PW members from the great state of IOWA [/b] who would like to consider hosting or attending a piano gathering or would like to establish a connection with others who share your piano passion/interest, this thread's for you!

Hi,

I'm in the Des Moines area. I'd love to meet other Iowa piano lovers. Actually I have met a few, but most of them teach or accompany and so have a different viewpoint from those who play forpure love of it. Here's hoping somebody else posts here!!

Hi all,

Terry,... thanks for getting this thread started. I hope we can get an Iowa/midwest party going.

Steve,... I'm glad that you posted on this thread. After a few months reading many posts on PW, I can't think of any other active members in the forum that's from Iowa other than you. I hope more people will post here as well.

I don't know if you have a chance to read my post,... (I haven't finished writing the whole story yet though ) I have recently purchased a new Mason & Hamlin A for the family,... I was talking to my wife last week about the piano parties that people are doing and we're wondering if anyone ever did a Midwest/IA party,... apparently not.

We live in Ames, IA,... I would classify us as beginners,... other than my wife, my son, and our tech we've only had some family friends come and play our piano,... we never have an advanced or professional pianist play our piano. If Kenny said that when he drive his Bluthner it is like an economy car,... then so far I think our M&H at home is like a Little Tikes toy car,... while I really enjoy listening to my wife playing the piano and learning together with my 4 year old son,... I know that it can do much more,... but none of us can really take it there at the moment.

So,... my wife and I thought that it would be an honor for us to host a party at our house and share our piano,... We can make new friends, listen to beautiful music and learn more about our piano and piano in general. Our son will get good exposure to different kinds of piano music which will increase his enthusiasm. Even our piano I think will be happy to be able to flex its muscles a bit

So I sent a PM to Terrytunes and here we are,... I hope we can get more people to chime in and set something up.

I've been in contact with Deerwood Guy in MN as well,... he's interested,... but I'm not sure if he'll make the 3+ hours drive to Ames just for a party at our house,... maybe if we can organize other 'attractions',... some people from neighboring states may be interested to make the trip,... Do you have any thoughts?

Regards,

Robert

Hi Robert,

Count me in! Ames isn't that far from me. I'm in Urbandale and have an Estonia 190 which if you've lurked here for a while is probably a piano you've heard of. So after your party maybe I'll host one too! I've heard a lot about Masons, but haven't heard any new ones so I'm looking forward to the test drive.

I may have some ideas for other attractions send me a PM with an email address and we can take planning offline.

This is wonderful.

I've hosted probably 15 piano parties by now in Southern California.

You guys are gonna love it!

Hi Kenny,...

Other than buying a Concert Grand,... do you have any suggestions on how we can get more people to attend?

Regards,

Robert

Ask everyone coming to tell their piano teachers to invite all their students.

My first one had about 10 or 15 people.
Less than half played.
Word of mouth has made them grow.
I think I counted about 45 people at the largest one, and our house is only 1450 sq. ft.

Crowded is nice for parties though.
It raises the energy level and more people find more people to chat with.

Maybe ask local piano stores if they know people who would enjoy this.
Also local colleges with music departments.

I think in no time you will be wondering how to limit attendance.

Robert,

I will come, May 3 is a better day for me. I can play also.. . How long does it take to drive from Chicago to your place? I have never been to IOWA, so it will be fun.

Ron

Hi all,...

This is the official invitation to all PW members from Iowa and surrounding states to our piano gathering coming up in a couple of weeks.

When : Saturday May 3, 2008 - 12:00 - 4:30p.m.
Where: our house in Ames, IA
Piano : our Mason & Hamlin A

Our piano will be freshly tuned on May 1, 2008 and we will prepare some food and beverages so you don't have to bring anything other than yourself and some sheet music if you want to. Family and friends are welcome too,...

If you can make it,... please RSVP via PM so my wife know how much food to prepare. I will also send out directions to our house via PM.

For people who are coming from out of state,... here are some other activities around this weekend:

Christopher O'Riley Master Class
Friday May 2, 2008 - 4:00-6:00p.m.

Des Moines Symphony Celebration Finale
- Sibelius Symphony No. 7
- Ravel Piano Concerto in G - Christopher O'Riley
- Saint-Saens organ Symphony No. 3
Saturday May 3, 2008 - 8:00p.m.
Sunday May 4, 2008 - 2:30p.m.

Pella Tulip TimeFestival
Wednesday April 30 - Sunday May 4, 2008

Please let us know in your RSVP if you would like to go to any of these other events,... if there are enough interest I can organize a group trip and getting the tickets in advance.

I hope to see you at the gathering

Regards,

Robert

Hi all,...

The gathering is coming up pretty soon,...

Thanks to all who have sent in their RSVPs,... I've sent out directions to our house via e-mail/PM,... please let me know if you have any questions,...

Those who have not sent in their RSVP yet,... please send it in by this Thursday,...

My wife and I are looking forward to see you all this weekend!

Regards,

Robert

Hi all,...

Recap and Pictures from the gathering have been posted on this thread.

Hopefully we'll have more gatherings in the future around the Midwest!

Regards,

Robert