Mark A. Chapman’s Last Full Measure Of Devotion To Kansas State University

As seen in the Winter 2015 edition of the Steinway Chronicle.

Throughout the impressive infrastructure of Kansas State University, Mark A. Chapman’s generosity abounds. There is an art gallery, a center for rural studies, a plaza in the College of Veterinary Medicine, a basketball training room and new stained glass windows in Hale Library that proudly bear his legacy.

So who better to lead the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in its quest to become an All-Steinway institution?

While Mr. Chapman initially felt the project did not align with his philanthropic goals, he told Sheila Walker, Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences, to revisit him about the possibility. A Kansas State undergraduate with a law degree from the University of Texas; he was a savvy investor in the oil and gas industries. However, his artistic passions centered on poetry and painting, and he self-deprecatingly confessed to being unable to find Middle C after five years of piano lessons.

A breakthrough occurred when Mr. Chapman watched a Steinway video with interviews of people describing what the Steinway brand meant to them on a personal and professional level. After seeing some of the older pianos in the music department, he was introduced to Amanda Arrington, a collaborative pianist.

Dr. Gary Mortenson, School of Music Director said, "When Amanda sat down and played for him, in that very instant he realized the potential impact of his gift. It was one of the most satisfying moments of my entire experience as a music administrator." He continued, "Mark A. Chapman understood quality and he trusted his instincts. At the end, his ability to assimilate what the Steinway name means allowed him to decide that this was a real investment."

Regrettably, Mr. Chapman passed away in April, just days before most of the 40 new Steinway-designed pianos arrived through the efforts of Tom Wennblom, regional sales manager of Schmitt Music Co. in Kansas City.

What has transpired since then would have delighted the longtime donor.

"In a recent Kansas Music Teachers Association Competition our students placed well in a number of categories and had their best showing in many years," Dr. Mortenson said. "They love these pianos and treat them with respect. We want that reverence to continue as these fantastic instruments pass from one generation to the next."

He reports there are plenty of smiles in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s two main recital venues: All Faiths Chapel, where a Steinway D and Kirmser Hall where a Steinway B reside respectively. "These pianos respond with great consistency at all dynamic levels and in all ranges. I love hearing how they support our best musicians who are inspired to dig deeper and play with more passion. What can be better than a superb blend of quality and talent coming together to make new ideas possible?"