<DIV> <DIV>Hi Rick,</DIV> <DIV>I'd like to suggest Joe Garrett do some classes.  Attached are his topics he could do.  Also John Bryner from our chapter, who was a physics teacher at the university level, presented a good class on when a piano string is stable from the stand point of what each string segment tension should be when that is the case, and answers the question if we are trying to equalize the tension of the segments when we do a stable tuning.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It looks like you are putting together a very good institute, better than usual.  KC to me had some bright spots, but was a little disappointing from the stand point of what was offered.  A lot was the same old-same old.  It's hard to be fresh every year, but it looks like you are well on the way to doing just that. Rick Florence <Rick.Florence@asu.edu> wrote:</DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE class=replbq style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">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 _______________________________________________ caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives </BLOCKQUOTE></DIV> <DIV> <DIV>Vince Mrykalo RPT University of Utah</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <hr size=1> <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/">Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.</a>