The University of Mobile (UM) has been named an “All-Steinway School” after completing a year-long fundraising campaign to replace its inventory of aging pianos with 24 Steinway pianos.
Now students in the Christian university’s music and performing arts programs are practicing and performing on pianos considered by many professional musicians to be the finest instruments in the world.
“We are delighted to welcome University of Mobile to our family of All-Steinway Schools,” said Sally Coveleskie, Steinway’s national director of higher education, in notifying the university of its status as the world’s 185th All-Steinway School.
The designation of All-Steinway School means 90 percent of the university’s piano inventory, from the practice room to the recital hall, are designed by Steinway & Sons.
Coveleskie will tour the UM Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 18 prior to making a presentation that evening.
‘World of difference’
UM raised $518,950 in one year through the “All Steinway, All Together” campaign.
Music composition and piano major Emily LaForce said practicing on a Steinway “makes a world of difference. My ear is better developed; my dynamics are getting so much better. As far as touch goes, it’s consistent; you don’t have to adjust for each piano. I think the audience hears a truer portrayal of the music I’m playing, because I have a clearer idea of what I’m practicing.”
The university will celebrate the accomplishment Nov. 18 during Christmas Spectacular, UM’s 14th annual holiday musical extravaganza featuring more than 250 musicians.
Christmas Spectacular audiences will have an opportunity to hear the difference when LaForce and other students are featured performing on a Steinway.
LaForce said she is excited that “everybody has rallied together to support our cause to become an All-Steinway School.”
“This is huge for our piano department, and significant for our community, that we are upholding excellence in this way,” she said.
‘Truly blessed’
Tonya Gollotte, executive director for corporate and foundation relations, said raising all the funds needed within one year “is just remarkable.”
“We are so thankful to all of our donors who graciously gave to this campaign and weren’t afraid to dream big with us. This campaign was successful for two reasons: God and our donors. We are truly blessed,” Gollotte said.
Christmas Spectacular performances at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, will be Nov. 17–19 at 6:45 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 3:45 p.m. For more information, visit umobile.edu or call the UM Center for Performing Arts at 251-442-2383. (UM)
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