An Interesting Request

[Newton Hunt]

>
>What would your reply be???
>
>Ken Sloane    Oberlin Conservatory
>

Hi, Ken,
        I have had similar requests from Theatre and music at Rutgers.
        My immediate reaction is "NO WAY".
        My second is let's talk about it, with staff, faculty and students
involved.  Bear in mind that Theatre paople think that the whole world is
theirs to do with as they please without regard for the feelings and needs
of anyone else around them, including property.
        After talking over the situation with the principals a plan can be
formulated that does not harm the instrument in anyway, including
restricking such things that they do not want the general public trying at
home, ourlined by you.
        I have found theatre people cooperative, to a limit, especially if
they think what they do can cost them money.  Stingiest group around except
piano tuners.
        Watch out for the piano during rehearsals.  They have a tendency to
change their plans, spray paint keys because they are too bright, run pianos
into walls, pile anything upon them, including jpaint cans, brushes,
costumes, props, sodas, water bottoles or anything else they have in their
grubby little hands.
        If you lay down the law, reinforced with dollar amounts and the
backing of your and their managers, chairs and deans you may get through
this without scabs on yourself, or the piano.
        Lots of luck.

                Newton
                nhunt@jagat.com