10/09/2018
The Plainview Public Schools’ music department has set its sights on a new-to-them (used) baby grand piano to replace the current instrument, a model dating back to the mid-1950s.
The School administration has said they’re committed to replacing the piano, to the “tune” of this year’s entire instrumental purchase budget, $10,000, and would welcome financial assistance in purchasing the new piano, which has been estimated to cost between $14-$20,000. A brand new piano of the same model would range between $40-$60,000.
Jan Krause, vocal music instructor at PHS, said that the old piano was in use at the school when she began teaching locally in 1977, and many of her inquiries have traced the piano’s memory back to the 1960 graduating class at least. In her estimation, the piano has been retuned a number of times, and repinned at least once, but the keys and outside frame are all starting to show wear, which affect the tone quality as well.
The current bid for a slightly-used new baby grand piano was received from Mid-America Piano in Manhattan, Kans., and be much more up-to-date including the ability to operate a recording and playback system to allow for accompanists even when there is no one available to play.
The Plainview Music Boosters have also begun fundraising for the project, committing to a $1,000 match on the first $1,000 raised by the community for the new piano.
Donations should be made to the Plainview Music Department, c/o Plainview Public Schools, P.O. Box 639, Plainview, NE 68769 or dropped off at the principal’s office at the high school.