The University’s School of Music is set to make some noise today as it receives a shipment of 15 new Steinway pianos in a public ceremony at noon in the School of Music. George Rodrigue Studios will donate the instruments, valued at about $125,000.
George Rodrigue Studios purchased the Steinways from Hall Piano Company in Metairie, Louisiana.
Steven Kinchen, president and co-owner of Hall Piano Company, said mass purchases of Steinways are rare, even for the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.
“This is the third time in the last 10 years that the University has taken an inventory like this,” Kinchen said.
Todd Queen, dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts, said the Steinways will go to second and third floor practice rooms in the School of Music.
“It’s going to have a significant impact on the quality of our students’ education,” Queen said.
Sales from a posthumous print of Rodrigue’s artwork helped purchase the pianos. The print, “Take Five,” features Rodrigue’s famous blue dog sitting beside a piano in Louisiana’s swamps.
Kinchen said the donation has been in development since 2012, when George Rodrigue painted his famous blue dog artwork on a 1913 Steinway Model A, which was rebuilt by the Hall Piano Company.
Kinchen said the “Blue Dog Piano” traveled through major southern cities like Nashville and Memphis, promoting arts education and the need for more pianos at the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.
“It’s one of a kind,” Kinchen said. “It’s the only piano that George ever painted.”
The “Blue Dog Piano” will make an appearance at today’s ceremony.
Nelson Williams, a music sophomore specializing in stand-up bass, said he is looking forward to seeing the one-of-a-kind Steinway in person.
“It’s a really beautiful instrument,” Williams said. “I wish we had more of an opportunity to have it played in public.”
Williams said he hopes today’s donation will increase the school’s national appeal and help motivate recruiting.
The College of Music and Dramatic Arts is unique from other music schools across the country, Williams said, because it offers a friendly environment for its students while maintaining an impressive reputation.
“It’s not like everyone is out to beat the person sitting next to you,” Williams said. “Other schools have a tendency to be very competitive and cutthroat.”