The public is invited to attend an informational meeting on Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 pm in Robertson Hall at the Bates County Museum to learn what will be required to restore the 1877 Steinway Grand Piano that is currently in storage. The 7 foot grand piano is made of heavily carved rosewood, is a Model B with 7 octaves.Steinway craftsmen began work on the instrument in 1877 and it was completed in April 1879. Conover Brothers Music in Kansas City, Missouri received shipment of the piano in May of that year. It is believed that Dr. Elliott Pyle, of Butler, was the original owner. Dr. Pyle’s daughter, Eunice, donated the piano to the Museum in 1979. Eunice Pyle passed away in 1983. The piano was often used for accompanying sing-a-longs at the old museum. Sometime over the years, the soundboard was damaged and the piano was no long able to provide beautiful music as it had for over 100 years. Now is the time to save the grand old instrument and see it fully restored to a state of the art Steinway piano.
The Museum envisions a fully restored piano that will be available for concerts and recitals by local and regional pianists as well as music students. It would be an extraordinary experience for young piano students to perform on such a magnificent instrument with such strong ties to Bates County.
Interested individuals are encouraged to attend and learn about how this project can be accomplished. The Museum must have the support of the public and is especially hopeful that all musicians, music teachers, students, church pianists, accompanists and all who love fine music will show enthusiasm for this huge undertaking. Together, we can do this!
If you are unable to attend the meeting and are interested in learning more about the piano, please call Peggy Buhr at the Museum, 660-679-0134.
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