MANDATA - The Dec. 15 concert at Line Mountain High School to dedicate a newly refurbished Steinway Grand piano will include remarks from a relative of the teacher who spearheaded the move to purchase the piano nearly 50 years ago.
The concert, "Ebony and Ivory - A Christmas Dedication," is set for 3 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. and, at 2:30 p.m., a question-and-answer period will be conducted by restorers William Koble and Nathan Baldwin.
There will then be remarks by a representative of the Line Mountain School District, Line Mountain Council of the Arts and Humanities (LMCAH) representative Judith White and Elinor Spotts, the only locally living relative of former music teacher Helen B. Spotts, who led the charge for the purchase the piano in 1965.
The newly refurbished Steinway Grand piano has been anxiously awaiting its return to the newly renovated high school. The timing resulted in the arts council scheduling a combination dedication and annual Christmas concert.
A mass community chorus will present inspirational holiday music under the direction of White, voice professor at Susquehanna University. The chorus will be joined by local pianists who will showcase the Steinway with their talents. Local pianists include Harold Morgan, Rosanne Carson, Judy Updegrove, Diane Scott, Galen Deibler, Diane Rompallo, Larry Fisher, Christine Sanders, Carol Hubler and White. The audience will enjoy a variety of musical genres. A children's ensemble will also perform The Friendly Beasts and Come On and Ring Those Bells under the direction of Judy Updegrove.
The will be door prizes, including a framed Ned Smith print entitled "Flushing Pheasant." No purchase is necessary to be eligible for the door prizes; however, the winner must be in attendance. There is no admission fee, but a free-will offering will be accepted.