Band Instrument Repair Description
Sioux City Campus
The Band Instrument Repair Program at WITCC is the oldest of it's kind in the United States and focuses on the repair and restoration of woodwind and brass instruments. The program is a hands-on course. Students will repair instruments belonging to music stores and private musicians in our well-equipped lab.
In the Band Instrument Repair program, students develop job-entry skills in all areas of band instrument repair and restoration. They become acquainted with the characteristics, physical properties, and problems involved with each musical instrument, as well as the basics of playing each instrument. Work is performed with tools unique to the trade and with other common tools.
Students learn to safely operate a machine lathe, buffing and scratchbrushing equipment, lacquering equipment, and special dent removing equipment. Techniques in woodwind repair, padding, adjustment, metal forming, soldering, cleaning, polishing, and refinishing are also developed. The course is designed for those who intend to become band instrument repair persons. Course offerings include independent study, field projects, and/or other electives.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is limited enrollment in this program. Please contact the program instructor, Mark Schmedinghoff at mark_schmedinghoff@witcc.edu at your earliest opportunity if you are considering enrolling in this program.
Required Classes
Search For Available Classes - First Semester
SDV 108 The College Experience 1
BIR 118 Woodwind Fundamentals 3
BIR 122 Brass Fundamentals 3
BIR 131 Clarinet Lab 3
BIR 121 Flute Lab 3
CSC 110 Introduction to Computers OR
BCA 206 Applied Computer Concepts 3
Search For Available Classes - Second Semester
BIR 118 Woodwind Fundamentals 3
BIR 122 Brass Fundamentals 3
BIR 131 Clarinet Lab 3
BIR 121 Flute Lab 3
CSC 110 Introduction to Computers OR
BCA 206 Applied Computer Concepts 3
BIR 120 Woodwind Overhaul 3
BIR 123 Brass Lab I 4
BIR 130 Saxophone Fundamentals 2
BIR 125 Saxophone Lab 3
Search For Available Classes - Third Semester
BIR 123 Brass Lab I 4
BIR 130 Saxophone Fundamentals 2
BIR 125 Saxophone Lab 3
Elective Humanities or Healthful Living/Leisure General Elective 3
ENG/COM English General Elective 3
MAT Math General Elective 3
Search For Available Classes - Fourth Semester
ENG/COM English General Elective 3
MAT Math General Elective 3
BIR 227 Double Reed Fundamentals 2
BIR 207 Brass Lab II 4
BIR 206 Harmony Woodwinds 3
BIR 209 Oboe Overhaul 3
PSY Psychology General Elective 3
Search For Available Classes - Fifth Semester
BIR 207 Brass Lab II 4
BIR 206 Harmony Woodwinds 3
BIR 209 Oboe Overhaul 3
PSY Psychology General Elective 3
BIR 126 Woodwind Machine Operations 3
BIR 219 Orchestral String Repair 1
BIR 211 Major Brass Repair 4
BIR 214 Bassoon Overhaul 2
BIR 215 Shop Management Practices 3
Program Total 65
BIR 219 Orchestral String Repair 1
BIR 211 Major Brass Repair 4
BIR 214 Bassoon Overhaul 2
BIR 215 Shop Management Practices 3
Program Total 65
Advisors
Mark Schmedinghoff, BA Ext. 1306 Room A48L mark_schmedinghoff@witcc.edu
Steve Ebsen, BS, Division Chair Ext. 1232 Room T219 steve.ebsen@witcc.edu