[CAUT] assistant position

[Willem Blees]

When I was a high school band choral director, I used to complain 
about the school canceling my rehearsal class periods for ensembles, 
early dismissal for weather, or students needing to go to a game. But 
I realized that I was the only one concerned about the missed 
rehearsals. I came to realize that what the other teachers and 
administrators expected of the music program wasn't at the same 
level as what I was expecting. So I gave up, and put together a 
concert with the number of rehearsals I was given. No one ever 
noticed, because no one cared. 

Don, and others in similar positions, is obviously very committed to 
his craft.  He wants what he perceives as what is best for the pianos, 
and works diligently to try to achieve that level. Unfortunately, his 
perception of what is needed, and the administration's perception of 
what is needed, are not the same. If it were, he would get the 
assistant he is requesting, and all will be well with the world. 

This does not mean Don should stop requesting the assistant. But not 
until the administration is as committed to the well being of the 
pianos as Don is, unfortunately, his request will be ignored. 

The music department at UA has never had a piano shop. Yes, I am on 
the payroll, but that is the only expense the school has as far as 
piano maintenance is concerned. All of the tools, supplies, equipment, 
etc, even the computer on which I am tying and the desk it is sitting 
on, are mine. There is no budget for parts, much less tools or 
equipment, and absolutely no budget for replacement of instruments. 

In the next couple of weeks I am going to put together an inventory of 
my shop and a list of all the piano, and there replacement costs. I 
will also put a repair budget together. This will be given to the 
chairman of the department, with the request that simply says, "if the 
university is committed to providing quality pianos for the students 
and faculty, then please provide the funding to maintain and replace 
those instruments". 

I am not expecting a miracle overnight, but at least they will know 
that they have been getting "free" ride, and that it's time to start 
paying the piper, so to speak. 

Wim 
Willem Blees, RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
School of Music
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL USA