Monday, April 11, 2022
How long have you been in the repair field?
10 years
Why did you enter the field?
My two loves were band and 4H. I ultimately decided to attend school for agriculture and got my associates degree in the field. Before transferring to a 4-year school, my younger sister told me about a field of study she was looking into called band instrument repair. She convinced me to enter the field instead and pursuing agriculture and here I am today.
Did you attend a repair trade school or learn via apprenticeship?
I attended Western Iowa Technical Community College
What is your main instrument?
Saxophone (mainly tenor).
What instrument do you enjoy repairing the most?
Clarinet. I enjoy working with wooden instruments and especially enjoy crack repairs
What are some things you feel everyone should carry with them to be prepared for emergencies?
- For woodwind players, consider a small screwdriver set (for emergencies only and not for making your own adjustments)
- Lubricants (specifically for brass instruments)
- Zip Ties (no rubber bands because they become corrosive)
- Teflon tape or painter's tape
What are the two most common adjustments you find yourself making on woodwind instruments and what do you recommend players do to avoid causing those problems?
- Bridge key adjustments. The most common cause of bridge key issues is putting the joints together without pressing the upper joint ring keys/upper bridge key. Be sure to do so and you'll avoid a lot of the problems.
- Lower stack keys on low woodwinds. The bigger the woodwind, the greater the chance of issues with key adjustment and regulation. As keys get longer, they are more susceptible to bending as a result of finger pressure. Use as little pressure as possible while playing and you'll avoid these issues.
What is the most common problem you see on brass instruments and how should players avoid it?
Stuck Slides. The best medicine to avoid stuck slides is to keep them lubricated. I recommend choosing one day each week to wipe down your slides and apply fresh slide grease. Having a regular "Maintenance Monday" can help keep you in a routine and keep the instrument playing well.
What is the most severe damage you've ever seen on an instrument sent in for repair?
We once had a bari sax come in for repair. There was a key guard brace foot that had come unsoldered from the body. Things went horribly wrong when the school's shop teacher was asked to get involved. He wanted to make sure the solder was good and strong and used his oxy/acetylene welding torch; there was a hole cut straight through the instrument from the intense torch heat.
What advice would you give to a beginner band student to help safeguard their instrument from damage?
- Saxes: get a neck strap that has a closing clip.
- Exercise spatial awareness. Be aware of yourself and your surroundings so you don't bump into anything or anyone.
- Treat your instrument as though it were an extension of your body. If you treat like it is a part of you, you are far less likely to damage it.
When do you consider an instrument to be unrepairable?
If the cost of repair exceeds the current value of the instrument, it usually isn't worth repairing.
Do you recommend band instrument repair as a viable career path?
Absolutely. I think that it is a fantastic trade to get into. There is a high need in the field, and it is very rewarding.
What minimum skills do you feel a person needs to possess in order to pursue band instrument repair as a career?
Techs usually excel when they are meticulous and organized. Being good with your hands is also a huge plus but not a necessity.
What would you recommend someone interested in band instrument repair do to get a better understanding of the field of study?
The best experience a person can get is job shadowing or by working as a seasonal summer repair assistant. It can also be helpful to watch shop repair videos. YouTube is a great resource.
As Summer approaches, some students will be leaving their instrument untouched for extended periods of time while on vacation. What tips do you have for them to ensure their instrument is still in great condition when they return and pick it back up?
Don't leave the instrument on the floor or in contact with carpet because it increases the chance of pad mite infestation. Also be sure you lubricate any moving parts (keys, slides, valves, etc.). If storing for a long time, on brass instruments, pull each slide out slightly to make it easier for a repair tech to free the slides should they get stuck.
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