recital piano usage

[Mark Cramer]

David, I cannot offer you a clear reply, as we are currently re-drafting our
policy for the (Lorne Watson) Recital Hall.

All the questions you asked apply, and were addressed in our previous
guidelines, the problem of course is in maintaining these.

The key, in my mind, is what is to consider what is realistic, and most of
all sustainable.  Old habits die hard, especially among faculty.

We do have a fallboard lock, and only 3 keys exist.  The office has been
dilligent in governing the use of the keys.  We'll keep this policy

On the other hand, when I came here (2 years ago) there was a dampp-chaser
in our recital "D," but it was and wasn't being kept plugged-in.  Although I
heartily believe in the systems (we have them in all 62 other instruments)
and I have a new G8PS set aside for this piano, I am reluctant to install it
until all variables (where it's plugged in, who is allowed to move the
piano, etc,) are settled.

So, in my mind, it's not so much about the rules, as whether they can
possibly be sustained, or not.

I hate to get "dug-in" over an issue, then find I have to back down and
re-think it, this is not so good for "esprit de corps."  For example, I will
replace hammers and shanks on the recital "D" in August, then I will need
the very students who are normally prohibited from using this instrument, to
provide me with 50 hours of "play-in" time before September 5th.

Thanks for bringing this dialogue to the list David, the discussion so far
has already been helpful,

Mark Cramer,
Brandon University

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-caut@ptg.org [mailto:owner-caut@ptg.org]On Behalf Of David
Forman
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2000 3:11 PM
To: caut@ptg.org
Subject: recital piano usage


Caut,
We are reviewing our policy on recital piano usage, and input from other
institutions would be helpful. So, a few questions.
1. Do you limit access to your recital piano(s)?
2. How much rehearsal time is allowed for piano recitals on that piano?
3. How much rehearsal time is allowed for vocal or instrumental recitals
where that piano will be used to accompany?
4. Is the piano locked and covered, and if so, who is in charge of the
key? What about weekend recitals? (we have many)
Any other information you wish to volunteer would be helpful. I'm sure
this information will be helpful to many schools.
Thanks in advance for you help.
Dave Forman, Westminster Choir College of Rider University