<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel=File-List href="cid:filelist.xml@01C40109.6F2B5220">  <style>  </style>  </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple = style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> I= agree with Cassie. There is a small contingent of champions of alternative = music and I see no problem with trying to accommodate them. We keep a = “sacrificial” Baldwin M available in a rehearsal room which can be wheeled up on stage when = needed for prepared pieces. This seems to be the best method because the = preparations often take a long time and the performer needs to practice. Once the = preparations are made they can leave them in place until they have finished. The = concert pianos are off limits except for minor plucking and other inside the = piano stuff which comes up from time to time and then only with my knowledge = and approval. I find the music interesting and often intriguing. The piano = is an expressive tool for creative people and if you keep your ears and mind = open you’ll often be rewarded with a musical experience. I’ve privately sent = Cassie and John a copy of our guidelines and am willing to share it with anyone = else who is interested.<o:p></o:p> <= ![if = !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p>= ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p> Eric Wolfley<o:p></o:p> Head Piano Technician<o:p></o:p> Cincinnati College-Conservatory of = Music<o:p></o:p> University of Cincinnati<o:p></o:p> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p> <![if = !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p>=  </f= ont><o:p></o:p>= ----------------= ------------------------------------------------------------------</span= ><o:p></o:p>= Whether or not = you consider these people composers, or see a “need” for = prepared piano is not the point.  The music is out there, and has been out there for quite some time now, and I’m very interested = in hearing what other techs have come up with as far as guidelines on this = matter.  I’m dealing with two teachers in this very situation right now and = we’re doing our best to work together to come up with an agreeable solution.  = It’s very true that politics within the institution or between you and the = teacher determine how well or poorly the situation can go.  Doesn’t = this also depend on how much time we’re personally willing/able to spend = working with the performer/piano to make sure everything goes well?<o:p></o:p>=  </f= ont><o:p></o:p>= Sincerely,</span= ><o:p></o:p>= Cassie Van = Gelder<o:p></o:p>=  </f= ont><o:p></o:p>= Resident Piano = Technician<o:p></o:p>= Interlochen = Center for the Arts<o:p></o:p> vangeldercj@inte= rlochen.org<o:p></o:p>=  </f= ont><o:p></o:p>=  </f= ont><o:p></o:p>= </div> </body> </html>