Making A Big Play For All-Steinway, The University Of Houston Nears Goal
As seen in the Winter 2015 edition of the Steinway Chronicle.
Professor Timothy Hester has performed at celebrated venues throughout North America, Europe and East Asia. But staring up at the Friday night lights of TDECU Stadium, the Director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music knew he was in for something extraordinary.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, he fused a red and black Steinway grand piano with the Spirit of Houston Marching Band for a rousing halftime rendition of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Rising to the occasion, the Houston Cougars went on to win the Oct. 17th game against the Temple Owls.
The Moores School of Music is closing in on its goal of becoming an All-Steinway School, with an anonymous donor pledging $5 million for 170 new Steinway pianos. The school is looking to raise another $1 million for a maintenance endowment to complete the partnership with Steinway & Sons.
Professor Hester was kind enough to go behind the scenes with The Steinway Chronicle after this electrifying show.
Q: Did you face any unusual challenges inside the stadium?
A: "Playing an outdoor arena was particularly challenging in terms of ensemble. Our wonderful conductor, Marc Martin, not only had to keep track of me, but also had to lead with great strength while the band was moving all over the field! All of them were playing by memory and with such great skill, though, that it came together quite well. The Cougar Red Steinway was outstanding and responded perfectly to my touch, and the tone came across with all the nuanced colors that I could imagine. Despite a tremendously hot afternoon rehearsal, the piano stayed remarkably well in tune and responded beautifully to the evening change in temperature."
Q: Did Steinway Artist George Gershwin find a new audience in the stands that night?
A: "Yes, the response was incredible! In addition to listening to this piece live, along with invigorating drumline parts enhancing the music, they were able to hear the piano sounding alone as well as with the band. I was positively thrilled by their reaction."
Q: What did you take away from this performance?
A: "This truly surreal experience will stay with me forever. Our wonderful band director, David Bertman, had this great idea and with the help of Bryan Elmore and Steinway Piano Gallery Houston, made it come to life. The students succeeded with this tremendous challenge, and I realized how excellent our school is to be able to create something so special and pull it off in such a spectacular way."
Q: From your perspective in the classroom, what impact will the All-Steinway designation have on students?
A: "It will enable our students to prepare their music with the best instruments on earth. All of our vocalists and instrumentalists will be supported by accompaniments that can soar across the sonic spectrum of colors with endless possibilities. Our chamber groups will be able to rehearse and trust that when they go in for coaching or perform on our stages, the integrity of their work will come through as they had hoped. And most importantly, the music will be served at the highest possible level. Our young artists will be perched to embark on great careers, groomed by their positive experiences on Steinway pianos."
