Help us Restore our 100-year old
Steinway PIANO
A bit of history about our piano...
When Westfield High School was built in 1952, choral director, Janet Grimler requested a 9 ft Steinway Model D to be the instrument of choice. Our Steinway, built in 1920, was over thirty years old when purchased for the school. Even preowned, this was one of the finest instruments money could buy. Throughout the years, it had received many fixes, including sending the piano out to the Steinway factory for a new soundboard in the mid 1990's. In the Early 2000's the piano sustained damage from a massive ceiling leak and was sent out to the Steinway factory a second time for more fixes, including cosmetics.
Now, the piano needs several more fixes. Instead of more "band aid fixes," our piano technician, Richard Ziss, has recommended a full restoration of our instrument.
Why not raise money for a NEW Steinway Model D? For starters, this instrument purchased new, at an institutional price, would cost $160,000! Steinway is considered one of the only pianos that would be worth restoring. The instruments are handmade and only a handful are produced yearly. We also consider this piano part of the history of our town and our school, and feel that it is worth holding on to this unique and coveted heirloom.
Our piano was also built during what some would call the "Golden Age" of Steinway piano. This time period was characterized by a superior level of craftsmanship. For more info see here: https://www.4tepiano.com/golden-age-steinway/
Restoration Details
A full restoration would mean sending the piano out for about 6 months to a reputable piano restorer. Bill Hanerfeld of Craftsman Piano in Yonkers will completely disassemble the entire instrument and will rebuild it from the inside out. At the completion of the process, our piano will look and play like brand new! See this short video about what it takes to make a Steinway and why they are so expensive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnquWUItsVM&feature=youtu.be
The entire restoration process will cost $49,000 but well worth it to restore this instrument to its optimal state. We are fortunate to have several local entities that have already contributed to this project.
The Westfield Coalition of the Arts
WHS High School Facilities Budget
The WHS PTSO
The Westfield Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department
From these donors we have a total pledged of $18,000! Our remaining fundraising goal is $31,000. This is where you come in!
Donating
We are appealing to the Westfield Community to help us restore this instrument buy purchasing one or more keys on our 88-key piano.
1 Key - $200
The lowest note on the piano - $750
The highest Note on the Piano - $750
Middle "C" (the center-most note of the piano) - $1000
1 Octave (13 keys) - $2600
If you think you can help out please consider, clicking the link below to donate.
Any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Brzozowski, Choral Director: 908-789-4500 X4549 or Email: jbrzozowski@westfieldnjk12.org
