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About Us - Chico

Photo by- Ashiah Scharaga/ Chico News & Review 

Left to Right(Top picture): Nick McGregor, Cody Naab, Sky Snider, Ian Palmer, Dan Elsen, Bruce MacMillan, Sally MacMillan
Music Connection employees are friendly and knowledgeable. If you've hung around local music venues, you've probably seen them. So come in and get to know them. They're always happy to help you with instrument choices, accessories and general music chat.



Sally MacMillan

Owner of the Music Connection since 2003. A mother of three wonderful daughters


Bruce MacMillan

Part owner of the Music Connection. If you hear the Zombie's or Jonathan Wilson on vinyl, it's usually Bruce in control of the stereo. 


Dan Elsen

I started playing music in my 5th grade school band, started drumming at age 15 and formed my first rock band that year. At 16, I joined local band Fenix Down and wrote, rehearsed and performed with the band for six years and released a full-length album. I have a B.A. in Music Industry and Technology from Chico State.

In addition to working at the Music Connection, I also teach drums here and play in the local experimental group Shadow Limb, a four-piece instrumental collective. We like to describe our music as "epic, memorable, instrumental progressive rock." Check out the band at our facebook page and come check us out live.


Ian Palmer

Ian has been with the Music Connection since winter of 2016. Coming from the Bay Area, he is currently studying at Butte College and has a musical background of acoustic guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar. You can find him at the Music Connections doing everything from helping people find what they need to rock, to working on the repair bench. 



Skylar Snider

Skylar grew up in Chico, coming to the Music Connection for guitar lessons with Bruce way back in the day. Thus was born a deep love for music, the guitar and rock n roll. Today he spreads that love for music from the shop as a Connector and a love for rock n roll playing with his friends in the local scene.


Cody Naab

Cody is a familiar face in Chico, growing up and playing in a few bands around town. Eager to talk nerdy drum tech or weirdo music, he’s found a home at Music Connection. Come say hi!

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Sesar Sanchez 

Sesar has worked at the Music Connection since the Fall of 2002 and has since: Graduated from Chico State with Bachelor's Degree in General Music, has played in a plethora of local bands, volunteers with a local group called the Chico Area Punks, and does booking for all sorts of local venues among many other endeavors.  


Ashley Redding

Hi, I'm Ashley. I am currently now teaching middle school English full time but you can still find me working occasionally with the Connection crew. These guys are my family! I play and teach piano and violin. I also really enjoy teaching voice lessons and having my students be able to learn what made them love music in the first place. If someone is laughing real loud or being a goof it's probably me. I love my job at The Music Connection, even when the guys give me "guff!" It's a great place to work - so let me help you with anything you need! 


Nathan Collins

Nathan is currently teaching full time. 
Nathan is a Chico State graduate and joined the Music Connection team in 2014 with a background in guitar maintenance and repair. Apprenticing under Bruce, he has grown into a competent stringed instrument technician. When he isn't behind the bench, he's either teaching immersion-style guitar lessons to a growing student base or playing music in the local scene. Ask him anything!

Redding Location 



Music Connection employees - we call them the Music Connectors - are friendly and knowledgeable. So come in and get to know them. They're always happy to help you with instrument choices, accessories, and general music chat. 


Bernie Baker

Manager Bernie Baker is a music legend about town. You can hear his smooth jazz band or duo most Saturday nights, with a distinctive sound that makes old standards sound fresh and new. Pick up his CD here at The Music Connection and talk music with someone who has many tales to tell.

CONTACT US

  • The Music Connection     Chico
    (530) 898-0110
  • 341 W 3rd St, Chico, CA 95928
  • The Music Connection    Redding