Hanley Castle High School

Vale Pianos delivered a new Kawai GX2 grand piano to Hanley Castle High School…

Parents, students and staff were treated to a special surprise at a Sixth Form Music Soiree at Hanley Castle High School this week.

Star of the show was a brand new grand piano which formed the centre piece of a wonderful and varied display of musical talent. Pianists Richard Waters (aged 16), Ed Place (aged 16) and Farah Spiers (aged 17) were the first to perform on the Kawai GX2 piano supplied by Vale Pianos in Pershore.

Funding for the magnificent new instrument came from a variety of sources. Sadly, Alan Johnston Headteacher of Hanley Castle High School for 13 years between 1991 and 2004, died last November. Alan was a talented musician and contributed a great deal to ensuring that the quality of music at the school reached new heights. His widow, Daphne, is keen to ensure that this musical legacy is a lasting one and made a substantial donation to get the fundraising ball rolling. Further donations from The Friends of Hanley Castle High School, Hanley Voices, Friends of Upton Jazz Festival and a grant from the EMI Foundation brought the piano within reach and Vale Pianos did the rest.

Lindsey Cooke Headteacher commented:

“This is such a beautiful piano and it is fantastic to hear our many talented pianists using an instrument of this quality”.

James Felton, Head of Music was especially excited: “I am a violinist but a piano like this makes even me want to practice! We are all so grateful to Daphne Johnston for her generosity and will make sure that Alan Johnston’s memory lives on through this piano and the music played on it”

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