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Course Description Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive deep into brass repair! This hands-on, 4-day course is your chance to take your skills to the next level, whether you’re tackling dents on a trumpet or reshaping a tuba. Each day, we’ll focus on a different repair skill, starting with dent removal and burnishing techniques to get brass shining like new. Then, we’ll dive into expert soldering, mastering the prep and cleanup to leave joints smooth and seamless. By mid-week, we’ll take on the big guns—large brass dent work—learning how to disassemble and reshape those hefty bottom bows and bow guards with precision. Learn about the most commonly used attachments for the dent machine and some of the less known ones that can save you time and money on repairs. We’ll wrap up with advanced brass techniques, including patch making in the weirdest of places. Expect morning demos, Q&As, and plenty of time to practice in the afternoons with tools like burnishers, dent rods, and the dent machine. A critical look at the "why" we choose methods and tools will be a focus; not just the "How". So, bring your questions, your steady hands, and prepare to leave with the confidence to tackle any brass repair challenges that come your way! What you should bring:
-Hand burnishers if they've got them
-A couple of their favorite Dent hammers
-Eye protection,
-Apron,
-Alleve ;)
-Gatorade (kinda not joking). This is going to be a physical week for sure.
-Possibly heat-resistant gloves for the big soldering would be good.
Instructor
 Brian is a skilled Band Instrument Repair Technician, passionate educator, and advocate for keeping music alive and accessible in schools. With years of hands-on experience and a strong reputation in the field, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, covering everything from precise dent work to advanced brass repairs. In addition to his professional work, Brian volunteers running his daughter's Dungeons & Dragons Club, being a nerd about national parks, and drawing silly band related stickers and merch. Known for his engaging teaching style and expertise, he empowers students with practical, high-quality repair techniques. Brian has been a presenter at NAPBIRT regional and national conferences and has been a guest instructor at Renton and Western Iowa Tech. Be ready to learn a lot, and most likely groan at bad puns and dad jokes. Brian and his wife, Deanna, own Rocky Mountain Music Repair in Colorado, which was awarded the NAMM Top 100 Music dealer award for the third time this year.
Safety glasses are required for all NAPBIRT University courses.
If you do not bring your own, we will provide them. |
Lodging
There are many lodging options in the Bloomington-Normal Area. The hotels listed below are within one mile of the Training Center. However, you are free to use your favorite website search engine or mobile phone app to find a hotel of your choice. (zipcode search: 61761)
Home2 Suites 309.451.9900
1781 Bradford Lane
Normal, IL 61761
Transportation
- The closest airport is in Bloomington, IL. Airport Code: BMI
Website: www.cira.com - There is a local Amtrak station in Normal, IL: www.amtrak.com - Station code: BNL
- If you are flying into Chicago O'Hare or Midway airport and would like to get a bus shuttle, click on the following link: www.peoriacharter.com
Destination Selection: Normal: Amtrak Uptown Station - Local Car Rental Information: (details)
- Other Choices such as Taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc: (details)
Shipping
You are welcome to ship any packages prior to your arrival. Send them to:
(your name)
C/O NAPBIRT
2026 Eagle Rd
Normal, IL 61761
Registration
- All registrations are to be completed electronically using this website.
(We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) - You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You do not have to be a member of NAPBIRT to register. However, you will need to create an account with us in order to process your registration.
- If you are a current member, make sure you are logged into the system. Otherwise, you will end up re-typing a lot of information that would automatically be inserted into the registration form.
- If you are a previous member or you have attended a NAPBIRT clinic in the past, your name should already be in our database. Click Here to request your login information.
NOTE: Seating is limited to 6 registrations.
Course Fee: $650
Materials Fee: $145
Total: $795
WAIVER:
By registering for this event, I give my permission for NAPBIRT, Inc. to use, without limitation or obligations, photographs, film footage, or tape recordings which may include my image or voice for the purpose of promoting or interpreting NAPBIRT programs and services.
I waive all claims for damage and/or loss to my person or property which may be caused by an act, or failure to act of NAPBIRT, it's officers, directors, agents, or employees and the hosts and clinicians. I understand that there are inherent dangers in working with tools and repairing instruments and I assume the risk of all dangerous conditions in and about such clinics and waive any and all specific notice of the existence of such conditions.
Hand held audio recorders and still cameras are permitted providing that you do not disrupt the session and you have the permission of the clinician. Video cameras and other similar equipment are not permitted without advance written authorization from NAPBIRT.
Cellular phones and other electronic gadgets must be turned to OFF or SILENT during all scheduled events including tours, meals, and clinics.
Our goal is the free exchange of ideas and techniques. Please remember that the clinicians are your colleagues: feel free to ask questions and participate during clinics. Questions asked during clinics are often very valuable: be respectful of those asking questions, whether they are new technicians or seasoned veterans. We would also ask that you remember that there are different ways to achieve a desired end, and that not all technicians always agree on the same techniques or tools. If you find yourself in a position in which you disagree with the clinician, we would ask that you be respectful to the clinician and your fellow audience members and not be disruptive in the clinic.
I understand the hazards of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") and am familiar with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") guidelines regarding COVID-19. I acknowledge and understand that that the circumstances regarding COVID-19 are changing from day to day and that, accordingly, the CDC guidelines are regularly modified and updated and I accept full responsibility for familiarizing myself with the most recent updates.
Notwithstanding the risks associated with COVID-19, which I readily acknowledge, I hereby willingly choose to participate in NAPBIRT activities.
I acknowledge and fully assume the risk of illness or death related to COVID-19 arising from my being on the premises and participating in the Activities and hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE NAPBIRT, it's officers, directors, agents, employees and assigns (the "RELEASEES") from any liability related to COVID-19 which might occur as a result my being on the premises and participating in NAPBIRT activities.
I shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the RELEASEES from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, judgments, losses or expenses of any nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements, whether of in-house or outside counsel and whether or not an action is brought, on appeal or otherwise), arising from or out of, or relating to, directly or indirectly, the infection of COVID-19 or any other illness or injury.
***This Course is limited to 6 Registrations***
If you would like to have your name added to the waiting list for the next Lathe Course, please send an email to: office@napbirt.org or call the NAPBIRT Office: 309.452.4257.
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