ABOUT TAPLIN-WEIR

Taplin-Weir Inc. combines the technical skills of John Weir with Patti Goodwin’s expertise as a clarinet player and analyst.

John’s career has centred on the development and improvement of woodwind instruments. Established in Toronto in the early 1980s, John built an international reputation for high quality repair, restoration, customization, and design modification of woodwind instruments. This involved a constant interaction with professional musicians and consultation with well known instrument manufacturers.

In 1996 John left Toronto to work as Director of Research and Design for woodwinds at Conn-Selmer in Elkhart, Indiana and Nogales, Arizona. John developed acoustical and mechanical design improvements to their saxophone and clarinet models. Consulting with Asian woodwind manufacturers, work with woodwind pad and reed maker Prestini, collaboration with Orsi Wind Instruments and consulting work with the Powell Flute Company, have all added to John’s manufacturing resume. John is currently acknowledged as one of the foremost clarinet and saxophone technicians and designers.

A professional clarinetist, Patti Goodwin has performed with such luminaries as Karen Tuttle, Orford String Quartet, and Shauna Ralston and with members of the Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal Symphonies. Graduating from Mount Allison University with B.Mus and B.Ed degrees in 1981, Patti went on to the University of Victoria finishing an M.Mus in performance in 1983. She also completed an Artist Diploma the Banff School of Fine Arts in 1985 and has studied privately with Ron Goddard, Jamie Mark, Ron Decant, Larry Combs, and Julie DeRoche. Patti has maintained the position of principal clarinet in the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra from 1994 to date, and was principal clarinetist with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from 1989 to 1996. Her extensive experience and ongoing analysis and input are integral to the Taplin-Weir studio…

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