KAPA‘A — “I have a new baby!” exclaimed Kapa‘a Middle School Chorus Director Mary Lardizabal this week. Lardizabal’s baby, of course, is of the musical variety: a baby grand piano gifted to the school by the Kauai Marriott Resort and
KAPA‘A — “I have a new baby!” exclaimed Kapa‘a Middle School Chorus Director Mary Lardizabal this week.
Lardizabal’s baby, of course, is of the musical variety: a baby grand piano gifted to the school by the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
“It still needs to be tuned and worked on,” Lardizabal said. “One of the pedals is kind of tight, but it’s still my new baby.”
The piano, which had been located at the resort’s Aupaka Terrace and was used to entertain guests, was not included in plans to enhance the area and provide Hawaiian-themed entertainment.
Kauai Marriott decided to donate it to a local public middle or high school and put out a call for them to send in creative reasons why they should receive the instrument.
Kaua‘i High School bowed out of the running, as it received a baby grand piano donation from the Norwegian Cruise Lines last year.
Lardizabal, who has used an upright piano since the opening of the Kapa‘a school, said the baby grand is very valuable.
“I e-mailed a piano dealer on O‘ahu to ask for an appraisal, and they replied that it’s valued at a minimum of $7,000,” Lardizabal said. “This is if you can find one. Baby grand pianos are not that easy to come by.”
Still reeling from the Kapa‘a chorus’ winning performance at the Anaheim Heritage Music Festival, Lardizabal said she hasn’t been able to keep her feet on the ground.
On Wednesday the chorus broke into song as Kauai Marriott General Manager Bill Countryman, Human Resources Director Chuck Brady and the coordinator of the move, Caroline Asing, stopped by the classroom to see the piano in its new home.
Starting with the existing stand-up, Lardizabal moved mid-song to the baby grand.
“We’re so happy to be able to find such a good home for the baby grand,” Asing said. “By going to Kapa‘a Middle School, we know how it will continue to be part of the community and benefit the students at that school.”
Kapa‘a Middle School Principal Nathan Aiwohi noted the timeliness of the piano’s arrival, given the gold medal received at the Anaheim Heritage Music Festival a week ago and top honors earned at the Hawai‘i Heritage Music Festival recently.
Lardizabal said that not only has the Marriott been generous with the donation of the piano, but it allowed the chorus to raise money for its Anaheim trip by performing at the resort during the holidays.
