History - The Pianos

Four Pianos, Three, Two…

The merger in 1983 of the Palmerston North Music Club and the Dorian Society provided the new organisation, Musica Viva, with four pianos. The Dorian Society had a Welmar grand and a Welmar upright and the Music Club owned two Welmar uprights. None of these instruments was a first class performing instrument, though the grand became the “first” piano of the new organisation.

With one of the uprights being available for duo piano works, the intention of the society was that the other two uprights would be made available for hire within Square Edge by tenants using the available smaller rooms as teaching premises. By March of 1983 one piano had already been moved into a small teaching room, but there was a problem over the moving of the second.

In June of 1983 a motion was passed “that we review the state of the pianos with a view to keeping one upright, selling the other three and buying one good quality second-hand grand piano.” Peter Appleton was to be approached for a valuation.

A report on the construction of Feilding Agricultural High School platforms at PNTC ($800) was made by John Schwabe. Members felt that the modular system of Feilding Agricultural High School was very suitable for Music Viva purposes, though a trial had shown that more height was required than that afforded by their modules. Square Edge was to be approached for their opinion on the erection of permanent staging in the Council Chambers. Approval was given for John Schwabe to construct six square platforms, with up to $200 to be paid for their construction, the balance to be paid in the next financial year if required.

In October of 1983 the total cost of materials ($274.81) had been paid to John.

At the August meeting of 1983 Peter Appleton’s report on the four pianos was studied.

A decision was made to keep the grand piano and to have it reconditioned as suggested, and to negotiate for the sale of the upright pianos one at a time. A letter would be sent to the Palmerston North Operatic Society concerning their wish to purchase one of the pianos offering the Dorian no 55015 Welmar upright for sale at $2200.

In September the committee decided that John Hawley, Guy Donaldson, Maurice Collier and Helen Caskie be asked to rank the pianos in order of preference, with reasons. A decision was made in October to take steps to sell the newest Welmar upright for an asking price of $3000 and replace the other pianos with a high quality instrument.

By November the Palmerston North Operatic Society had verbally confirmed their intention to purchase the Dorian Welmar piano, and approval was given to confirm the sale of the newest PN Music Club Welmar for $3000. The grand was to be sold and replaced, and the remaining upright Welmar to be retained. A subcommittee of Barrett, Schwabe, Ormsby and Dellow was to investigate prices for a replacement grand. The contract with Peter Appleton to repair the grand was to be cancelled, and a valuation of that piano to be sought from Gordon Currie.

At the December meeting Guy Donaldson, Frank Caple and Barbara Jones were present by invitation, the business being the projected purchase of a new piano. The society now owned one Welmar Grand and one Welmar upright. Two possible courses of action emerged from discussion: to buy a new grand piano, or to think laterally and use existing resources.

The “Council” Grand Piano

The question arose of why we should attempt to finance a new Grotrian grand piano when there was already one in the new Council Chambers receiving little use. It was determined that interested musical bodies including Musica Viva, IRMT, Examination Boards, Manawatu Youth Orchestra, Arts Council, Palmerston North Operatic Society, and the Competitions Society be approached with a view to putting to the mayor of the desirability of moving the piano from the new Council Chambers to the old Council Chambers.

A letter was to be written to the Mayor outlining a case, based on:

The Society’s need for a top quality piano similar to the Council instrument.
The ability of the Society to guarantee safe housing and regular use.
Its availability for moving to other concert venues if needed.

An appointment was made with the Mayor with a delegation of Schwabe, Thomas, Jones, Donaldson and Croxon from Musica Viva to discuss the submission.

In the event of lack of success it was decided that Donaldson, Caple, Jones, Barrett, and Downer would travel to Wellington to audition new pianos and a second hand Bluthner in January.

The current piano fund amounted to about $7,000. Other potential sources included the Rawlins Trust ($2000?), Cultural Developments ($3000), the Eva and Elsie Laing Trust ($500 - $1000?), sale of Welmar grand ($4000?), and a colateral loan on investments at Broad bank.

The meeting with the Mayor was in some ways a disappointment to the Society as the Mayor reiterated his reluctance to move the Grotrian from the new Council Chamber. He indicated, however, that a large proportion of the required finance could come from the Eva and Elsie Laing Trust with other trusts providing the balance. An interest free loan could be provided to bridge the gap until these grants became available. Members felt that it was wise in the circumstances to sell the Welmar Grand immediately. The Guardian insurance policy on the two sold pianos was to be cancelled and the NZ Insurance policy on the other two would continue in the meantime.

Buying The Steinweg

The appointed piano audition group did indeed travel to Wellington and decided on a (new) Grotrian Steinweg grand piano as most suitable for the Society’s needs. On April 4, 1984 a special Meeting was held to discuss the viability of purchasing the Grotrian Grand Piano.

Funds include $7250 cash in hand, plus a grant of $3500 from the Eva and Elsie Laing Trust to come which totalled $10,750. The trade in value of the Welmar Grand was estimated to be $2,000. The cost of the Grotrian less 10% was $18,787. The balance required, therefore, was $6,037

It was agreed that the raising of the required $6000 was a viable proposition. A motion was passed “that the committee be empowered to proceed with the purchase of the Grotrian Grand Piano from Nimmos at the nominated price of $18,787 and that we accept the trade-in offer of $2000 for the Welmar Grand. Subject to Nimmos’ approval it was resolved to send a deposit of $15,000 immediately.

The following bodies were to be approached for grants:

Cultural facilities Category 1.
Rawlins Trust for grant plus bridging finance of $6000.
Recreation and Community Development Fund: two applications to be made, including one of $1300 for a piano cover.
PN Arts Council.

An application to the Lottery Board was completed and submitted “that we request the Evelyn Rawlins trust to advance us a loan of $5781 at the lowest acceptable interest rate, until we receive sufficient grant moneys to enable us to complete payment of the piano.” A decision was expected by August.

An application for a loan to the Recreation and Community Development Fund was also authorised, and when the results of both grants were known, an additional application was to be made to the Rawlins Trust for the balance.

On April 9 in the Musica Viva Programme “Performer’s Choice”, convened by Allan Anderson, Guy Donaldson gave an inaugural recital on the new Grotrian Grand Piano .

In July it was moved “that the Common Seal of the Society be affixed to the Instrument by way of security now produced in favour of the NZ Guardian Trust Company Ltd to secure an advance of $5780 to the Society…” The Recreation and Community Development Consultative Committee were to be approached for a $3500 subsidy to cover the balance, the piano cover and the platform.

On October 1 it was reported to the Musica Viva committee that the Consultative Committee for R and C Dev had granted $2500 towards the cost of the piano plus an option of a $1000 interest free loan until June 1985. The purchase of the new Grotrian Grand Piano had therefore been made also with the help of grants from the NZ Lottery Board, local Recreation and Community Development, Eva and Elsie Laing Trust and a loan from the Evelyn Rawlins Trust.

Settling-In

Meanwhile, a $256 quotation for a Bulgomme lined canvas cover from a local dress maker was accepted (Silver Threads). A moveable platform was now urgently required for the piano, and an application was made to the PN Arts Council. The issue of an adjustable piano stool was to be actioned at a later time. In fact a piano stool donated by IRMT Manawatu was graciously accepted in July of 1984.

Jean Patterson requested first option on the Welmar upright if a decision was made to sell it. Its valuation was $2800. In July approval was given for the Welmar upright to be moved to Jean Paterson’s Square Edge studio. A new piano, like a new car, often has teething troubles, and Gordon Currie was to be approached to check the piano for “the defects that were apparent at the recent musicale.”

Also:

Infrequent use of the remaining Welmar upright was noted.
It was determined that the Grotrian piano would be tuned every 6 months.
Square Edge would be consulted concerning piano usage and a policy formulated for the future.
A contract was to be drawn up for hireage of the piano, with $25 suggested for professional work.
The secretary to see Mr Caskie concerning the drawing up of a contract.

Contract conditions to include:

Practice times: $1.50 per hour; $10 per day charge including examinations.
Piano to be used only by person or persons named in the agreement.
Tuning, if required, is the responsibility of the hirer and must be done by the tuner nominated by the club.
All reasonable care must be taken. The piano must remain on its mobile stage at all times.
It must be returned, covered and locked and in its original position.
Staging only may be moved.
Hire fees to be paid in advance.
No object to be placed on top of the piano.
Should any damage occur it must be immediately reported.
$2 charge per module per day for hireage if removed from the Evelyn Rawlins room.

Insurance on piano to be increased to $28500 to include the piano stool. Piano hire payments by the examinations board to be raised in 1986. The Manawatu Youth Orchestra to be charged $10 for the use of the piano.

By October of 1985 the piano’s capital value had increased by some 50% since its purchase, and it had been used as a recording instrument. The insurance policy details regarding the piano to be checked. An extra insurance policy for $221 per annum to be taken out on the piano for water damage since the present cover applied to fire only.

Piano hire income was initially modest. A cheque for $288.51 was received from Square Edge for piano hire for the period 1/11/85 to 16/4/86.

In April of 1986 a hire agreement for the Grotrian was received from Alistair Caskie. A letter was sent to IRMT Manawatu to say that users of the piano other than for Musica Viva are expected to pay the piano hire fee when using the instrument. Square Edge charged $40 per day for the room, $10 for the piano with half the piano hire going to Square Edge and half going to Musica Viva. In future the piano hire would be $10 per day and $5 per half day or part thereof, all the fees to go to Musica Viva. Concerts were to be charged a flat rate of $25. Casual rates were to be $5 per hour, to be split, and no hire charge would be made for IRMT afternoon soirees.

The President’s Report for 1987 stated that the Grotrian, which had been bought for $19,000 was now worth $50,000 to replace. In October of 1987 concern was expressed about the tuning and an alternative tuner was sought. In 1987 the piano earned $711. Insurance cover was to be raised from $28,500 to $40,000.

A deep scratch on the lid was found and John Jacques French Polishers quoted $96 to remove the scratch. It was decided that the security measures used on the piano, namely metal rings connected to canvas straps to which a lock was attached, were in fact contributing to the damage. At the beginning of 1988 it was decided that the metal D rings would be replaced with plastic ones and that the foam and canvas covers be attached. A quote from K Shailer of $80 + GST was accepted in April and expenditure approved for the Grand Piano covers to be sewn together, the D rings to be replaced and the sides to be sewn down. By June the covers had been finished and the lid removed for repair. By September the piano cover was away being cleaned due to writing with felt pen. The piano cover was sprayed with Scotch Guard to protect it in future.

An increase of $144.32 on premium (to $457.53) would give the added cover to $40,000. The secretary was to contact Michelle at Square Edge concerning the cost of hireage of the piano, including an hourly rate and a rate for examinations. Piano hireage was settled at $5.50 per hour for casual use, split in half between Square Edge and Musica Viva.

Early in 1988 the committee received an offer of sponsorship from Alan Birchler. He was to be approached by the secretary to be the society’s official tuner, and it was to be a new policy that there be only one tuner for the piano. A decision was made to increase the basic piano hireage rates from $5.50 per hour to $6.60 as from 1/2/89. The daily hireage for the examinations boards was to be $22.

Concern was expressed that the Grotrian was subject to extremes of temperature and that the upright was being knocked around. In November of 1988 the TCL examiner had queried the tuning of the Grotrian - he felt that there was no relationship between the lower, middle and upper registers. He also questioned the voicing of the instrument. It was decided that Peter Appleton of Wellington would be asked for his opinion. In May of 1989 Peter Appleton reported that the environment was adequate for the piano. There was no major problem with the piano, structural or with the current tuning. He suggested that the piano needed voicing which he could do himself.

The tuning of the piano remained an issue, however, and in April of 1990, after much discussion the outgoing committee confirmed its resolution that Musica Viva use one tuner only for the Grotrian. and Guy was to approach Les Dorizac. Subsequently, a very comprehensive report was received from Les Dorizac. The committee determined that piano income would cover required expenditure, and Guy was to instruct Les to proceed.

Meanwhile it was resolved that the piano hireage be increased to $8 plus GST (on hold). At the 1990 AGM an opinion was given that, if for any reason the Society should be wound up the Grotrian would revert to the PNCC.

At the beginning of 1989 the upright Welmar piano was hired out to recorder and flute teacher Catherine Wallace, at Square Edge, for $44 per month. It had been being used but not generating revenue. By the beginning of 1991 Catherine Wallace was no longer hiring the Welmar and the piano was back in the Evelyn Rawlins Room. Kevin Murphy indicated that he wished to hire the piano for use in his home at a $40 monthly rental. By the end of the year he was interested in purchasing the instrument, and it was decided that the valuation should be the asking price. Four payments spread over 12 months were to be the offered terms.

At the end of 1991 the Welmar was sold for $1550, and the money was to be invested. In June of 1991 the Institute of Registered Music Teachers offered to re-upholster the stool and it was to be removed. MVM members were entitled to free use of the piano.

Security & Maintenance

In June of 1991 it was discovered that the piano cover strap had been unpicked, so access was available to the piano. In October the piano sustained some damage when it was dropped when being moved (by well-meaning but inexperienced Square Edge staff). The piano was sent to John Jacques for repair, at a cost of $660.75. Insurance excess was $500 which was split between Musica Viva and Square Edge.

Guy suggested that the lid may have to be kept down during practices. To this effect a sign could be put on the cover and on the wall along with conditions of hire. The committee was generally supportive of some sort of locking device for the piano lid but not keen on a padlock. Supervision of piano during exam time was discussed, along with the liability of Registered Music Teachers in this matter.

By March of 1992 the piano was back from John Jacques. Guy demonstrated to the committee a suggested system for locking the lid and suggested a policy that the lid only be raised for performances. This met with some strong opposition. Other options were considered, including a “babysitter” during peak useage times, the piano being used only during commercial hours, and an upright piano provided for use by younger players.

Guy informed the Registered Music Teachers and Kevin Murphy (manager of Square Edge) about the issue and was to contact John Schwabe about the strengthening of the staging. Hugh suggested Stevenson’s Engineering. In May Hugh reported that his father examined the staging. He moved that clamps could be used to reinforce the staging and he would arrange for it.

Piano hire fees were raised in June of 1992, as recommended by the Manawatu Branch of the Institute of Registered Music teachers to: $10 per hour; $25 per half day; $50 per whole day. It was recommended that in future any business concerning the piano should be attended to by all four members of the piano sub committee.

In July deliberate damage was done to the piano by someone forcing the locked lid of the piano open by firstly removing a hinge pin of the lid and then swivelling the lid sideways back and forth until it wrenched the lid lock clamp from the piano. Guy accepted that efforts to make the piano secure through padlocks on the piano itself were self-defeating when abused.

By August the lid hinge was fixed, but numerous small nicks and chips appeared on the piano. These appeared to be caused by bags being stacked around the piano, or the buckles of the cover being flicked on to the piano. Anne put some Velcro on the lock. Nevertheless much piano damage was being caused by the metal buckle on the cover. Guy was to get a quote from Shailers to remedy this.

Subsequently $150 accidental damage was done to the piano by a member who notified Guy. The Society agreed to pay half the cost. Key tags were now in use and Wendy made some laminated signs.

At an informal September meeting of Kevin Murphy and Geoff Turkington with Guy, Sue and Anne, a problem was identified in distinguishing MVM members from non members. The meeting decided that all hirers would now pay but Musica Viva members could apply for a rebate. Long term users such as IIRMT, the Examinations Board, the Manawatu Youth Orchestra, and the Competitions Society would hold a numbered key and reimburse MVM directly, while booking through Square Edge. Teachers would be held responsible for keys issued for their students’ piano use. The rates would be set at $10 per hour, $50 per evening for concerts, $50 per whole day and evening, $35 per whole day and $18 per half day. If tuning was required this was to be done by Les Dorizac and paid for by the hirer.

In May of 1996 Guy fielded a phone call from a woman at the Council regarding the ownership of the Grotrian. Guy was to respond with the facts of the matter. Mr Chris Somerville stated at one of our committee meetings that despite the initial small contribution by the council towards the purchase, the Council had no further interest in it and it belonged entirely to the Society.

From July 15,1996 Robin Winter and her son Mark undertook to take over the monitoring of the Grotrian as well as supper duties. The staging, for which modules were becoming unhinged, was to be made more secure by John Schwabe.

At the beginning of 1997 a plaque stating our ownership was put on the piano and a sign was placed at the entrance of the Evelyn Rawlins room stating the ownership of the piano. Les Dorizac quoted $200 to clean the piano. John Jacques was asked to inspect the piano for some lifting of the veneer at the front.

In May of 1999 a deep scratch needed to be attended to by John Jacques. In October further damage was done to the piano with the lid being poorly handled. The person responsible was spoken to and John Jacques was authorised to repair the damage and to do other surface repairs. Square Edge took financial responsibility for the piano damage and repair. One tuning per year would be paid for by IRMT.

It was recommended by Les Dorizac that it was time for the Grotrian to have a major servicing and the Society was successful in obtaining an Eastern and Central Grant of $850 toward the overhaul of the piano during the Christmas/New Year break. A cheque for $1,857.81 piano hire was banked in May of 2001.

In March of 2002 there was further damage to the exterior of the piano which was thought to be caused by users of the Evelyn Rawlins room stacking chairs on the stage. A suitable sign requesting that no objects be put near the piano was to be placed on the stage near the piano. By May the piano damage was fixed and paid for.

The piano cover in the meantime was leaving a deposit of dust on the piano, which suggested that it was time that it be cleaned. The problem appeared, however, to be associated with the aging of the lining itself. A new inner liner of duck cotton was made and a piece of fabric (marking front and back) was attached to the cover to assist in replacing the cover after use. The finished cost was $100.

In the past, parts of the staging appeared to have been removed from the Evelyn Rawlins Room and were used by other persons in the Square Edge building. This became an issue as the wear and tear on the modules was beginning to show. John Schwabe was approached to attend to any broken parts, and in particular to the damaged front panel. It would then be possible to lock some of the parts back together.

Some concern was expressed about the piano tuning not holding recently through the October examination period.