On March 12, I was a guest speaker at Southern Utah University's (SUU's) Founder's Day Celebration, in Ceder City, Utah. I wasn't, by any means, the "keynote," the real stars of the show were two Steinway "Model D" Concert Grands, and by implication, several other Steinways that SUU had purchased from Daynes Music, in conjunction with Steinway, New York, giving SUU the proud designation as an All-Steinway School (see "SUU: ANOTHER ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL"). In fact, Steinway's Director of Institutional Sales, Sally Coveleskie, flew in from New York just for the occasion. The Master of Ceremonies was Bill Byrnes, Dean of the College of Performing & Visual Arts. Michael T. Benson, President of SUU, gave a great speech, and generously donated one of these lovely Concert Grands to Mayor Gerald R. Sherratt, on behalf of Cedar City's Festival Hall. Then, President Benson sat down with SUU Steinway Artist-in-Residence, Kirill Gliadkovsky, and played two of Gershwin's Three Preludes (he soloed on the Second Prelude). I'm no critic, and I've heard my share of great pianists over the years, but I have to say that President Benson's performance brought the house down! This was followed by several virtuoso performances by SUU students and others. It was a great evening, and a milestone for this vibrant University, and it's equally vibrant, versatile, and visionary Administration, especially Michael T. Benson. I was honored to be part of the event, but more importantly, I'm honored by SUU's recognition of the inherent value of having great instruments on campus, and especially its "All-Steinway School" designation, to attract highly talented young musicians, and enhance SUU's prestige among the great music schools of the world.

Sincerely,

Skip Daynes
President
Daynes Music Company, Inc.

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