Nestled in a wooded bower, in the middle of spreading cornfields, just over the Michigan line, is the quiet, unassuming home of a couple who have spent their lives simply pursuing their love of the arts. A humble, delightful pair, who by all modern standards would be labeled quirky children of the ‘60s, Bruce and Ann Tubbs exemplify the beauty that comes from a lifetime of pursuing their artistic dreams.

Ann Tubbs is known throughout the region as one of the foremost potters, specializing in colorfully ebullient majolica ware and tiles with her own distinctive flair. Bruce, however, not as known locally, has made his impact around the world with his rather unique musical craft.

The retired lower school teacher from Maumee Valley Country Day School is an expert when it comes to all things French Horn. Not in performance – though he is no slouch in that department – but in the restoration and repair of instruments which have suffered the ravages of time.

His lifelong passion is evident from the moment one enters their wooded drive. French Horn bells dangle festively from the surrounding trees in a free-form riot of artistic joie de vivre.

He’s a man who loves to tinker, and for years he has slowly and painstakingly worked to bring forgotten and damaged instruments back to their former glory.

In his words, “I’ve always like working with my hands, and I’ve loved the French Horn. It seems the instrument is one of the ones that is most prone to continual damage. Bent bells, smashed tubes, broken strings and valves. Horns seem to attract calamity.

“I used to go around and collect and purchase instruments that were in bad shape. School systems are notorious for such instruments which suffered years of abuse in the hands of the myriads of students to which they are passed.”

Indeed, being one of the most expensive instruments to purchase, many students who play French Horn never actually own their own. Band directors quickly realized this financial problem and had their schools begin to purchase instruments which students were able to use until they graduated.

With those long-term loans, came the expected ravages of the teenager and the requisite repair bills that coincided.

Tubbs started acquiring these instruments. They were the fodder of inspiration for his work. These days, however, he states, “I rarely buy any instruments. I have managed to amass so many in disrepair, I doubt I will ever get to them all.” This statement is supported by a barn and an additional storeroom filled with instruments hanging from every available space, awaiting attention.

There are also all of the instruments in his basement workroom which are under renovation. “There are so many, the worst of the lot started ending up outside as lawn ornaments.

“It’s funny, there really are no true horn ‘manufacturers’ these days building from scratch. Most companies actually just purchase already shaped parts and pieces from individuals who specialize in one part of the instrument: bells, valves, bent tubing. The companies assemble them, for a very high price, I might add.

“I found myself as the middleman in all of this. There needed to be someone who did this for those who could not afford top dollar. I rebuilt horns for those people; the aficionados who love the instrument but aren’t necessarily the top-tier, world-class players. My clients are the people who play for the love of playing.”

He continued, “I’ve sent instruments all over the world. Shipping can be a problem as some countries have very strict rules on the size of parcels which can be mailed. Several times I’ve solved this dilemma by working with the American Consulates in the countries located near the purchasers. I ship to the embassy, and the receiver picks it up from them.”

Tubbs has a million stories from a lifetime of working at his craft. He proudly tells of the times he’s rebuilt horns, reversing them to be right-handed rather than left-handed instruments, utilizing his skills to assist handicapped individuals with specialized needs.

If he’s not working on a specific project for an individual, he is piecing together and repairing an instrument from his stash that will be offered for sale on various internet sites which specialize in connecting needful users with new instruments.

For Tubbs, its not about the money, though that is a nice perk of his talent’s use. It’s rather about making music available to all – bringing his love of all things horn to those who share his passion. “This is the true joy for me, to bring old horns back to life and allow others to enjoy the joy of making music on their own excellently functioning instrument.”

■ The Kerrytown Concert House continues their weekly broadcast of pre-recorded concerts from this season, Live at the 415, at 4:15 p.m. every Sunday on their Facebook page. Individuals may donate to support the performing artist at the organization’s website at kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

■ In a video announcement this week, Opera MODO of Detroit postponed its upcoming production of Mozart’s Don Pasquale to a later, as yet unnamed date. The company is still a viable commodity in the area and is pursuing a number of funding sources which would it the ability to pursue alternative delivery of its productions for the near future. More information and the video are available at operamodo.com.

Send news of classical music and dance developments to classics@theblade.

First Published May 28, 2020, 11:00 a.m.