November 10, 2008

Voice Professor Daniel Weeks was delighted to receive a Steinway & Sons Model B grand piano for his School of Music studio.  The piano was a gift from Frank Hower and his wife, Virginia (“Sissy”), who donated the piano recently, after they decided to downsize their home.

“This is such a wonderful, heartfelt gift. It means so much to have a quality piano like this in the studio.” --Professor Daniel Weeks

“A piano is a very personal thing,” says Frank Hower, who has enjoyed playing piano by ear since he was a child. “Music is a part of your life. I wanted to give this piano to someone who would appreciate it and take care of it.”

In October Hower visited Weeks’ studio, where he saw his piano in use. Associate dean and piano professor Naomi Oliphant and Weeks gave an impromptu concert.

“That piano never sounded that good in my house,” Hower said with a smile.

Steinway Model Bs are favored in professional studios and smaller recital halls.

“This is such a wonderful, heartfelt gift,” says Weeks. “It means so much to have a quality piano like this in the studio.”

The School of Music is in the process of becoming an All-Steinway School. To earn this designation, at least 90 percent of the school’s pianos must be either Steinway or Steinway-manufactured Essex or Boston pianos.

“Last year was an especially good year for us,” says Dean Christopher Doane. The school purchased two new Steinway Model Ds from funds given to the All-Steinway School initiative and received gifts of two pianos from donors, including Hower.

Doane says the school needs to raise another $300,000-$400,000 to complete the campaign. They also invite people to donate Steinway pianos in good condition, which may provide significant tax deductions to donors.

To discuss donating a Steinway, Essex or Boston piano, or to make a gift to the Steinway piano fund, contact Tedi Vaughan, director of development for the school, at 502-852-0516. 

Dean Chris Doane, Frank Hower, Daniel Weeks and Naomi Oliphant with the donated piano.