Mo’ Better Bands - a Podcast for Instrumental Music Educators

Band Instrument Repair in High Schools: A New Approach to Career and Tech Education

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This conversation explores the innovative approach to teaching high school students about band instrument repair, initiated by Aaron Moss in response to the retirement of a local music store. The discussion covers the development of a curriculum, student engagement, funding through CTE programs, and the importance of balancing educational initiatives with professional repair services. Moss emphasizes the need for in-house repair solutions in schools, the high interest from students, and the potential career paths available in the repair industry.

RESOURCES

  • Link to poster for your classroom
    • Consider A Career in Instrument Repair Blog Post
    • Link to NAfME Article reprinted in the July August TechniCom
    • Link to Aaron's Slide Deck


      • Takeaways

      • The initiative to teach band instrument repair arose from a local music store's retirement.
      • Career Technical Education (CTE) funding was crucial for establishing the program.
      • Student interest in repair classes was consistently high, leading to full enrollment.
      • Classes were structured with prerequisites to ensure students had a foundational understanding of instruments.
      • The program included hands-on experience with real instruments, enhancing learning.
      • Funding for the program grew from an initial budget of $27,000 to over $100,000.
      • The curriculum was developed by paralleling existing classes, such as bicycle repair.
      • Moss aims to advocate for the repair industry and create pathways for students into apprenticeships.
      • Balancing educational repair initiatives with professional repair services is essential.
      • The future of band instrument repair education looks promising with ongoing discussions and collaborations.
        • ...more
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        Mo’ Better Bands - a Podcast for Instrumental Music EducatorsBy Ernie Williamson Music
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