Instrument repair program makes global sounds

By Samantha Bengs, Apr 6, 2017 at 6:00

In music circles around the globe, Red Wing is known not only for leather footwear and pottery, but also for the instrument repair programs at Minnesota State College Southeast. Each year, the college's signature band instrument, violin and guitar repair and building programs draw students from across the United States and beyond.

Dawn Parker, a retired music educator from Mesa, Ariz., said her path to Red Wing stemmed from her wish to continue working in the industry after her 30-year teaching career.

"I got interested in instrument repair while teaching," she said. "I had a knack for tracing what the problem was when a student would bring me an instrument."

Relocating to Red Wing for the one-year band instrument repair program was a no-brainer, Parker said.

"Red Wing easily has the best reputation in the music world," she said.

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