1912 Steinway Grand Piano

Kewanee Schools Foundation Completes Phase II of Steinway Renovation

Using funds amounting to over $4,000 provided by the Laurence Horler Music Fund, the Kewanee Schools Foundation recently completed a major internal renovation of the Steinway Grand Piano at Kewanee High School.  The piano was built in April 1912.

 The piano underwent its first major renovation in 2001 where many of the internal parts including hammers and pads were reworked.  This phase of the renovation included restringing the entire piano, replacing tuning pins, replacing the pedal mechanism, repairing several cracked wooden parts and replacing the ivories on the keyboard.  All of the work was completed by Mr. Chuck Orwig of Kewanee with some assistance by Mr. Jim Blucker, retired Kewanee High School Music Teacher.  The Foundation also purchased a brand new concert quality piano seat.

 The piano was featured in the recent “Evening of Classical Music” at Petersen Auditorium with visiting concert artist Francesco Attesti.  “Francesco was very impressed with both the sound and the action of the piano at Saturday evening’s performance”, said Mr. Orwig.

 The only major work remaining to be done on the piano is to refinish parts of the piano to improve its general overall appearance.  “We are looking at a cost of at least another $5,000 to have this work done.  We hope someone will consider this a worthwhile project and provide a gift to make this possible,” said Foundation Director, Charles Warthen.  Anyone interested in discussing a gift toward completing the restoration of the Steinway may contact Dr. Charles Warthen at the Kewanee Schools Foundation at (309) 856-8702 or by e-mailing kewaneeschfoundation@hotmail.com.