The Piano Hospital was proud to celebrate Founder’s Day on February 11th. Over 50 people were present to celebrate Emil Fries’ birthday – he would have been 109. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new plaque that was created to recognize the school’s dedicated volunteers. Twenty volunteers were recognized for their support to our school, students and staff throughout the years. Mayor Pro-tem, Larry Smith, spoke about the importance of volunteering in the community. February 8th marked the start of spring semester. The school welcomed a new student from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. We welcomed a new student from Salt Lake City, Utah who attended our Career Exploration Clinic workshop. He has been accepted for admissions in September 2010.
January 2010
Our school is ready for a new year. January was a great month for piano sales; our showroom is looking rather empty at this time. Currently we‘re rebuilding a Steinway ‘B’ Grand 7ft that should be available for viewing within the next month. The students returned well rested from their Holiday break and got right back into the school schedule. The school had its quarterly board meeting on January 22nd. Our senior student Wilson Charles graduated and accepted a position in Everett, Washington. Sadly, near the end of this month Kathi, our driver/customer service rep., broke her foot and was unable to drive for a little over a month. Thankfully, our faithful volunteers stepped up and have been driving our technicians to appointments in her place.
December 2009
Holiday cheer filled the school In the month of December. Our Technicians were working around the clock making sure piano tunings were done before the holidays. We sold several pianos, some were Christmas surprises and were decorated with big red bows for delivery. FastSigns Vancouver donated stunning vinyl graphics which they wrapped on the sides and back of our service vehicle. This wrap lets the community know who we are and . Big thanks to FastSigns and their wonderful support. Most of the students headed home for Holiday Break to spend time with their families. 
November 2009
Last month, we asked for volunteer help to support our students and our mission. So far, we have had a great response! Fifteen people are now on our volunteer list to help with office work, library projects and driving assignments. This month, we call special attention to Helen Sutfin, who is volunteering her time and talent to help our instructors complete some required professional development work. Thanks Helen! November was a month to express our gratitude. We are so thankful to our community for their generous support of our program. We express our appreciation by giving back when we can. This month we were able donate piano tunings to the Rotary Festival of Trees and to Innovative Services. We also partnered with the Friends of the Carpenter, who could use the wood from disassembled pianos in their program. Thanks to our board member, Duane Lansverk for suggesting the connection. The idea has helped both programs. As part of our outreach efforts, we are inviting the public, in general, and school age children, in particular to tour our school to see our mission in action. It is inspiring to see people working hard to overcome a challenge. Learning to tune and repair pianos requires both musical and mechanical aptitude, patience and most of all – a positive attitude! Our students excel in the personal qualities as they prepare for self-sufficiency as piano technicians. Please accept our invitation to visit our school on any Tuesday at 2PM to see our mission in action. We hope to see you soon!
October 2009
The highlight of this month was the First Quarter Board Meeting. Our CPA attended this meeting to present our reviewed financial statements for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2009. The Board unanimously approved the report, which indicated the school had completed its fourth consecutive year in the black. Last year was especially challenging due to economic recession, but great support from team members and board members have helped produce a positive financial outcome. As a sign of the economic recovery, we were pleasantly surprised to sell 11 pianos in the first quarter as compared to only four piano sales a year earlier. Look for our current showroom inventory on craigslist as well as on our website. Our school is blessed by many volunteers. Two volunteers went the extra miles this month. Ralph Harding and Peter Greenfield drove our students and faculty to a Piano Technician’s Guild meeting in Portland on October 26 from 7-9PM. Thanks Ralph and Peter! By all accounts, it was an excellent, informative meeting. If anyone is interested in helping the school by volunteering, please contact the school for a list of our volunteer jobs.
Welcome to our blog! Here’s a quick update on our summer.
June 2009
Certificates were awarded to four graduates at our Commencement Ceremony, June 26. The Alumni Weekend followed with a banquet, technical clinic and picnic attend by 28 alumni from across the country..
July 2009
We purchased a new KIA Soul Plus using funds from donors, alumni and Cash for Clunkers. To keep the new van safe, Board of Trustee member, Rick Porter asked Don Foss, All Star Rent- a- Fence for help. The result was an in-kind donation of permanent fencing and gates to provide vehicle security. Thanks Rick and Don!
August 2009
Board member, Duane Lansverk and a Vancouver Lions Club work team painted the interior of Evans Hall to get it ready for new student tenants. Thanks Duane and your Lions club! Vancouver Lions were Emil’s club – they have a strong tradition of support!
September
Our school year started on September 8 with the following enrollment: New students, Alan (CA) and Michelle (FL); Seniors Wilson (Haiti), Hy (WA), Mark (WA), Robert (SC) and Mark (MN). We have had plenty to be thankful for this month since four pianos on our showroom floor found new owners.
A Message from the Executive Director
Len Leger – Executive Director
Welcome to our Website!
Our School is celebrating its 60th Anniversary (1949-2009). The atmosphere is very upbeat! It is an attitude of gratitude and optimism. We are grateful to our founder, Emil Fries, for his dedication to helping blind and visually impaired people overcome their challenge to become independent, productive citizens. His “can-do” spirit permeates our curriculum and our student body. We have the best Board of Trustees on the planet as our blog illustrates. Our Alumni provide an on-going source of inspiration by achieving success in their careers. Thanks to the generous spirit of the community; we are self-sufficient – not on state or federal budgets. Perhaps most gratitude goes to our team of dedicated professionals, who go the extra mile every day to accomplish our goals even with difficult economic conditions. Everyone is welcome to visit the school to see our mission in action. Please call 360-693-1511 or email info@pianotuningschool.org. See you soon!
