New Boston Grand Heralds Change At Missouri State University
As seen in the Boston Chronicle, Issue Two, 2015.
A $7.5 million renovation at Missouri State University next year has Dr. Julie C. Combs planning to move a growing fleet of prized Boston pianos.
Built in 1959, Ellis Hall is the heart of MSU’s Music Department, which she has chaired since 2010. The project calls for energy-efficient upgrades, improved soundproofing and environmental control for delicate musical instruments.
Dr. Combs remembers the day that won the hearts of her students who feverishly ran through the hallways, checking out new Boston uprights in classrooms, teaching studios, and practice rooms. Since 2012, Harry Reed of Schmitt Music in Kansas City has worked closely with MSU, arranging delivery of 10 UP-126E Performance Edition uprights and most recently, a Boston GP-215 Performance Edition grand piano. "We are in the early stages of developing the full Steinway initiative for replacing all of our pianos. What’s more, we have just hired some exciting new faculty," Dr. Combs told The Boston Chronicle.
Meanwhile, the makeover at Ellis Hall comes as enrollment is trending higher. "We are expecting to welcome the largest incoming class in the past five years this fall and our graduate recruiting is also showing gains," she said.
In July, the first-ever MSU Choral Institute gave regional high school musicians a chance to explore the Springfield campus while enhancing their skills at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. The Missouri State Chorale tours the U.S and Europe, lately at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston S.C. And the Men’s Choir is gearing up for the 2016 Intercollegiate Men’s Choral National Seminar at the University of Illinois.
At MSU, students from all fields of music study must learn to play the piano. In busy practice rooms, instruments by Steinway & Sons are exceeding expectations. "We find it so affirming to have quality tools to teach and practice on," Dr. Combs said. "Faculty and students know how much we care about producing excellent work while creating the very best environment to train young musicians and engage new audience members."
With the uprights already making a difference in practice routines, the Boston Grand replaces an "ancient" piano in the orchestra/choir room. Dr. Combs is eagerly anticipating a fresh tonal voice for choir rehearsals and possibly student recitals once the dust settles at Ellis.
Despite a few logistical challenges, "faculty, students, administration, and the MSU Foundation are all dedicated to making this an All-Steinway school in the very near future," she said.
