Walking into Spicer's Music off East University Drive, it is evident it is not just your average
music store.
The walls are lined with guitars, trumpets and an array of other instruments, but that's not what differentiates Spicer's from other music stores.
It's the combination of the relaxed coffee-shop feel along with the warm welcome given by the owners and staff of the Spicer family.
Within seconds of entering Spicer's, it is clear the store holds more than meets the eye.
Opened January 2012, it is evident owner Tom Spicer created his store based around making music in an atmosphere the whole family can enjoy, as the fall kickoff, held Saturday, Aug. 17, clearly showed.
Their effort to incorporate music into family life has been nothing but a success. Tim Spicer, Tom's son, said the kickoff created more awareness about the store, and allowed local bands to showcase their talents.
"We love giving the youth bands play all day long," Tim Spicer said. "We love giving the kids the opportunity to get up on stage and play in front of others."
Bands such as No Refunds took the stage as representative of the Spicer's Garage Band Camp.
Tim Spicer said Garage Band Camp, an after-school camp, stemmed from the Spicer's desire
to find a family-oriented, positive and fun summer music program for their children. The Spicers said the camp and music made by the family inspired the extension of the camp to other children and has seen immense success.
The program includes 15-20 other bands who said they hope to improve their skills and do what they love by playing music with their peers.
"Some of the bands who have completed the Garage Band Camp are now recording EP's in Atlanta and Nashville
(Tenn.)," Spicer said.
"[The camp] has been going on for the last six years and teaches bands how to cover songs, write originals and many other musical talents," Spicer said.
Allowing children to get up and play on stage helps improve self-esteem and confidence.
Such confidence was obvious when No Refunds, headliner at The Spicer's Fall Kickoff, took the stage at the event and amazed concertgoers, evident by the audience's applause.
No Refunds has seen their own share of success as Spicer says they are now "booking professional paying gigs and even headlined at The Opelika Fireworks Show."
With no member older than 15, it is clear the Spicer's array of programs, in combination with a team of 14-15 experienced instructors, has helped the camp's bands succeed.
Showcasing their experience at the event allowed participants to experience the success of the camp firsthand.
While bringing families into the store is a major goal, Spicer's also strives toward outreach within Auburn's collegiate community. Open mic nights, college jams, songwriter's workshops and related activities allow the college community to participate.
"[We] have everything from 3-year-olds to 93-year-olds walking through the door and taking lessons, purchasing instruments and accessories,"
Spicer said.
Although Spicer's has only been open since January, their impact on the community is easily seen.
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