But it won't have the tone compared to the prepared concert instrument... '-] David Ilvedson, RPT Pacifica, CA 94044 ----- Original message ---------------------------------------- From: "Jim Busby" <jim_busby at byu.edu> To: caut at ptg.org Received: 11/9/2009 10:32:56 AM Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos >Zeno, >VERY good point. At BYU we have one piano as well. They may NOT use any other >piano. >Jim >From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Zeno >Wood >Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 10:48 AM >To: caut at ptg.org >Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos >Since we've designated one piano the "prepared piano", there has been almost no >monkeying with the other pianos. Now I don't find green sharpie markings on the >dampers, dampers sticking up like a saguaro cactus, or dead rattling bass strings. I >give a presentation to the composers every semester or so, and the composition >faculty are really happy. Admittedly, the designated piano is one in pretty wretched >shape, really way overdue for a complete rebuilding job, but with the budget the >way it is, it's good serving in its present capacity. >I've found spilling of food and drink to be more of a threat, and harder to reason >with. Students are, after all, entitled to their slurpees, lattes, and pizzas, at all >times. I sometimes think about walking into a practice room and putting my coffee >cup down on someone's violin. I mean, [to be said with incredulous outrage] where >else am I supposed to put it down? >Zeno Wood >Brooklyn College >On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM, Jim Busby ><jim_busby at byu.edu<mailto:jim_busby at byu.edu>> wrote: >All, >One prominent composer wrote (and many share the belief) that the piano is just >another percussion instrument. Some of the pieces are actually quite remarkable >(Cage, Crumb) in their outcome. But education seems to be the only thing that >"helps" our cause of protecting the piano. In the 3 years since its adoption we've >had zero incidences of abuse of damage to the piano. >FWIW, here it is; >Prepared Piano Policy >A "prepared piano" is a piano that has been modified with objects placed in it in a >very special way as dictated by a composer of a "prepared piano" composition. This >is a valid practice, but may only be done as prescribed below, and only on a piano >designated by Piano Shop technicians and under their supervision: > 1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and, in most cases, >performed by a Piano Shop technician. This includes removing the lid or other case >parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to modify the sound. > 2. Marking strings. Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffes to mark >notes. Please purchase stickers that are easy to remove such as the small colored >dots. Care must always be used when touching dampers as they are easily bent. >Never use masking tape or any other adhesive that may leave a residue. The >performer is responsible for removing any stickers immediately after any >performance. There should be nothing applied directly to the strings. This includes >white-out, tape, stickers, nail polish, etc. In some cases chalk may be used to mark >steel strings but never the copper-wound bass strings. > 3. Striking and plucking strings. Strings may be struck or plucked with fingers or >guitar pick. (Since oil from the skin can tarnish strings please wash hands well before >touching any string.) Other devices must always be of a material that will not mar or >scratch strings. On steel strings, only materials that are softer than the steel string >may be used, such as brass or aluminum. Copper-wound bass strings must also be >struck or plucked with a material softer than the copper. Acceptable material >includes wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Piano Shop technicians are available to help the >performer select materials that will not damage the piano. In some cases, literature >calls for the insertion of screws or mutes between piano strings. Again, a material >softer than the string must be used, such as brass or aluminum. > 4. Extreme volume. There is a fine line to be drawn between passionate musical >expression and outright banging on a piano. Please use good judgment when playing >above a forte. Harsh playing is damaging and will not be tolerated. > 5. Common sense. Most damage to pianos can easily be avoided by using good >judgment. Please consult with the Piano Shop technician before using >unconventional techniques. Usually, an alternative can be found to satisfy both the >performer and this policy. >Remember that a "prepared piano" is a special preparation required for a "prepared >piano composition", and except for this unusual circumstance pianos should only be >used in the "normal" way
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