The opportunities and instruction available to students in the district, across all grade levels, are truly exceptional. In addition to our curricular general music classes, bands, orchestras, and choirs, students have the opportunity to take part in our extra-curricular ensembles, annual adjudication trips, and spring musical productions. The ensembles at State College Area High School have performed throughout the United States and Europe, and have earned acclaim through state, regional, national and international competitions. Many students go on to professional music careers, and countless others enjoy lifelong participation in music, thanks to their experiences in State College music programs. Truly, the music program is a jewel in the crown of the district.
Our Education Foundation knows that the curricular and extra-curricular music education opportunities at State College make our district extraordinary. If you share this belief, please consider partnering with them and with our music department on an important project:
- Until last year, students at the high school were practicing and performing on 50-year-old pianos. The district recently purchased a much-needed Steinway concert grand to replace our old stage piano, and now our fantastic Performing Arts Center has an equally fabulous instrument to match. Now, to complete the renovation and renewal of the high school performing arts spaces, a new Steinway studio grand piano for rehearsal, chamber music, and recording is available at an excellent price from local retailer Robert M. Sides—also a generous supporter of our district and our students. This instrument would replace the oldest instrument in our district, a 70-year-old baby grand piano.
- Thanks to a generous matching gift from an anonymous State High music alumni family, more than $25,000 is committed toward a goal of $95,000 to purchase this beautiful piano, which is the industry standard for collegiate and professional musicians, and the appropriate instrument for our fabulously talented students. This investment will benefit the students of our District for the next 70 years: in rehearsal and performance with our award-winning choirs and musical productions; in our beginning and AP Music Theory classes; and in student solo and chamber music performances and recordings.
- Opportunities are available to “name” portions of the piano, and all donors will be recognized on a permanent plaque in the new auditorium. The generous $25,000 matching gift has enabled the Education Foundation to offer named keys for just $750 each. Individual gifts are appreciated and will be recognized at any level, not only the levels on the poster.
- Funds raised above the $95,000 goal will be set aside for ongoing maintenance for the piano, or for other pressing needs in the music department.
Gifts toward the Steinway studio grand piano campaign can be paid in full online or by check, or in installments using the Foundation’s online recurring giving option. You can also make a commitment by contacting Education Foundation Executive Director Paul Olivett at (814) 883-8067.
Make a Gift Now
Please review the attached poster to see the piano naming opportunities and find one that works for you or your family, or even a group of alumni friends who shared your love for music at State High. Please feel free to reach Paul with questions about the project.
I hope you’ll consider partnering with the Education Foundation on this important project that will benefit current and future generations of music students at State High. Thank you for your ongoing support for music education in our district.
Sincerely,
Erik Clayton
Director of Choirs
State College Area High School
