Orsi & Weir
Inc. is the result of a close collaboration between
John Weir and Patti Goodwin-Weir with Orsi Wind
Instruments S.r.l. in Italy. John Weir and Ermenegildo
Perin, the owner of Orsi Wind Instruments, share
a lifetime of experience in woodwind technology
and production.
John’s
career has centered 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 complete
acoustical and mechanical layouts for Conn/King
alto and tenor saxophones and improved design layouts
for the Artley/Armstrong clarinet line. Consulting
with woodwind manufacturers in Taiwan and China,
and work with woodwind pad and reed maker Prestini
have been recent additions to John’s career.
The association with Orsi Wind Instruments has
resulted in Orsi and Weir Inc., a new venue for
John’s
accumulated skills.
A professional clarinetist, Patti Goodwin-Weir
has performed 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
attended the Banff School of Fine Arts and completed
an Artist Diploma in 1985. 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 ongoing analysis and input has
been invaluable in the development of the new Orsi & Weir
Varese clarinet. Patti performs on the Orsi & Weir
American style Varese Clarinet.
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