Pianotech

I would like to personally thank John Parham and Maggie Jusiel for hosting the Appalacian Piano Tech playground this past weekend In Pipestem, West Virginia.  I would also like to thank  facilitators Dave Conte, Michael Gutowski, Shane Lowther and other folks for being there to assist and answer our questions.  I for one had a wonderful time.  It was a chance to learn hands on tips and tricks to common and not so common repairs, to work with action models to increase regulation knowledge, and to work on learning stations that covered some items on the tech exam.  All tasks performed in an unhurried atmosphere. 

But most of all for me, it was a chance to have some community with other piano tuners.  To encourage and be encouraged in our craft.  The surroundings were beautiful and the bonfire was a lot of fun with singing and general bonhomie.  I hope to attend more of these sorts of events in the future.

Patrick! Thank you so much. It was wonderful to connect with you and hang for the day after. The other 2 tech helpers were Andy Lyford and Jeff Skousen. I appreciate them all more than words can express. :-) 

Ruth - Cool! I also plan to write an article. If you would like to collaborate, just let me know. ;-) 

Maggie,

I had remembered Andy and Jeff, but couldn't remember their last names, so thank you for the clarification.  Definitely yourself and Ruth should put something together for the Journal.   My hope is that the journal could have a page in it somewhere that celebrates local get togethers across the country.  I am much interested in reading about the other chapters across the country.  I am hoping that as my own skills increase, I will be able to give back to the people and the organization that has meant so much to me over the years.

That's a great idea! I will suggest it to the Journal peeps. :-) 

As Ruth suggested, contact your RVP Mike Gutowski first. There's plenty of volunteer talent in the Madison area, and I'm sure a crew of volunteers from the Chicago area would be thrilled to help. The materials can be shipped out to your chapter from the Home Office, local volunteer members can staff the stations. Publicize the event in your region and have some fun!

Hi Keith,

I will be writing an article, but will post some things here as well if you like. 

Gotta go play music for a festival but will be back. 😉

Mags