Instrument repair for Montego Bay schools

During my undergrad studies at Elmhurst College I studied abroad in Montego Bay, Jamaica on three separate occasions where I taught music in their schools. It was a terrific experience and really changed my perspective on the priviledge of America. The students are incredibly passionate about music however it is difficult for them to reach their full potential because their instruments are in desperate need of repair and they do not have the resources to fix them.

I would like to go back to Jamaica and do repairs for the students there at no cost to them. However, there are many tools and supplies necessary to make this a reality. Most of the costs associated with instrument repair comes from pads and corks (especially for saxophones). Currently, I am a licensed band instrument repair technician and have been working in the field for many years on all varieties of band instruments. I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of these students by repairing their instruments.

Most of these students are very underprivileged and lead difficult lives. Music is incredibly important to them and their culture and it is a privilege for them to play in their schools music program. Please help me help these wonderful kids reach their full potential and experience the incredible joy of music.

Going on these trips and working with these kids has changed the way that I look at my job. No matter how bad the condition of a horn might be, and no matter how much work has to go into it to get it working again, if it helps bring music to someone then it's worth fixing.