As of the 2024-2025 school year, the Arlington ISD Instrument Repair Class was in year 10.
Building the Future: The Journey of Arlington ISD’s Instrument Repair Program
In the world of education, we often find ourselves looking for ways to break down barriers and create opportunities for students. But sometimes, the most impactful programs arise from simply listening to the needs of the community and recognizing an opportunity when it presents itself. That’s exactly how Arlington ISD’s Instrument Repair Class came into existence – a dream that started with a conversation in 2012, evolved through vision and collaboration, and ultimately became a cornerstone of the district's Fine Arts Center.
A Seed Planted: The Early Conversations in Irving ISD
It was fall 2012 when I first began exploring the idea of an Instrument Repair Program. At the time, I was serving as the Fine Arts Director at Irving ISD, Texas. Conversations with Vince Chiaponne of Music & Arts revealed a growing need in the workforce for skilled instrument repair technicians, and we kicked around the idea of an instrument repair class. The workforce was aging, and Music & Arts, a leader in the field, was expanding rapidly. We saw an opportunity to create a class that would equip students with the skills necessary to step into this high-demand, well-paying field.
Though our efforts in Irving didn’t bear fruit—due to the inability to move forward with a bond program—it planted a seed. It was a vision that would continue to evolve, and years later, it would become a reality in Arlington ISD.
A New Opportunity: Joining Arlington ISD
Fast forward to 2014. After making the move to Arlington ISD as part of Dr. Marcello Cavazos’ visionary leadership, I was excited about the possibilities that the district's historic $663.1M bond program would bring. Dr. Cavazos had long been a champion of access and excellence through innovation, and he encouraged us to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and dream big. One of those ideas was the creation of an Instrument Repair Class, which would become a key component of the district's new Fine Arts Center.
That first semester of 2014-2015, the groundwork was laid. While architects for the AISD Fine Arts Center were still being selected, the conversation shifted from “What if?” to “Let’s make this happen.” We worked with Music & Arts, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, and the plan was set into motion. The district would provide the space and the students, and Music & Arts would bring in the tools, materials, and an experienced instructor.
Building the Foundation: Where It All Began
With the vision in place, the next challenge was finding a temporary home for the program. The Fine Arts Center was still in the planning phase, so we needed a space that could accommodate the class until the new facility was ready. We decided to use an old photo lab on the campus of Bowie High School as the classroom. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was functional. That spring, we began recruiting students, and that summer, Music & Arts set up a professional-grade instrument repair shop in the space.
It was thrilling to see the students’ first day in the classroom. They were learning to remove dents from brass instruments—something that would set them on the path to becoming skilled technicians. And that next summer, these same students were offered paid internships with Music & Arts (in 2016), earning $15.00 per hour, with some even securing full-time positions post-graduation. This was more than just a class; it was a launching pad for careers.
A Collaborative Effort: Key Contributors to the Program's Success
This program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of several key individuals. Dr. Rick Garcia, a longtime advocate for fine arts education, played an instrumental role in getting the MOU across the finish line. Rob Myers was essential in recruiting students and collaborating with the district’s counselors to ensure that the program reached a broad and diverse group of kidddos. And, of course, Joseph Strohl, the program’s instructor, has been a guiding force since day one. His dedication to his students and his mastery of the craft has shaped the program into what it is today.
Joseph’s approach as a “guide by the side” has made all the difference. He doesn’t just teach students how to repair instruments; he helps them discover a vocation and prepares them for the workforce in a meaningful, hands-on way. As of 2024-2025, the program has expanded to four sections, a testament to the growing demand for skilled repair technicians and the program’s success.
The New Home: The Dr. Marcello Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts
In 2021, the Instrument Repair Class officially moved into its permanent home at the Dr. Marcello Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts, an awe-inspiring facility that stands as a symbol of the district’s commitment to providing access and excellence through innovation. The Center not only houses the Instrument Repair Program but also serves as a hub for the district's fine arts community with classes in dance, music, theatre, visual art, and more.
We’ll take a deeper dive into this remarkable facility in another post, but suffice it to say, the new space has only enhanced the program's ability to grow and evolve, giving students access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities that prepare them for successful careers in a high-demand field.
Acknowledgments:
Special thanks to Vince Chiaponne, Dr. Rick Garcia, Rob Myers, Joseph Strohl, and the entire AISD team who helped bring this vision to life. The success of this program is a testament to your hard work and dedication to the students of Arlington ISD.
Questions? Want to learn more? Email - jeremy@schoolmusicconsulting.com
Comments