News Details

September 2025

When Patrick Van Arsdale learned his music students would have access to new instrument tuners, it was music to his ears.

“In instrumental music, a key skill is being able to play in tune - in other words, match pitch with the other musicians,” said Mr. Van Arsdale, director of bands for Ben Davis High School. “When beginning to play an instrument, you are tasked with learning a lot of information as well as new skills in a short period of time.”

It can take time to learn to play in tune with an ensemble. “One of the skills that helps with tuning is ear training,” said Mr. Van Arsdale. “Depending on the student's background with music, this can go quickly or take a while to master.”

Enter the instrument tuner.

These little devices clip on to an instrument, and help guide students in the tuning process. The Wayne Township Education Foundation fully funded a grant, written by Mr. Van Arsdale, that has provided these tuners for Wayne Township band students in grades 7-12.

“The tuner will show the student through a dial, similar to a speedometer in a car, how flat or sharp their pitch is compared to being in tune,” said Mr. Van Arsdale. “All of the instruments that our students perform on are able to use these tuners.”

The need for the tuners became a bit more urgent after the state of Indiana passed a law limiting the use of cell phones in public schools.

“Students in the past have been able to purchase tuner apps on their phones,” Van Arsdale explained. “Unfortunately, when they use their phone as a tuner, it can become a distraction with all of the notifications that they may receive. We wanted to preserve the classroom for learning and music making, without the unnecessary distractions. Purpose-built tuners are way more accurate than the tuners on their phone and are a staple in band rooms across the country.”

Mr. Van Arsdale is looking forward to the impact the new tuners will make on future performances.

“Tuners and the act of tuning throughout a performance is extremely important for how the band sounds,” he said. “When the instrumentalists play in tune, this is much more pleasing to the audience's ear.”

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.