Not long ago a group of Central Cambria students returned to the school’s auditorium for a “Wizard of Oz” cast reunion gathering. An eclectic smattering of young people milled around the stage conversing on topics as diverse as the colors of the rainbow until Mr. Nagy sat down at the piano. It was as if perching himself upon the piano bench activated a magnetic vacuum that drew students to the piano’s periphery. At the first depression of worn ivory piano keys all chatter ceased, students stood taller and carefree laxidicalism gave way to a more focused demeanor. A discrete nod of the head from the maestro brought twenty disjointed voices into a perfect show tune cadence. Onlookers were sure to notice the smiling faces and joyful deportment of the young carolers. After uniformly marching through the first segment of the tune, spontaneously factions of voices broke off into a multi-dimensional harmony. As the final key strokes were played, with the sound of the music still echoing off the walls, an anonymous student intoned, “We still got it!” And if fact, they did. It was a shame that the music had to end.
At Central Cambria, music is the force that shapes many of our most treasured memories. From elementary school concerts through high school graduation, music serenades many of the most unforgettable moments of the children’s education. Piano music is a tradition worth continuing, it is a blessing worth our continued investment and support.
Central Cambria school district is clearly endowed with great musicians but currently burdened by a woefully inadequate piano. For the last five decades, yes fifty years, the district has tickled the same ivories. It is time for a change, time for an upgrade, time for the current instrument to retire after many years of admirable service which includes propelling the district into the distinguished fraternity of the “Top 100 Schools for Music” designation by the National Association of Music Merchants.
Our piano no longer is able to hold a tune. Multiple tunings are required prior to school concerts and district productions. If the piano is tired, it has good reason to be weary. The piano serves as a catalyst to a plethora of district events. All four of the district’s schools utilize the instrument. From elementary school concerts, to upper level band/chorus concerts/shows, to high school musical theater productions, to the annual prom march, graduation ceremonies and selected community events, the piano works hard during the school year. Our piano’s best days are clearly behind it and now we are faced with the prospect of recruiting its replacement.
Please help us continue to jettison the sound of piano accompaniment through the halls of our school and into the memories and hearts of our students. By contributing to the “Music on a Grand Scale – Piano Purchase Project” you invest in the future of music in our district.
The projected cost for a piano replacement is $20,000. All donations, both large and small, are gratefully accepted. Contributions can be sent to the Central Cambria Education Foundation, PO Box 624, Ebensburg, PA 15931 and an electronic PayPal option is available on the Foundation’s website at http://www.cchs.k12.pa.us/district/foundation_donatenow.html
For more information about the “Music on a Grand Scale – Piano Purchase Project”, please feel free to contact Paul Seymour, Kate Wolf or Tom Nagy at the Central Cambria School District.
If educational theorems are to be believed, we all learn a great deal more from what do compared to what we hear others tell us. Music, song and performance are the ultimate “action verbs”. Your contribution to the project uplifts the district’s curriculum in more ways than you can imagine and serves as a unique springboard for student growth.
Please consider making a generous donation to this project so that the baton of both refined and raucous music will be passed on to future cohorts of our children.
