Eight senior communication students—Josh Mearig, Courtney Capar, Preston Houvouras ’25, Noah Burke ’25, Jolie Jenkins ’25, Mackenzie Smith ’25, Tia Vagliardo ’25 A.A., ’25 and Lili Earley ’25—created “More Than Music,” a documentary featuring Melbourne business owner Bruce Marion, owner of Marion Music. The long-standing local music shop offers instrument sales, lessons and repair services. Mearig served as the project’s director, and Capar served as producer.
The film explores the realities of operating a brick-and-mortar music store in the digital age, where online competition has reshaped how people buy and learn instruments, and highlights Marion’s dedication to his craft and his role in supporting the local music community.
Through interviews and on-site filming, the students captured how Marion’s passion sustains both his business and the musicians he serves, offering a glimpse at the enduring role of local music shops in today’s evolving industry.
“More Than Music” was created as part of the students’ senior design project. The documentary is available for viewing on the 6-eleven Productions YouTube channel, which showcases student productions from Florida Tech’s communication programs.
This piece also appeared in the fall 2025 issue of COPLA Connections.
