by a recording company in California and were offered not only a record deal, but also a touring contract. Thinking it over, the band members collectively decided not to take the offer. After that, Rowdyís dad married his mom, and as they say, ěThe rest is history.î
Jack Cannaday made a living doing various things, and at one time, was even a policeman. After years away from the music he loved, he was drawn back in and opened his own music store. Rowdy says his dad has a lot of stories, but is especially proud of one. It seems Louis Armstrong came to Chesapeake, Va., looking for musicians to play with him for an event in the area. An ad was placed in the local newspaper with the requirements to be met. To meet the requirements, the musicians had to not only play by ear, but also be able to follow Armstrongís lead. Jack was one of the few around that could, so he was chosen. He never forgot that experience and sees it as one of the highlights of his life.
Since being laid-off from the racing teams, Rowdy has had time to reflect on those musical memories. Just like his dad, he too, came back to his love of music. Not only does he play in a band, but recently, with the help of his dad and his wife, Diane, he started his own instrument repair and rental business, ěHigh Note Music.î During this school year, he has repaired instruments for West Rowan Middle, West Rowan High, Carson High and Catawba College. Having a local person who can repair instruments is a definite plus to the band programs in the community. Rowdy appreciates the time and effort that goes into the production of these programs and adamantly talks about how band directors are often the first ones to arrive at school, and the last ones to leave at night. Not only do they have to teach, but they also write music, arrange music, repair instruments and chaperone contests. He says they definitely wear a lot of hats.
He goes on to say, ěMusic is all around us. Yet, this is one of the first things to get cut in educational budgets.î Rowdy canít help his passion because it was high school band where both he and his father developed their love. From this love, they developed careers and experiences that continue to enrich their lives.
Hut Stricklandís Auto and Truck Parts may seem an unlikely place for swing or jazz music, but as you wait for your car to be serviced, donít be surprised if you hear that distinct sound. It will probably be Rowdy playing a song from his collection, but then again, heís allowed. His dad played with Louis Armstrong, and how many people do you know who can say that about their dad?
If you need to rent an instrument, have one repaired, or need musical supplies, Rowdy can be reached at 704-278-0803 or highnotemusic.org.

Dicy McCullough resides in Salisbury and is the author of the childrenís book, Tired of My Bath. She can be contacted at dicysm@yahoo.com.