Northern Lake George Foundation Invests in Passionate Student’s Instrument Repair Training Through Partnership with We Are Instrumental
Ticonderoga, NY — The Northern Lake George Foundation (NLGF), in collaboration with We Are Instrumental (WAI), is supporting the continued training of Ticonderoga student Caidinn Bullock as he pursues a pathway in instrument repair and maintenance.
Caidinn discovered instrument repair through WAI’s regional music summits and Harmony Restored events (Harmony Restored is a WAI initiative that teaches students the lost art and craftsmanship of instrument repair). During these events, Caidinn’s aptitude and initiative stood out, and his passion became clear. With encouragement from Michael Iturrino at Ticonderoga schools, he began exploring instrument repair as a viable post–high school career path.
Caidinn began apprenticing with master technician, Bill Cole, at WAI’s Ticonderoga workspace. In tandem with his schoolwork, he has helped establish a functioning repair station, assess instruments, and apply developing technical skills in real-world settings. He will continue advancing his training by assisting at Harmony Restored events hosted at the WAI space, BOCES programs, and partner schools throughout the region.
Recognizing both the regional need for skilled repair technicians and Caidinn’s potential, his mentors at WAI helped him apply for a Northern Lake George Foundation Scholarship. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for Caidinn to hear back from NLGF.
Inspired by Caidinn’s passion, the Northern Lake George Foundation awarded him a scholarship to enroll in Step 1 and Step 2 online coursework focused on saxophone repair and foundational business practices. The award reflects NLGF’s broader commitment to supporting practical, career-oriented opportunities that strengthen our community.
“One of our primary functions is connecting our community,” said Kathleen Coffman, Executive Director of NLGF. “Caidinn’s scholarship and our partnership with We Are Instrumental embody how close collaboration results in the greatest impact. These scholarships exist to support students just like Caidinn, who is incredibly passionate, ambitious, and developing skills that will enhance our community’s well-being.”
With access to WAI’s tools, mentorship, and regional programming, Caidinn is positioned to deepen his expertise while contributing to future student workshops—extending this knowledge to the next cohort of learners right here in our community.
“Caidinn represents exactly the kind of student this work is meant to support—curious, committed, and willing to build something tangible with his hand,” said WAI’s Executive Director and Founder, Evan Mack. “With the Northern Lake George Foundation’s support, we are not only able to deepen his training, but also begin to outline a realistic pathway for students to enter the instrument repair field locally. That has long-term implications for the sustainability of music programs across the region.”
This effort reflects a shared interest in strengthening music education systems while building tangible workforce pathways in instrument repair—an area of growing need across school districts. It also reflects how through partnership, local organizations can create a lasting impact.
Our community thrives when everyone collaborates to drive positive change. Together, we can change lives and develop career pathways for our passionate local youth. Support students like Caidinn by donating to WAI at www.weareinstrumentalny.org and NLGF at www.nlgfoundation.org.
About We Are Instrumental NY
We Are Instrumental’s mission is to improve accessibility to musical education for children in Northern NY by providing well-working instruments and dynamic enrichment opportunities, and supporting the sustainability of our efforts through relevant professional development training for teachers of the region. For more information about We Are Instrumental and its Harmony Restored initiative, please visit www.weareinstrumentalny.org.
About the Northern Lake George Foundation
The Northern Lake George Foundation (NLGF or NLG Foundation) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of current and future generations in Northern Lake George by fostering economic growth, supporting youth development, and enhancing community well-being. The Northern Lake George Foundation envisions connecting our community to create a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future for Northern Lake George. For more information on the Northern Lake George Foundation, visit their website at www.nlgfoundation.org.
