Rochester 2006

[Joel A. Jones]

I am posting this to a number of lists.  My apologies for duplications.

Hello,

As some of you may know, I am the Director of the 2006 PTG Annual 
Institute
in Rochester, NY, June 21-25, 2006.

I am writing all PTG members asking your help in planning the institute.
For those of you who were in KC, I would love to have a little feedback.
What were your five favorite classes, and your five least favorite 
classes.

For those of you who didn't attend, what kept you away?  Please keep in 
mind
that as Institute Director, I have no control over dates, location, or 
fees.
So.. what I would like to know is what classes or other educational
offerings would bring you to Rochester.

Although I do not have a "theme" for the institute, the committee is 
intent
on making Rochester a place to both see actual work being performed or
experience the work hands-on.  We have all seen great presentations on
slides or powerpoint, but left the class still unsure how to implement 
a new
skill.  2006 will be the year to see how it is done!  Here's a brief 
look at
what's in the works as of now:

Andre Bolduc will be offering a 2 day soundboard installation class 
which
will also cover setting down bearing and bridge notching.  All work 
will be
performed in class (except pre-crowning the board)

Renner USA is working on putting together an action class in which all
rebuilding work will also be performed during the class.

Stephen Birkett, will be bringing his high speed camera for live 
footage of
action or string/bridge evaluation.  Have you been dying to see a 
particular
function or set of variables high speed?  Send me your suggestions.

It's time we invited our best rebuilders to show their stuff!  I am 
hoping
we can put together an impressive rebuilders showcase.  My idea here is 
to
invite rebuilders to teach a class on a particular skill or method, and 
to
bring along the finished result to show the class.  After class is over 
the
piano will be added to an exclusive rebuilders gallery for all to see 
and
compare.

I would also like to expand on this showcase and put together a track on
high-level soundboard/structure design.  In a sense, this will be an
institute within the institute.  I am calling all gurus - you know who 
you
are - to join a forum of classes and presentations of your thoughts on 
all
aspects of soundboard and piano design.  This would be an impressive
collection of the best minds in the business.

Speaking of tracks, we will also add other sessions of hands-on classes 
in
the areas of regulating and voicing.  These will be multi-session 
classes
allowing registrants to follow complete processes with the guidance of
experienced technicians.  There will be tracks designed for beginner and
intermediate.  Some will be small group sessions, others run as master
classes.

June, 2006 is not far away and I must present my initial budget to the 
Board
in August so now is the time for action.  If you have ideas, 
suggestions, or
wish to volunteer, do it soon.  I look forward to receiving your input 
and
putting together and incredible experience in Rochester next year.

Please send all responses and inquiries to institute@ptg.org

Thanks to all,

Rick Florence


_____________
Rick Florence
Piano Technician
Arizona State University, School of Music