Syracuse Goes “Down The Field,” Continues Drive Toward All-Steinway

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

Late afternoon sunlight poured through stained glass windows at historic Crouse College on the campus of Syracuse University, guiding listeners through a celestial melodic journey of Liszt, Gershwin and Rachmaninoff, among others.

Students and faculty at the Setnor School of Music took turns performing on two magnificent Steinway concert grands inside the wooden Romanesque auditorium, packed with alumni visiting for October’s Homecoming Weekend.

"It was a treat, and it made me proud to hear so many fine pianists bring our new high polished Steinways to life," said Dr. Patrick M. Jones, Setnor School of Music Director. "It made me realize that these remarkable instruments will be enjoyed by a generation of performers and audience members alike."

The All-Steinway campaign marks another chapter in Setnor’s rich history as the school seeks to acquire more than 60 new pianos. In 1877, Syracuse became the first university in the United States to grant a degree in music and require four years of study in both music and theory.

With the Model D’s back to back, faculty members Steven Heyman and Ida Tili-Tre- bicka jumped into "Down the Field" — SU’s fight song — as cameras rolled for ESPN. Nearly two million people watching the Orange battle top-ranked Florida State at the Carrier Dome saw Steinway close-ups during the game. Syracuse came up a bit short on the football field, but if the concert is any indication, it is resolutely destined to become the first All-Steinway School in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Images by SU Photo and Imaging Center