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As the first concert grand piano
was carried into the concert hall of the Falany Performing Arts
Center, so began a new day for the Murray Department of Music at
Reinhardt College as the newest member of the Kawai EPIC
program.
Kawai America, a California-based piano manufacturer, started
the EPIC (Elite Performing Instrument Collection) program with
the Shigeru Kawai Endowment. Institutions that qualify are given
the opportunity to acquire an elite assortment of fine Kawai and
Shigeru Kawai instruments at sponsored cost levels.
“The music program at Reinhardt provides a challenging and
rewarding educational experience,” said Dr. Dennis McIntire,
assistant dean for music. “We had to select performance
instruments that would enable our students to meet our high
academic standards. Kawai and Shigeru Kawai pianos exceed our
standards of instrumental excellence and benefit not only the
students and faculty, but also the concert artists from around
the world who perform here.”
Beginning in December, the first three grand pianos were placed
with more on the way, including new digital pianos for the music
lab. McIntire said the reaction from students was
“unbelievable”.
“We’ve had more potential piano students audition than the last
three years combined just since word has gotten out about this
acquisition,” McIntire said.
McIntire credited the enthusiasm and dedication of Reinhardt
Trustee Ken White and Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas
Isherwood with helping this KAWAI partnership come to fruition.
“With the support of both Mr. White and Dr. Isherwood, we are
making great strides forward for the music program at
Reinhardt,” McIntire said.
As an EPIC institution, Reinhardt will also receive national
recognition sponsored by Kawai in music and trade publications,
will be permanently featured on the Kawai US website, have
regular visits from Kawai Master Piano Artisans and access to
Kawai artists and speakers.
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