UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 13, Page 1
November 30, 1995
Special agreement means sweeter sounds on campus

     The music coming out of Amy E. du Pont Music Building will be a
little sweeter this semester as the result of a special loan program
from Wilmington Piano Co. and its parent organization, Jordan Kitt's
Music of College Park, Md.
     This fall, 14 new pianos, valued at $188,000, were delivered to
the University's Department of Music. At the end of each academic
year, the pianos will be replaced with new instruments for use during
the succeeding year.
     "We're delighted to have this new agreement with Wilmington Piano
Co. and appreciate the support of the parent company, Jordan Kitt's
Music," David Herman, music department chairperson, said. "This is an
excellent example of an effective partnership between higher education
and the business community."
     The agreement, which was the result of extensive involvement by
Tommie Goodgames, purchasing, includes six grand pianos and eight
vertical models.
     Herman emphasized that two of the instruments feature the latest
in advanced digital technology.
     "This 'Yamaha Disklavier,' " he said, "is essentially a regular
piano mechanically. However, it includes a remarkable system that
allows a student to insert a computer disc containing performances of
piano works-by the student, teacher or some other artist-and the piano
will play it back."
     This 21st-century version of the player piano uses the disc to
perform all the musical nuances of dynamics, phrasing and pedaling
programmed by the student. It also will play discs that contain the
techniques and mastery of the great pianists, whether it be
Paderewski, Rachmaninoff or Horowitz.
     Another application of this high-tech feature allows an
instructor to review a student's performance at times other than
during regularly scheduled meetings or lessons.
     "All the students in the department and the faculty as well,"
Herman said, "will benefit from the addition of these instruments. The
new grands were placed in classrooms and in Loudis Recital Hall. In
this way, they will contribute to all classes for majors and non
majors alike, and the instruments also will enrich our concert
series."
     The new verticals have been placed in practice rooms that are
designated for piano students, allowing them fine instruments on which
to rehearse.
     The Wilmington Piano Company's University Partnership Program was
established this year to help support postsecondary music education.
Under the program, participating schools are provided new pianos,
which are sold after one academic year, and the school's stock is
replenished with new instruments.
     William J. McCormick, the company's chairperson and owner, said,
"We understand the importance of attracting the country's top students
to this area. With this program, the University enhances its ability
to offer students new, high quality instruments without having an
impact on its budget."
     The Wilmington Piano Co., established in 1867, is a full-service
piano dealer, specializing in the sale of new and used acoustic and
digital pianos and organs, as well as lessons, service and rental
programs.
                                                         -Ed Okonowicz