Zeno et al:
When I started at the U of Oregon (go Ducks!!) I was "assured" that there was no instrument moving that needed to be done. Ha!!! Since then, there have been no less than 250 moves in my 8 years here and probably more. Both, pianos and harpsichords.
We have 9 harpsichords (11 counting mine and our instructors). Two of the instruments are housed at Collier House which is a dedicated early music area and two of the instruments are there on a long term basis. They do get moved out of the building to other performance venues periodically but not often.
The bulk of our moving is within the music building. The performance instruments are carted from one place to another, mostly with elevators and double doors. One of the rooms has a single door but is a light instrument that can easily be put on its side for transport. Since we host the annual Oregon Bach Festival, the instruments get used extensively through the summer performance but students also use the instruments throughout the school term. Usually one of the OBF performances in off campus and 80-100 miles away. Yes, there is compensation for mileage etc. It always involves tuning of course but the instruments are tuned on a weekly to bi-monthy basis so are never too far out of the norm. We also have a performance venue in the OBF building which involves taking the mullion off of the door, wheeling the harpsichord up the ramp (sometimes in less than favorable conditions) and through the second set of double doors. It's always a two person move. There are probably thirty of these moves throughout the year. We have now parked one of the instruments in the OBF building so am thinking the number will reduce this year. It's an experiment that I think will pay off in the long run.
We also have a small Sabathil (it's about 5') that gets used for opera and is off campus most of the time. It's fairly light, portable and mostly stable. Works just great for the opera productions.
So, Zeno, ya, we move instruments around all the time. Is it a bother, well maybe, but it's part of the job here so not a big deal. That may change when my back gives out!!
In your case I would encourage the smaller instrument in the voice studio as there is usually no need for a double in that space. Our little Sabathil is in a voice coaching studio and is sufficient for his use. He is also the opera coach so they can use both instruments and both the piano and harpsichord are kept at A=440.
Mike Reiter
Keyboard Technician
U of O School of Music and Dance
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Michael Reiter RPT
Eugene OR
(541) 515-6499
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2024 10:50
From: Zeno Wood
Subject: Harpsichord moving
Hi gang,
I wonder how many of you are put in the position of having to move around a harpsichord? I have a request to move our harpsichord into a shared vocal and piano teachers' studio. The problems are: 1) the door isn't wide enough to move it in without turning it on its side, 2) they'll probably want it moved to a performance or rehearsal space a couple of times per semester, and 3) their room already has a piano (an M) and a divan, so it would be somewhat cramped and there's direct sunlight coming into the room right about where I picture the harpsichord going. Unless they are conscientous about keeping the shades closed.
I'd rather not start down the road of constant harpschord-moving. My two counter-proposals are either 1) decamp to another studio with double doors whenever they want to use the harpsichord, or 2) be satisfied with a smaller and less fabulous instrument that I would be happy to let stay in their studio.
What's been your experience with satisfying faculty members in this type of situation?
Thanks!
Zeno
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Zeno Wood
Brooklyn, NY
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