Zeno, great thought in separating the toys. Jim, THANKS for the policy data. It's going in my policy manual. I don't think my inventory is willing to take the risk (yet) Thinking of finding a Kimball 4520 or a 6700. :{) GerryC > From: ilvey at sbcglobal.net > To: caut at ptg.org > Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:32:43 -0800 > Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos > > But it won't have the tone compared to the prepared concert instrument... '-] > > David Ilvedson, RPT > Pacifica, CA 94044 > > ----- Original message ---------------------------------------- > From: "Jim Busby" <jim_busby at byu.edu> > To: caut at ptg.org > Received: 11/9/2009 10:32:56 AM > Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos > > > >Zeno, > > >VERY good point. At BYU we have one piano as well. They may NOT use any other > >piano. > > >Jim > > >From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Zeno > >Wood > >Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 10:48 AM > >To: caut at ptg.org > >Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos > > >Since we've designated one piano the "prepared piano", there has been almost no > >monkeying with the other pianos. Now I don't find green sharpie markings on the > >dampers, dampers sticking up like a saguaro cactus, or dead rattling bass strings. I > >give a presentation to the composers every semester or so, and the composition > >faculty are really happy. Admittedly, the designated piano is one in pretty wretched > >shape, really way overdue for a complete rebuilding job, but with the budget the > >way it is, it's good serving in its present capacity. > > >I've found spilling of food and drink to be more of a threat, and harder to reason > >with. Students are, after all, entitled to their slurpees, lattes, and pizzas, at all > >times. I sometimes think about walking into a practice room and putting my coffee > >cup down on someone's violin. I mean, [to be said with incredulous outrage] where > >else am I supposed to put it down? > > >Zeno Wood > >Brooklyn College > > > >On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM, Jim Busby > ><jim_busby at byu.edu<mailto:jim_busby at byu.edu>> wrote: > >All, > > >One prominent composer wrote (and many share the belief) that the piano is just > >another percussion instrument. Some of the pieces are actually quite remarkable > >(Cage, Crumb) in their outcome. But education seems to be the only thing that > >"helps" our cause of protecting the piano. In the 3 years since its adoption we've > >had zero incidences of abuse of damage to the piano. > > >FWIW, here it is; > > >Prepared Piano Policy > > >A "prepared piano" is a piano that has been modified with objects placed in it in a > >very special way as dictated by a composer of a "prepared piano" composition. This > >is a valid practice, but may only be done as prescribed below, and only on a piano > >designated by Piano Shop technicians and under their supervision: > > > 1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and, in most cases, > >performed by a Piano Shop technician. This includes removing the lid or other case > >parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to modify the sound. > > 2. Marking strings. Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffes to mark > >notes. Please purchase stickers that are easy to remove such as the small colored > >dots. Care must always be used when touching dampers as they are easily bent. > >Never use masking tape or any other adhesive that may leave a residue. The > >performer is responsible for removing any stickers immediately after any > >performance. There should be nothing applied directly to the strings. This includes > >white-out, tape, stickers, nail polish, etc. In some cases chalk may be used to mark > >steel strings but never the copper-wound bass strings. > > 3. Striking and plucking strings. Strings may be struck or plucked with fingers or > >guitar pick. (Since oil from the skin can tarnish strings please wash hands well before > >touching any string.) Other devices must always be of a material that will not mar or > >scratch strings. On steel strings, only materials that are softer than the steel string > >may be used, such as brass or aluminum. Copper-wound bass strings must also be > >struck or plucked with a material softer than the copper. Acceptable material > >includes wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Piano Shop technicians are available to help the > >performer select materials that will not damage the piano. In some cases, literature > >calls for the insertion of screws or mutes between piano strings. Again, a material > >softer than the string must be used, such as brass or aluminum. > > 4. Extreme volume. There is a fine line to be drawn between passionate musical > >expression and outright banging on a piano. Please use good judgment when playing > >above a forte. Harsh playing is damaging and will not be tolerated. > > 5. Common sense. Most damage to pianos can easily be avoided by using good > >judgment. Please consult with the Piano Shop technician before using > >unconventional techniques. Usually, an alternative can be found to satisfy both the > >performer and this policy. > > >Remember that a "prepared piano" is a special preparation required for a "prepared > >piano composition", and except for this unusual circumstance pianos should only be > >used in the "normal" way > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/caut.php/attachments/20091109/fcc97257/attachment.htm>
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