So I am a freshman at a large public HS (3,000+). I have been considering a new club to possibly petition for at my school. I would love to see what you guys think. Is it possible? Realistic? Would people appreciate it? etc.
Background: Since I was 4, I have been playing the piano. I have gotten to a decent level of performance winning several regionals and placing in States. As you may see, I plan on developing this into my spike (although I would like to major in neuroscience).
The Idea: INTRODUCING Project Piano!! Mixing music, culture, and community, Project Piano is club for piano enthusiasts and community helpers. At meetings, we will play piano, listen to music, and plan for fundraisers. Every so often, we will organize a fundraiser where we will sell used pianos, sheet music, and other musical equipment. (I have already planned on reaching out to a local piano dealership to discuss the possibility of them donating old pianos) With the money we raise, we will buy pianos and donate them to the school, low-income areas, and in general…the community.
I think the music angle is great–mixing music, culture and community. I think it could attract people exploring different genres and the culture around them.
Pianos come with a whole set of problems (unless you are thinking smaller type keyboards). They are notoriously difficult to transport. They are large so space is a problem. They require maintenance to keep them in tune and playable. Many people can’t even give them away anymore (even high end pianos) so I see an immediate hurdle in your plan to sell them since the market has declined drastically over the years. Even if freely donated the receiver has to have space for one and you need a method of free transport. If you want to turn your angle into some other aspect of music such as writing music or technical mixing you might fair better.
Yes I do understand that delivery and space would be the largest issues. Tuning, on the other hand, is not as large a problem. In fact, many pianos are now being made with larger gaps between tunings (for example, my Kawai was not tuned for about 10 years and maintained relatively nice sound). For delivery, we would have to fundraise for delivery fees.
Additionally, I was thinking of even digital pianos as they are cheaper, smaller, and do not need tuning. But thank you for commenting. I do need to get some more research done.
Love the whole general idea. But…you need to identify the target schools first. You might assume they need /want one but might already have one.
Not sure how but you could give free piano lessons to those that can’t afford them.
The other angle was a hifi group I was in years ago. We got together to listen to records but with different manufacture cool, expensive equipment and speakers. So maybe just playing and evaluating music for the sheer pleasure of it. But not sure how many would feel the same way…
I think the concept is good, but I agree that there would be several issues.
-Space/storage
-Repair and keeping them in good condition.
-Transportation
-Liability insurance
-Responsibility for the pianos
-Time
What happens when you are no longer at the school?
When you decide to form a club at most schools, you typically fill out forms to indicated the purpose, membership rules, teacher sponsor, etc. You go though your activities committee and typically one of the administrators. Have you approached them about the club?
Yes @aunt_bea, I have actually reached out to the senior officers at our school. We are in the process of legitimizing everything. The club will not be formed until next year, if at all. I understand the problems with this concept and am thinking about just ditching it. Thanks!
Hi @Knowsstuff, yes i was also thinking of giving piano lessons as well but this was going to be my first job. I love listening to music and just talking about it so maybe we can add that to my club idea. Thanks!!
Talk to your music department and find local performers /bands of different genres and have them come talk to you and perform… Heh, this sounds like a cool club now!!! Maybe talk about how to create music, their inspiration… Alla Berkeley School of Music… Lol.