Flute 360 | Episode 83: “An Interview with Rachel Baker” (21:43)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Rachel Baker who is the flute technician through the Powell Flute's Company! The ladies discuss Rachel’s career, how someone can become an instrument technician themselves, and much more! Check out next week’s episode (E84) where the conversation continues onto flute maintenance and repair! 

Episode 83 – Main Points:

• 0:26 – Gold Sponsor: Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Boston
• 1:26 – Welcome and thank you for your support!
• 1:50 – One of Rachel’s hobbies is car racing!
• 2:44 – Heidi: Please share with the listeners your background.
• 2:52 – Rachel shares her personal and musical experience.
• 3:22 – Question: How did you get inspired to become a flute repairwoman?
• 3:36 – Rachel’s Answer
• 3:42 – “In high school...there was a box of piccolos that never worked. I thought: How can I get these piccolos to work?” – Rachel
• 3:49 – Rachel’s job at the local music store.
• 4:11 – Question: Do you find it fascinating to take something apart and put it back together?
• 4:18 – Rachel: “I’ve always liked puzzles, and trying to figure things out. I am a very hands-on sort of person.”
• 4:40 – Rachel: “I’m glad I found a certain niche that kept me within the music profession.”
• 4:50 – Question: What does your day-to-day schedule look like as a repair technician?
• 5:00 – Rachel’s Answer
• 5:22 – Emails, phone calls, COAs, overhauls, etc.
• 5:51 – Heidi asks a follow-up question.
• 6:00 – Rachel’s Answer
• 6:21 – Question: What are the similarities and differences between a self-employed technician versus a technician that works through a company?
• 6:30 – Rachel’s Answer
• 7:44 – Heidi comments.
• 7:58 – Topic: Pinless Mechanisms
• 8:10 – Question
• 8:21 – Rachel’s Answer
• 8:58 – Silver Sponsor: J&K Productions
• 9:53 – Topic: Similarities between the repair world and music education.
• 11:11 – Question: What question do you most often receive from clients?
• 11:21 – Rachel’s Answer
• 12:21 – Question: What advice do you have for the budding, new repairperson?
• 12:36 – Rachel’s Answer
• 13:00 – “You have to realize that these instruments are people’s way of living. They are really relying on you to do a good job!” – Rachel
• 13:20 – Question: What are the necessary steps to become a repairperson?
• 13:26 – Rachel’s Answer
• 14:22 – Topic: Band Instrument Repair Diploma
• 14:51 – Rachel comments.
• 15:22 – Question: What is the ideal amount of time to lay down the foundation of repair?
• 15:33 – Rachel’s Answer
• 17:20 – Question: Final thoughts?
• 17:35 – Rachel’s Answer
• 18:11 – PICKS!
• 19:52 – Bronze Sponsor: Aransas Pass High School Band – Winner of Flute 360's Giveaway!
• 20:57 – Support APHS’ Band!

PICKS! 

Rachel

• Agave Lip Mask

 Heidi’s Brother In-Laws’ Picks

• Shane’s Pick: Fly Fishing
• Colin’s Pick: Gary Clark, Jr.

Episode 83 – Resources Mentioned:

• Flute 360 – Dr. Heidi Kay Begay’s Website
• Financially Support Flute 360!
• Powell: Schedule a Repair with Rachel Baker!
• Band Instrument Repair Diploma
• Pinless Mechanisms

Episode 83 – Sponsors:

• Gold: Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Boston
• Silver: J&K Productions
• Bronze: Aransas Pass High School Band – Winner of Giveaway!