All-Steinway Initiative

ALL-STEINWAY INITIATIVE

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE has a long and distinguished history of excellence that includes a rich tradition in music. Through the years, alumni have achieved success in the professional world of music, and countless others have been enriched through the many areas of study in the Department of Music. YHC is a cultural hub for our three-state area, and music is a prominent component of that important outreach. The College is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the only discipline-specific accreditation in the history of YHC.

Underpinning the operation of the Department of Music, and the operation of the Department of Theatre to a great extent, is the piano inventory. Pianos are used constantly—in performances, classes, rehearsals, music lessons, and practice rooms—and an inventory of highquality instruments is vital to the success of students.

YHC has an adequate number of pianos; however, the pianos have collectively become worn with age. In fact, the average age of the pianos is 42 years, which is an extended age for pianos used regularly. For the last ten years, our pianos have been serviced by the lead Steinway Technician of Steinway Piano Galleries—Atlanta. Through this investment, our pianos have functioned to their highest potential, given their collective age, but the conditions and ages of our pianos warrant refreshment.

Young Harris College is continuing its tradition of excellence by working to become a prestigious “All-Steinway School,” through which high-quality, world-renowned pianos will be incorporated throughout the music program.

The primary requirement to achieve All-Steinway School status is that 90% or more of the Department of Music’s acoustic pianos must be Steinway and Sons, Boston, or Essex.

YHC’s All-Steinway School Initiative includes replacing 16 pianos, both grand and upright, and establishing an endowment for the maintenance of the Steinway inventory. The total cost for Young Harris College’s All-Steinway School Initiative is $1,000,000.

“Becoming a Steinway school will have a profound and lasting impact on all of our students. Access to such fine instruments in support of our pianists, as well as vocalists, instrumentalists, and various ensembles, will raise the performance level of the music program. This will enable us to share quality music with our community for years to come.”

MR. JEFFREY BAUMAN CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND PROFESSOR OF MUSIC

“The responsiveness and bell clarity combined with the rich, warm tone of the Steinway B in my studio is gratifying and motivating to my students. It would be thrilling to see YHC provide students, guest artists, and audiences with a Steinway experience in our performance spaces.”

MS. CYNTHIA DEFOOR INSTRUCTOR OF MUSIC (PIANO)

A special feature of YHC’s All-Steinway School Initiative is a Steinway Model B SPIRIO | r, which has webcasting capabilities.

As described by Steinway & Sons, “the SPIRIO | r is the world’s finest high-resolution player piano and is also capable of high-resolution acoustic recording, editing, and playback. The Model B is a magnificent 6' 11" (211 cm) grand piano, often referred to as the ‘perfect piano.’ It is a wonderfully balanced and versatile instrument. Complimentary iPad Pro® is included.”

With this cutting-edge instrument, students at Young Harris College would have:

· the ability to participate in live auditions, recitals, and masterclasses virtually while performing on the Steinway SPIRIO | r.

· access to Steinway’s extensive recording library, performed live on the Steinway SPIRIO | r.

“The Steinway SPIRIO | r provides access to outstanding performances of a multitude of pieces. I can listen to individuals from around the world play the same piece. The SPIRIO | r allows for instant replication of one’s performance, which means I can listen to my performance with true acoustical quality. Because the SPIRIO | r can connect with any other SPIRIO | r in the world, Young Harris College would have access to hosting piano masterclasses taught from around the globe. In addition, the SPIRIO | r contains the outstanding sensitivity and touch of all Steinway pianos.”

MR. REX DIPIETRO, 2023 BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

“The experience of practicing and performing on a Steinway piano is unparalleled. The touch and response of the instrument paired with the brilliant color of tone enhances my learning and motivation for practice.”

MS. EMMA PULLIUM, 2023 BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL BENEFITS FOR YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

Steinway is the industry standard and pacesetter, and Steinway pianos are known for their longevity.

· Students and faculty would have the benefit of working on premiere instruments, which would enhance recruitment and retention of students and faculty.

· The College would have access to Steinway artists and programs.

· The College would receive recognition and be given visibility by Steinway and Sons.

Being an All-Steinway School is a sign of quality that would increase the value proposition of the Department of Music, the Division of Fine Arts, and Young Harris College as a whole.