I can only underscore much of what I have read from the many responses, and heartily endores the policing, the constant watching over, and the contract showing responsibility from the students . Our program has every practice room keyed and the signout system is run on computer. The list is easily used to track down SLOBS. My part is equally serious in that I make certain that the student body knows that the pianos are cleaned and checked over each semester. I use student help to do that task. We do a thorough job of vacuuming, washing, waxing and touching-up each piano in the practice section. Each Summer I do the faculty. It costs a few dollars extra, but the return I feel is worth every penny. We use alot of student help and the peep pressure helps keep the vandalism to a minimum. If I've accomplished anything in 20 years it's keeping the students working on their own pianos. Every other instrument does, so why not paino? We're not perfect, but I think we've won respect of the students for their pianos. Also in each practice room I have a repair sheet hanging on the doorknob. If there is a piano problem, a room problems (hot/cold) we know about it and have it checked out before the next day. It works. I call it "Pianos need Respect" and there are several boxes to check off for help. If anyone wants a copy I'll put in online later. This is already too long, but a worthy subject. J^2 Keep In Tune !
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