OTRC Presents The Last Repair Shop

"The Last Repair Shop" showcases the people who work tirelessly to maintain and repair musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District. We go behind the scenes with the filmmakers, technicians and students in this hour-long special.

[LindaMacDonald-dt]

Loved this. So very moving. I played an instrument as a child and I can see how wonderful it is for every child to have a chance to enjoy music.

[KarenPlut]

My father was a trombonist, and before he died of cancer when I was seven, he told my mother to make sure that my brother and I learned to play an instrument. Unfortunately, my small Iowa town did not pay for students' instruments, and my mother couldn't afford the rental or purchase of one. So, I never got to play the French horn that I found so beautiful, and my dream of playing the opening slide of Rhapsody in Blue on my own clarinet, never came to fruition. But, I did help my band friends sell fruit door-to-door to pay their way to march in the Rose Bowl Parade but then had to live their adventure vicariously on TV. So, thank you to the LA school system for having the foresight, determination and heart to keep this fantastic program, and children's dreams alive. ...I did just see a baby blue clarinet on eBay, so maybe, just maybe, it's not too late.

[jafsauce]

Worthy of the Oscar proud to live and be a former lausd student

[zellahannum]

I loved my clarinet.... that was provided by my schools where I grew up in a working poor family in Detroit. While I did not have a gift nor did I reach fame with my music, it empowered me as a professional and animated my ambitions. Performing on stage in front of a full auditorium at Cass Technical High School required discipline, practice, and passion; these were extraordinary experiences and mind expanding for a child born into poverty. I went on to become the first woman (and person of color) to graduate in mechanical engineering at Michigan State University in 1974 and a few years later became the first woman (and person of color) to be the Systems Operations Manager for IBM's General Products Division. Jumped ship to start my own business that took me around the world as a professional speaker, consultant and published author. Thank you dear music teachers, and all the other teachers and mentors who shaped my life... but above all, I cherish and hold dear, my beloved clarinet.

[keah]

Beautiful and moving! No wonder it won! Congratulations to all involved!