Steinway & Sons Welcomes Illinois Wesleyan University as its newest All-Steinway School

ASTORIA, NY (November 4, 2019) – STEINWAY & SONS is pleased to announce that Illinois Wesleyan University has joined an elite roster of more than 200 ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOLS. The official designation came during a special ceremony on Sunday, October 6th, at the Bloomington campus.

“Illinois Wesleyan has consistently invested in excellent equipment for the instruction of music, with more than half their inventory consisting of handcrafted STEINWAY pianos,” says Susan Lutz, institutional sales representative with Steinway Piano Gallery St. Louis. “For years, they dreamed of reaping the benefits that go along with achieving an All-STEINWAY designation.”

Anticipation turned to cause for celebration when the Frevert Family Trust bestowed a portion of $3.5 million to purchase 35 new instruments, maintain the school’s upgraded fleet of 75 pianos by STEINWAY & SONS and provide scholarships for deserving music students. The gift fulfills wishes of the late Cyril Frevert,’61, who cherished his experience as a music education major in the School of Music. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Northwestern University and enjoyed a rewarding career as a teacher and church organist.

“The investment to become an ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL, made possible by C.B. Frevert’s generous gift, provides an unparalleled experience for our students, faculty and staff,” says Franklin Larey, professor and director of the School of Music. “Current and future students have a coveted opportunity to learn on the very best instruments possible for the study of music. As an ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL, we are excited about the opportunity to promote Illinois Wesleyan’s distinction for musical excellence for generations to come.”

Master Piano Technician David Horine, ’71, notes that aging instruments were replaced throughout concert halls, studios and practice rooms. “Pianos are the backbone of any music school, and it was necessary for us to pick the most durable, reliable, best sounding and performing pianos,” says Horine. “STEINWAY & SONS pianos have proven to be far superior to any other brand, and were the unanimous choice among our faculty.”

Horine says he has been servicing STEINWAY pianos for more than 40 years. “The pianos coming out of the factory today are the best they have ever been,” he observes. “We are beyond delighted to have chosen STEINWAY & SONS pianos for Illinois Wesleyan.”

A private liberal arts university, Illinois Wesleyan opened its doors in 1850 and has supported a stellar performing arts program that began in 1863. “It has been my privilege to work closely with David and so many fine people in the School of Music. I cannot wait to help them usher in a new era of distinction as an ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL,” Ms. Lutz says.

STEINWAY & SONS has been dedicated to making the world’s finest pianos since 1853. The All-Steinway designation is awarded to select institutions that remain committed to providing only the best possible instruments for the study of music to their students and faculty.

Press Contact:

Anthony Gilroy
Steinway & Sons
agilroy@steinway.com
(718) 204-3116