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 musician 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 McAllister* - Retail and Sales Administration Manager Heather has been with Givens Violins since 2002 after graduating Summa Cum Laude with degrees in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education and Viola Performance from Concordia University, St. Paul. While in school, Heather ran her own private violin/viola studio and was the Music Director at Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Paul. In addition to her work at Givens Violins, Heather enjoys playing freelance viola throughout the Twin Cities as well as being the Choral Director at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mounds View.
	*Sherry Parr* - Office Manager Sherry is a native of Blaine, Minnesota, where she attended Blaine Senior High School. She played violin and viola in the Orchestra for over ten years and continues to play. Sherry is a graduate of Brown College with a degree in Advertising Design with her main focus of graphics, communications, and web design. Outside of work, Sherry enjoys spending time reading, going to the movies, and taking long walks around Minneapolis and St. Paul.
	*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.
	*Lynn McDowell* - Accountant Before coming to Givens Violins, Lynn owned her own accounting and computer network business. Lynn is familar with many aspects of accounting from data entry to reconciling accounts to producing financial statements. As part of her business, Lynn ran a small payroll service and designed websites. Her hobbies include biking, camping and sewing. She also enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, Brieana.