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

NOV 13, 202447 MIN
Mo’ Better Bands - a Podcast for Instrumental Music Educators

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

NOV 13, 202447 MIN

Description

<p>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.</p> <p>RESOURCES</p> <ul> <li><a href="⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAGWLjXRaeI/SA_74YYHHmMCt3pz1b5qCw/view?utm_content=DAGWLjXRaeI&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_source=editor⁠ " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Link to poster for your classroom</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><a href="https://erniewilliamson.com/news.aspx?showArticle=46" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Consider A Career in Instrument Repair Blog Post </a> </li> <li><a href="⁠⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqAO8TsBNWETwLF59lhWDBTAfq1glH1d/view⁠⁠  " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Link to NAfME Article reprinted in the July August TechniCom</a></li> <li><a href="⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIgq-KZ4HCjaAiHUgGPmGYjqpL8b_SLf/view?usp=sharing⁠⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Link to Aaron's Slide Deck</a></li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p>Takeaways</p> <ul> <li>The initiative to teach band instrument repair arose from a local music store's retirement.</li> <li>Career Technical Education (CTE) funding was crucial for establishing the program.</li> <li>Student interest in repair classes was consistently high, leading to full enrollment.</li> <li>Classes were structured with prerequisites to ensure students had a foundational understanding of instruments.</li> <li>The program included hands-on experience with real instruments, enhancing learning.</li> <li>Funding for the program grew from an initial budget of $27,000 to over $100,000.</li> <li>The curriculum was developed by paralleling existing classes, such as bicycle repair.</li> <li>Moss aims to advocate for the repair industry and create pathways for students into apprenticeships.</li> <li>Balancing educational repair initiatives with professional repair services is essential.</li> <li>The future of band instrument repair education looks promising with ongoing discussions and collaborations.</li> </ul>