The Send a Piana to Havana project is happy to report that two PTG members risked Helms' wrath to visit Cuba and participate in preparing 22 pianos (and an antique pump organ) for distribution to kids and teachers there. The Cubans were ecstatic to unpack the container of cheap old U.S. uprights and grands we sent down last December and thrilled with the half-ton of parts and tools stuffed in amongst the pianos, but the best part was the interchange with PTG members like Frank French of the Boulder chapter. Only half the pianos are ready to give away, and I am convinced that the project should continue with PTG help. Your organization is committed to teaching piano technology and the Cubans are starved for information, and very quick to learn. An example: a music student stopped by to help an hour or so each day and while he was standing around I showed him how to bend upright damper wires and set the spoon - my least favorite. By the next day he had regulated the dampers of a Steinway K and two other uprights with even lifting and excellent damping, something I have rarely accomplished myself. Anyone interested in traveling to mysterious hot Cuba and helping out? Benjamin Treuhaft Send a Piana to Havana blt@igc.apc.org (5l0) 843-3823
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