Chapter Project of 2005
       Back in February, Joe DeFazio proposed that the next project piano be one that would replace a piano ruined by the October '04 flood.  The eventual recipient would be 3rd Street Art Gallery in Carnegie, where Joe has played concerts occasionally.  After the chapter accepted the idea,  Randy Mangus and Joe coordinated in setting up strategies, appointed dates to work on the Wurlitzer grand.  Work began in last March and finished in early August.

      On August 14, The reconditioned instrument was delivered to 3rd Street Gallery by Randy and Joe...way to go!  To the right:  Joe (4th from the right) led the project.  The owner of the exhibit, Phil Salvato (2nd from the right) is grateful for receiving this 'grand' donation.
     Besides Randy, others who contributed their time and effort include Joel Cluskey, Bob Miller, Bill Sorenson, Wesley Gill, and Ken Hand (on a small scale) .

Thanks to all who contributed to this worthwhile and worthy endeavor! 
Joe DeFazio & Randy Mangus

Chapter Piano Project - 2004

        The Wurlitzer Studio Upright that the chapter refurbished was delivered last July to a thrilled beneficiary, Melissa Haas!  Her latest piano teacher, Harry Coleman, originally informed Randy of her predicament.  As a result, Randy became inspired to lead the cause of providing Melissa with a useful piano..
        Melissa was (and still is) quite the academic woman!  She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with 3 majors:  natural sciences in the College of General Studies + music and interdisciplinary studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.  At age 23, she earned a Doctorate in Applied Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University.
        This talented young lady was named one of two winners of the VSA arts Panasonic Young Soloists Award for outstanding young musicians with disabilities.  Her piano teacher in college was Donna Amato.  The Professor of Musicology, Deanne Root, described her as a 'remarkable person, a rare combination of a probing mind, sheer determination to succeed, and a warm, compassionate heart."       

        In spite of all her health problems, Melissa has an inspiring attitude about life.  Her music is something which brings her great joy and she said that if she could, she would be jumping up and down (referencing the picture on the right) like Snoopy on her shirt.

                    Top right:  Randy and Joe DeFazio delivering the gift
                  Immediate right:  Melissa posing with her 'new' instrument

 

 

Chapter Piano Project - 2002
          Also, in 2002, led by Randy Mangus & Leo Caffari, some members of the Pittsburgh Chapter PTG rebuilt this Steinway Model K52 Upright, which was sold to a grateful musician in honor and memory of Mr. William Connelly.  Mr. Connelly was a charter member of the Pittsburgh Chapter, whose generous spirit to mentor others in piano technology will long be remembered and appreciated.
Click here for more photos of Steinway K52