Caledonia — Andrew Barnum began learning to play guitar when he was in eighth grade.
Having played cello since fourth grade, he said he enjoyed playing string instruments, so he wanted to add guitar to his skill set.
But the first guitar he owned was not the greatest quality, and he dreamed of playing something better.
“So I decided to build my own,” said the Caledonia High School junior. “I watched YouTube videos, and went into (building it) feeling confident.”
Andrew said he took the design he imagined, drew it out on paper and priced the supplies he would need. He started on the body first, bought wood and worked his way up the neck, saving the electronic components for last.
After building a few guitars for his own use, Andrew spent his woodworking independent study last semester building a custom guitar for science teacher Ben Howell, who is known for teaching chemistry while playing guitar around his classroom.
We recently sat down with Andrew and industrial technology teacher Kyle Scholten to discuss the high-schooler’s dreams for the future as a talented guitar maker, scientist, musician, athlete and photographer.
What is your dream? “I want to keep building guitars for me and other people in the future, maybe as a side job. I want to swim in college and major in environmental biology. I also like history and photography. … And grizzly bears; they’re awesome.”
Why is this your dream? “I love science and building things. After you (build a guitar,) you have something you made that you can actually use and play it in front of thousands of people. I thought it was fun the first time, and I kept doing it. … I like using exotic woods, and I’d like to try and experiment more.”
How are school and your teachers helping you achieve your dream? “Taking woodworking with Mr. Scholten really helped with self-discipline, time management, working without perimeters and working alone. The openness of the class left it open to learning about woodworking techniques, like an actual job.”
Scholten added: “I don’t necessarily take an independent (study) from every student that asks; Andrew had that drive and motivation. He asked for my recommendations, but would work on his own and research through problems. … He took an idea and turned it into a reality.”
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