Clinics & School Visits
We bring the repair shop to you. Our mobile brass clinic visits college and university brass studios for on-site repairs, ultrasonic cleanings and hands-on education — all in a single visit.
We value the chance to talk with students about their equipment, raise the bar on proper instrument maintenance, and share instrument repair as a career option.
~4
tours each year
1 week
per tour, 3–4 schools
NY to SC
Potsdam to Columbia & western PA
Free
lecture with every clinic stop
What We Offer
Everything a brass studio needs, set up right on campus.
On-Site Repairs
Basic to moderate repairs such as soldering, most dent work, and installing simple options like water keys, finger rings and leadpipes.
Ultrasonic Cleanings
A portable 9-gallon ultrasonic unit that cleans most brass instruments, up to euphonium size.
Accessories & Instruments
Oils, greases, trumpet mouthpieces, Marcus Bonna cases (on request) and usually a selection of instruments for sale.
Educational Lecture
A 45–60 minute talk on basic brass repair for band directors, maintenance and damage prevention, brass design and repair as a career. Free with a clinic stop, or $200 plus travel as a standalone visit.
What We Need From You
Two ways to host us — whichever works best for your campus.
Option 1
Our Mobile Repair Truck
- A level parking spot close to the music building
- Access to two 120V outlets on separate breakers
- That’s it — we bring our own water and are fully self-contained
- No suitable outlets? We can run a generator where permitted
Option 2
Inside Your Facility
- A room available for the entire day
- At least 10’ × 12’ with access to power
- A water supply nearby to fill about 40 gallons
Where We Travel
Tours run about four times a year, typically a week each, visiting 3–4 university brass studios arranged in advance. We currently serve colleges between Potsdam, NY and Columbia, SC and out to western Pennsylvania. We try to stay within an 8-hour drive of the Mid-Atlantic, but we’re always open to expanding based on availability — so reach out wherever you are.
On the Road
What Brass Faculty Say
From professors who host our clinic every year.
“
Having Chris and Dave visit our school for repairs and lectures each year has been invaluable! Their generosity, knowledge and expertise has benefited hundreds of students. There is no one like them.
John Ellis, DMA
Professor of Trumpet, The Crane School of Music · Principal Trumpet, The Ottawa Symphony
“
Chris Cromer not only does a great job of cleaning and repairing brass instruments, he also gives an entertaining and informative clinic on instrument care and maintenance! The examples he shows from “real life situations” drive home the need for students to take care of their equipment. His clinic is a “must see” for all brass players!
Dr. Kevin E. Eisensmith
Professor of Trumpet, Indiana University of Pennsylvania · President, International Trumpet Guild, 2009–2011
“
My students and I always look forward to seeing Chris and getting our horns worked on by the best man in the trumpet repair business. Not only is Chris the best at what he does, but he’s super reliable, easy to work with and the ultimate professional. My students really enjoyed learning about proper horn maintenance and red rot. I highly recommend you schedule a yearly visit with Chris at your school.
Allyson Keyser, DMA
Assistant Professor of Music, Trumpet · SUNY Schenectady County Community College
“
It’s always a pleasure to have Chris and Dave on campus to present their repair clinic. There is a great amount of advice on maintenance that the students gain from an expert technician — helpful from a player’s perspective, and very important for students planning to be future music educators.
Robert Skoniczin
Trumpet Instructor, University of Delaware
Bring Us to Your Campus
Tell us about your studio and preferred dates, and we’ll find a spot on an upcoming tour.