<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJamey also created the popular Build a Banjo class for Community Education, inspired by his son Rob\u2019s passion for music. \u201c<\/span>Rob was taking banjo lessons, and I would often join in with a different instrument to encourage practice. At some point, I decided to build Rob a banjo, and my NBSS supervisor at the time suggested we offer this as a Community Education class. It was very successful! Building a musical instrument not only teaches a woodworking skill but also the pleasure of creating art in music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cCabinet & Furniture Making is our largest program, with 40 students, five instructors, and a lot of moving parts. Thankfully, Jamey understands this program so well,\u201d says Claire Fruitman CF \u201996, Provost. \u201cJamey brings new ideas, he\u2019s organized, and he is a very good listener and team leader. He thinks about each faculty member\u2019s strengths and how to use those in the program to the best advantage of our students.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cWe see students from all over the world who bring different skills, talents, and abilities. My hope and my goal is that every student in the CF program feels welcomed and supported, and leaves with a fundamental understanding of furniture making.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n\u201cI am honored to lead this team of faculty who bring incredible talent, wide-ranging skills, and experience to the CF department,\u201d Jamey says. \u201cThe team\u2019s energy is awesome. I\u2019m excited to see, with my team, where we can go with this program.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe CF faculty team includes full-time instructors Ellen Kaspern CF \u201903 and Lance Patterson CF \u201979, as well as part-time instructors Nick Maraldo CF \u201907 and Matt Wajda CF \u201900. Lance and Matt are longtime department members, while Ellen and Nick are new to their roles\u2014<\/span>as of September 2023\u2013<\/span>although both well-known faces at NBSS.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nEllen designs and builds custom furniture and has taught woodworking and furniture making for 20 years at various schools, including MassArt, the Yestermorrow Design Build School. Nick has experience in high-end cabinetry and architectural millwork. He has studied and taught at the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts and led many workshops across New England, including at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. Both have taught in the CE program at NBSS.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nJamey adds, \u201cLance has been at NBSS for more than 40 years and Matt owns his own company, so he brings great insight back to the department. We also have our talented teaching assistants, Aedan Fitzgerald CF \u201923 and Lily Tilton CF \u201923.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201c<\/span>In working with our CF students, one of the things I enjoy most is the diversity,\u201d Jamey shares. \u201cWe see students from all over the world who bring different skills, talents, and abilities. My hope and my goal is that every student in the CF program feels welcomed and supported, and leaves with a fundamental understanding of furniture making.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n