Phillip Ehrmann's Story | Brass Instrument Workshop

Education Background

Josh Barron graduated from the University of Georgia with a music education degree and sought to enter the world of public music education but was ultimately drawn to continue his education at the Southeast Music Institute, where he learned the art of band instrument repair. He completed the 10 month course with 187 instrument repairs that ranged from English horns, 6 valve tubas, contrabass clarinets, and everything in-between.

Playing career

While in college at the University of Georgia, Josh had the chance to play with the British brass band under the direction of Phil Smith, where he fell in love with the experience of playing in a brass band. After college, he joined the Georgia brass band as the first baritone and has played with the band for the last 2 years in a dozen concerts and a North American Brass Band Association championship competition.

Reason for repair

Josh's draw to instrument repair stems from the deeply rooted belief that all people deserve the right to create music however they might like to. As both an educator and repairer he seeks to give people the information and equipment they need to achieve their musical goals, while also providing their instruments with the highest level of attention and care through the repair process.

Personal Life

Outside of playing music and repair work, Josh loves to spend time with his fiance Jenny and their cat Beanbag. He is an avid animal lover and spends his time doing TNR work with feral cats in his community. Josh has also begun a collection of antique brass instruments that he hopes to preserve the history of to educate future generations on the beginnings of the brass instrument family.

"Our goal is that every horn leaves the workshop playing and looking as perfect as possible. We take great pride in our work, and also in the smiling faces of our customers when they receive their instrument. As a trumpet player, I realize how difficult it is to entrust one's horn to just anyone for repairs or modifications. We pledge to you our absolute best effort honed over 45 years as a brass repairmen. We will listen carefully, make suggestions, and share the knowledge we have acquired during that time to help you put your instrument in a condition that will enhance it’s performance and make you proud to display it."

-Rich Ita, Founder and Owner