Klarinet Archive - Posting 000506.txt from 1999/07

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] re: mail order - local store policy repairs
Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 11:29:06 -0400

While I think there is a place and a need for band directors to learn some
musical instrument repair, I strongly feel that the major emphasis should be
placed on preventative medicine. A secondary effort should be made to learn how
to detect and diagnose problems.

I have been a band director. The job is harrowing, overwhelming, and at times
thankless. If a band director has his priorities straight (MHO), there is
little time to also be the in-house doctor of horns.

I have, in the past sold supplies to band directors, such things as pads and
glue. I have seen the blighted fruits of their labors. On average, few have the
requisite mechanical intelligence, the full range of supplies, the real time
and the proper equipment to properly perform many or most tasks. Often, they
are doing the reverse of a favor, the reverse of performing any permanent
improvement.

More importantly, they are sending the wrong message. They are telling or
showing their students that anyone can perform repairs. They are downgrading
the real worth of repair technicians who spend all their time, energy and
resources to do a job well. They are sending the wrong message to both students
and parents in another way. They are telling them that music or involvement in
music requires little commitment nor financial underpinning.

If a band director is doing all that is required, is filling the job
description, there should be no time to also be the repairman. Any band
director worth his or her salt, takes full advantage of all outside and
auxiliary resources available to enhance the band program. This might include
having the best private teachers in the area do a lot of the private teaching,
having them or the local college come in and give clinics.

If the band director wants to be omniscient, let him proceed. But if the repair
job turns into a fiasco, he or her should be ready and responsible to have
repairer or replace anything that is seriously buggered or defaced.

If you can't cover your tracks, or don't have the finances to assume
responsibility for taking on the world, then DON'T DO IT.

Patricia Smith wrote:

> Perhaps the solution for those of us who are music teachers (I HATE the term
> "band directore" - it does not cover our true expertise as musicians ;^) is
> to learn instrument repair ourselves,either on our own or in a clooege or
> other sort of course. Thoughts, please.
>
> have a great, practice-full day
>
> Patty Smith
>
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