Meet the Retail Staff

	*Claire Givens* - President Claire founded Claire Givens Violins, Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1977. Drawing on her knowledge of music, musicians and fine stringed instruments, Claire Givens focused on building a business to serve the special needs of string players by offering the finest instruments, bows, information and restoration services. Since its founding, Givens Violins has experienced tremendous growth and success in all areas. After her marriage to Andrew Dipper in 1990, Dipper joined Givens Violins as Vice President. Andrew Dipper, a highly respected museum and early instrument restorer brought Dipper Restorations from Taynton, Oxfordshire, England. Today, Claire Givens Violins, Inc. enjoys a national reputation for excellence. Givens Violins boasts one of the largest and best trained workshops in the country and the largest inventory of instruments and bows from Chicago to Los Angeles. Ms. Givens oversaw the research and publishing of Violin and Bow Makers of Minnesota, a history of the 160 makers who worked in Minnesota beginning in the late 19th century. In 1988, she hosted the Violin Society of America International Violinmaking Competition. She has written "In Focus" articles in The Strad magazine featuring a fine viola made by Minneapolis maker Mathias Dahl (June 2001), and a violin made by Giocoma Zanoli, Verona c. 1749 (October, 2000). Ms. Givens is a member of the Violin Society of America (VSA), the American Musical Instrument Society (AMIS), and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She served on the board of the Minnesota String Task Force and MN ASTA from 1987 to 1999. She has been a musical instrument appraiser for the Antiques Roadshow since 1999 and has appeared on numerous shows. Currently, she serves on the Executive Committee of The National Music Museum, one of the finest musical instrument museums in the world.
	*Heather Hoff* - Retail and Sales Administration Manager Heather is a native of New Brighton, MN, where she graduated from Moundsview High School. She attended Concordia University, and graduated with a degree in vocal and instrumental education and viola performance. While in school, Heather ran a private violin/viola studio and was the Music Director at Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Outside of work, Heather plays in community orchestras and enjoys spending time outdoors.
	*Brian Kubin* - Sales Associate Brian joined our sales staff in September, 2004. He received his DMA from the University of Minnesota in Cello Performance and is an active solo and chamber musician. He has appeared on the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series and has been the founding member of several chamber groups, including the Keweenaw String Quartet, and the Sheridan Chamber Players. He has given solo performances in a variety of venues, from school classrooms to formal concert solo appearances with orchestra. He holds a Bachelor's degree from North Park University, and a Masters degree in cello performance from Northwestern University. His principal teachers include Hans Jorgen Jensen, Tanya Remenikova, and Julie Zumsteg. He has been a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Pamiro Opera, Pine Mountain Music Festival, Superior Festival Orchestra, and has served as principal cello with the Marquette Symphony and the Keweenaw Symphony. Brian is an active freelancer in the Twin Cities and is an adjunct faculty member at Gustavus Adolphus College. Mr. Kubin decided to play the cello in fifth grade because he did not want to play an instrument where "you have to stand up all the time".
	*Justin Knoepfel* - Sales Assistant Justin was recently awarded his Masters in Viola Performance from the University of Minnesota where he was a Clarence L. Thorp Fellow. Justin received his undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he majored in Violin Performance and Business Management. In addition to working at Givens Violins, Justin is also a substitute violist with the Minnesota Orchestra.
	*Jane Ellen* - Office Manager Jane Ellen played the violin at Gustavus Adolphus College under Dr. Gerald Lewis. Ms. Ellen has an Master of Fine Arts from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Her main focus was the study and writing of poetry. Outside of work, Ms. Ellen enjoys spending time jogging, biking and strolling around lakes of Minneapolis.
	*Edward Estrin* - Shipping Manager A life long musician, with an emphasis on percussion, Mr. Estrin is also a composer whose work has been featured in film, radio, theatre, television and live performance.
	*Inez Hopkins* - Accountant Inez graduated from the Universtity of North Dakota magna cum laude with a degree in accounting and business education. She received her CPA certificate at the same time. Inez has a diverse background with large international corporations and small businesses. Inez has celebrated 25 years with playing percussion with the Minnesota Freedom Band and has played in numerous community and swing bands.
	*Lupot* - Chief of Security Lupot specializes in protecting rare stringed instruments and works most closely with Dipper Restorations. Click here to read Kay Miller's article about our Chief of Security.