John Symer is a nationally recognized repair specialist and has been serving the John Mack Oboe Camp for many years. John has clients in all the major American orchestras. He began his career in Paul Covey's shop, having graduated from Eastman as a student of Robert Sprenkle. He also studied with Ronald Richards and later with Robert Bloom.

He has appeared many times with the Philadelphia Orchestra as an extra player and has been repairman of the JMOC for many years. John holds the AB from Dartmouth College and has studied painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His artistry and knowledge of repairs is a tremendous resource for all who attend the camp.