Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs Inc.

It's no secret to anyone who knows me, that supporting schools and young players is something I consider extremely important. School funding for band is a constant struggle, and the truth is that while renting a school band instrument is a wonderful option (especially the first few years!), it's simply not financially accessible to a lot of students. In recent years, the budget for school repairs has been slashed, so while some public schools have a "I think most of the no...tes work" flute tucked away for emergencies, these aren't a solution. This is where KJWR C.A.I.R.R.S. comes in. (this is a working project title, it may change) Since the beginning, KJWR has had an informal process for redistributing donated flutes to schools in need. Kim doesn't do this alone though - community members are foundational to making this happen. There are parents who will watch Craigslist etc. to find used but "workable" flutes, purchase them and then bring them here to be fixed up, and sent to a designated school. The donation aspect doesn't end at "here's a flute" - because a donated flute is only helpful if it's working!! All flutes donated by KJWR are then maintained (for the remainder of their workable lifetime) at no change to the school. It's time to make this arrangement formal. Please note: - Any flutes are donated to Greater Victoria Area schools. - These do not replace renting an instrument! - Not all instruments are in suitable condition to be practically refurbished. Instruments must have all their parts, a working case etc. -Instruments are provided to schools on an "as available" basis. Want to learn more? KJWR has a newly launched page to help connect teachers and the community (still under construction!) https://fluterepairs.ca/schools

Letters from home ... There is a long standing tradition of makers marking the inside of key cups (only visible to other builders/ technicians). It’s a privilege to be able to see these, and a daily reminder of all the people behind hand made instruments. ... (I added some blue dye to help the etching show up in the photo better) #lettersfromhome #flutetechlife #secretsinflutes #hiddentreasures

Making old things new again! Hand polishing keys for an overhaul. When I was young I wanted a hands-on career that let me mix science, medicine/health, art, music, teaching, life long learning and viewed hyper-attention to detail as a positive trait... Fortunately the perfect career found me... #flutetechlife #oboetechlife #music #SaveTheArts #flutes #oboes #lovewhatyoudo

One of the many reasons KJWR came into being was because it was critical to me to be able to spend whatever time was needed with clients, and their instruments. In a retail world, you can't spend 20 or 60 mins per call on the phone. Here - it's almost a daily occurrence. One of the things that I cherish is clients who call up wanting to "re-start". Often the instruments have been put away for years, or even decades. What caused the case to close the last time all those yea...rs ago is often emotional (good or bad). Here it's about relationship - and restoring flutes sometimes is part of a much bigger journey. This past month I had the privilege and honour of hearing a bit about this owner's story (which is private, and I will not share here). What I will share (with their consent) is this overhaul progress photo. To some they may look at the first image and see something beyond repair, but here at KJWR - I see potential and hope. This is Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs Inc.

It's time for the Spring edition of "what's up at KJWR"! In this edition: New brands Exciting updates on Guo Shining Pipers, A Behind the scenes look at KJWR!... https://mailchi.mp//spring-updates-from-kimberley-jurens-w