Bird told his customer how the only historically black college/university in Austin had been using pianos purchased during the Nixon Administration. He mentioned an energetic group of students, faculty and staff who traded a well-loved instrument for a new Boston grand, planting a seed of hope with no assurance of harvest.
Dr. Burnaman and Matthew Bird. Image by Benjamin Garrett Photography.
The Marcus Roberts Trio performed at Huston Tillotson's All-Steinway celebration.
Student Jasmine Williams sports an All-Steinway smile.
When the two men paid a visit to the campus, Dr. Gloria Quinlan and fellow music professors could barely contain their emotions upon discovering HTU would be gifted not one or two, but an incredible inventory of 15 new Steinway & Sons pianos.
The philanthropist who financed the $800,000 acquisition requested anonymity. "He had no ties to HTU and wanted no credit. He just wanted to help. Tears of joy flowed freely that day and my reaction was one of sheer excitement for the students," said Bird, showroom manager at SPG-Austin. School officials later joined the donor and his family at the Steinway factory to select a Model D and Model B for the King-Seabrook Chapel. Thirteen smaller grands and uprights populate the practice, rehearsal and teaching spaces.
The origins of HTU date to 1875, making it Austin's oldest institution of higher learning. The music program evolved to its present-day incarnation after Samuel Huston College – founded by the United Methodist Church, and Tillotson College – established by what is now the United Church of Christ – merged in 1952.
HTU President Colette Pierce Burnette pointed out that the department is renowned for developing musicians of distinction in a variety of professional fields. "These best-in-class instruments are the perfect complement to the talented and gifted musicians on our campus," she said.
There are 30 to 40 students majoring in music or music education. "Our piano majors, other music majors and non-majors taking music lessons are in awe of these spectacular instruments," added Dr. Burnaman.
The new pianos were in place for the annual Charter Day celebration in October, as the university marked its 142nd anniversary with a "Reach for Rhythm" Concert at the chapel, among other activities, to acknowledge the All-Steinway designation.