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Thus far the students of the high school have raised $13,000 toward the restoration of their 1927 S&S-A. Not too bad considering that the fund drive is less than two months old!
According to Julie Keller, the Treasurer of the Tiger Foundation, they have received a number of donations from across the country from donors who have no connection to Little Rock Central High School.
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The students have even published a YouTube video to help create awareness of their cause.
Hopefully, with continued support, the students will reach their goal of having the funds necessary for a total restoration. The projected costs are $30,000.
It's so great to see high school students taking on a project that doesn't focus on sports or the prom!
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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I just received an update on the restoration of the Little Rock Central High School Steinway. The students have raised enough money to actually begin the rebuilding of the piano.
Great Job!
Here is a photo of the piano being loaded out of the school to be transported to the rebuilders shop:
Below is a link to a video feature from a TV station about the upcoming rebuild with the technician, Mike Anderson, in the shop after the piano arrived:
I find this project to be so inspiring because it has been undertaken by the students themselves, rather than the school board or parents organization. In this day and age, it is rather exciting that the students would raise funds to restore an historic piano.
BTW - The fundraising is still ongoing. (hint-hint)
Cheers,
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
Hi Friends, ... I find this project to be so inspiring because it has been undertaken by the students themselves, rather than the school board or parents organization. In this day and age, it is rather exciting that the students would raise funds to restore an historic piano.
BTW - The fundraising is still ongoing. (hint-hint)
Cheers,
Hail To The Old Gold, Hail To The Black, Hail Alma Mater, Naught Does She Lack, We Love No Other, So Let Our Motto Be, Victory, Little Rock Central High !
I just received an update on the restoration of the Little Rock Central High School Steinway. The students have raised enough money to actually begin the rebuilding of the piano.
Great Job!
Here is a photo of the piano being loaded out of the school to be transported to the rebuilders shop:
Below is a link to a video feature from a TV station about the upcoming rebuild with the technician, Mike Anderson, in the shop after the piano arrived:
I find this project to be so inspiring because it has been undertaken by the students themselves, rather than the school board or parents organization. In this day and age, it is rather exciting that the students would raise funds to restore an historic piano.
BTW - The fundraising is still ongoing. (hint-hint)
Cheers,
Update: I heard today from one of the techs involved in the project that the funds are at about 90%, the case is being refinished, and action work is underway. No date for completion at this time. Still looking for that last 10%.
Just two days after celebrating the 58th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Nine, another piece of history was celebrated at Central High School on Sunday.
Central first opened its doors in September of 1927. Something that has been there from the beginning and was a witness to all of the historical events, was welcomed back home.
"We appreciate our history, value our history, want to save and preserve it for future generations," Julie Kelley with the Tiger Foundation said.
On Sunday, a concert celebrated the return of the school's oldest artifact, a 1927 Steinway Grand Piano.
"Two days later here we are showing progress in our school and so it was wonderful, wonderful timing," Nancy Rousseau, the Central High School Principal, said.
"It was saved because it really was going to the piano graveyard," Rosseau said. She told Channel 7 it had been vandalized and was unplayable.
"If you could've seen it the day we sent it away, you would not believe this is the same piano. Its truly incredible," Rosseau said. Now thanks to a restoration team, its hitting every high note.
"All new strings, all new parts, genuine Steinway parts so its back to basically being a new Steinway," Barry Bradshaw with Bradshaw's Piano Service said. He along with two other guys, one from Cabot and one from Dallas, spent hundreds of hours repairing, restoring and tuning it to its former glory.
"Its gratifying to have been chosen to be the one that has brought the piano back," Bradshaw said. The piano will remain in the school's auditorium to be played by students, teachers and guests for years to come...
Last edited by bkw58; 09/27/1511:48 PM. Reason: typo
Very, very saddened to see those posts from Marty. I miss that man.
I agree on both points, Philip. Nice project for Central...and Marty is truly missed.
Yes! Great story. Thanks for posting the update, Bob.
This was Bob W's post, but Marty really seemed inspired by it. I can't help but think he's been keeping an eye on that Steinway, and Central High School in Little Rock, and pleased to know the job is complete.
I miss Marty too. Hard to believe he's been gone nearly a year now.
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