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March 31, 1924 - February 7, 1998
My father was a Music Educator / Band Director in New York State. Through his 35 years as a music teacher, band director, adjudicator and conductor for various All-State and All-County bands, he became very well known, and highly respected, by the "Music Industry".
He was a member of the New York State School Music Association, New York State Band Directors Association,
Music Educators' National Conference, Erie County Music Educators' Association, New York State Teachers' Association, Erie County Teachers' Association, and Eden Central School Teachers' Association.
He also served in the United States Army Air Force from 1943-1946 as bombardier on B-24s and B-17s. He flew 18 combat missions over Germany, was shot down, captured and served 18 months as a prisoner of war in Germany.
Though I started out as Music Major 37 years ago, I become a Tribologist instead. I started my own company in 1990 and call it Power Up of Western New York. This company deals with the field of "Fluid Lubrication" and preventative maintenance. Wanting to come "full circle" with my upbringing in a musical family, I set out to combine my knowledge of Tribology with my love for the music industry. I decided to combine the two fields and try to invent a much better musical instrument oil. One that was not only better in it's lubrication capabilities, but also, one that was safe to the lung tissues and didn't contain all the harmful chemicals that music oils usually consist of. Not an easy task, but a challenge worth striving for. After much research and development, field testing and formula changes, BiNaK 495 was created. In 2000 the BiNaK PRO was created and introduced. This oil has all the same capabilities as the BiNaK 495, but is lighter in viscosity. Both oils are compatable with one another. Finally, in 2004, the BiNaK Tuning Slide Lubricant finished the BiNaK product line.
BiNaK 495 and BiNaK PRO have proven themselves in all areas of musical instrument lubrication. They work under extreme cold temperatures due to a pour point depressant, they do not contain silicones that become gummy in hot temperatures, they contain no carcinogens or mutagens to harm sensitive lung tissues, they are not based on alcohol so the oil won't evaporate at a rapid rate, the oils contain metal protectors that prevent brass and silver interiors from degrading, and both oils can be used on all instruments, such as trumpet valves, trombone slides, rotor valves and key applications. BiNaK 495 and BiNaK PRO out perform other music oils in every area tested!
As an additional tribute to my father, The "Walter J. Downey Music Scholarship Award" was established in June of 1996. This scholarship is given to an outstanding High School Senior who is pursuing a Musical Education , Performance or related field at college. It is wonderful to see the legacy of talented musicians continue, for you see...
"The Beauty He Brought Into Everyone's Life, Was Called Music"
Nanette L. Kappus