Paul -
This question (category), like many others, makes regular appearances here. It's probably been thoroughly deconstructed by a number of smart people in the past, but just go back to the past August, Martin Snows question about practice room protocol, to which you responded. The real issues are multiple: control of access to practice rooms; establishing a culture of protocols that is fully supported and reinforced - signage being only one component; clear methods of enforcement - this could put you in potentially confrontational situations with students OR faculty.
You ask if you're on a 'fruitless quest'. What is your objective? To preserve the pristine finish of a practice room lid? Why? If you put a cover on it, you're conveying the message that you expect people to put things on the piano and, in fact, it's OK, because it's covered. If you don't want bags, books, coats, drinks etc. place on piano, then there should be provision made for them. Coat hooks/hangers (I think it's outrageous that Wenger doesn't provide these in its modules); a reasonable table or shelf to put things on. A garbage can right outside the room (or nearby). It's reasonable to restrict food in practice rooms (energy bars OK), for piano's sake, rodents, and lingering odors. But there should be an area nearby where students can take a short food break without going to extremes to avoid losing their rooms.
If you convey an awareness of their experience, and make a genuine effort to accommodate it, you are much more likely to be able to establish a culture that respects the pianos, especially if you get faculty, admin, and public relations behind you. And don't forget humor. Find out who peer leaders are. Make a (genuinely) funny video, using a trashable piano, to demonstrate the behavior you're looking to curtail. If you don't have the resources for such a venture, another CAUT venue might, or perhaps the home office, but it would probably be most effective with your own students, and subtle elements of the particular culture there.
What's that? Oh, don't be silly. Of course you have the time.
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David Skolnik
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
914-231-7565
Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2016 12:00
From: Paul Williams
Subject: piano covers..with a twist
Hi all,
We're about to purchase a new grand for a practice room. I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a piano cover that would stay on with the front part pulled open and even with lid up? We are going to have a very serious talk with the piano majors about putting ANYTHING on the lid with the Dean and head of the piano faculty and me before it arrives.
I know a normal cover won't work as it will shortly just get tossed to the floor. No cover on will guarantee backpacks, notebooks, etc will be carelessly dragged across the new finish, even with a stern talking to from the Dean.
Am I on a fruitless quest here?
Thanks in advance!
Paul