Well so that's one name for it. Another way to look at it - it was a Steiner Reunion at the Sweetwater music store in Fort Wayne, IN. And it was definitely another highlight of the year for me... which is saying a lot considering that two weddings and two new babies and two trips to Lanesboro were also highlights... it's been quite a year and it's only October.
Anyway. Back to March.
Yes. That would be six months ago.
My cousin Hope shared on our cousins/aunts chat a video of her and her mom, my AKaren, playing two pianos. It was very sweet, especially so since AKaren has dementia. But with all her memory loss and cognitive decline - she can still play the piano beautifully...and her joy is touching. So, on the chat, Hope then shared her dream of a dozen pianos in a room with all the Steiner pianists pounding out hymns together (her words, not mine lol)(accurate, nevertheless). This led to another cousin, Anne, calling the Sweetwater store in Fort Wayne, IN, and asking and receiving permission for a crowd of us to play their pianos in their showroom for an hour before closing. Fast forward six months - including much planning and preparation, especially by Anne and Hope - and it actually happened. And -
it. was. amazing.
From the beginning of our trip with seven in our van heading east to the last group picture of all 43 of us outside the Sweetwater store - there were so many precious memories to cherish. These pictures cannot do justice, and I cannot explain the joy of being part of 17 pianos praising God at one time. Words can't express how amazing it was. It's overwhelming to be part of a family that has interest and talent in doing this AND two wonderful cousins who put time and time and time and time into pulling this together and making it happen.
I could keep rambling but I'll stop and get to a few pictures.
These are just from my phone camera. Anne started a google album for us all to share our px and videos; I hope to do a second post sharing a few videos - the success of that remains to be seen. And can I post the WANE 15 NEWS report that aired the next day, thanks to an anonymous tip?!
Time will tell but I'll sure try.
For now - a few px. Friday September 25
Reunion time💗
Delicious lunch from the Crescendo Cafe and the Downbeat Diner😊🎝
Then we wandered the store - which was set up like a mall. All behind glass walls/doors were the piano room, the acoustic guitar room, the percussion room, etc. First stop - of course - the piano room. Behind and to the left of UHarold and ACarol, Sales Engineer Clete was discussing a piano purchase with customers. So no, we did not have freedom to just play whenever whatever we wanted. We tried to be discreet and respectful so we didn't abuse our privilege as we patiently waited for 6:00.
This was in the doorway of the piano room. Across the mall was the acoustic guitar room where a Yamaha representative was doing a demonstration. He was good - not as good as Anne's Nate or my Ben. But maybe we're prejudiced ha.
More kin in the mall area. The place was massive. Check out the website for particulars but for a start - 40000+ square feet!
Denay demonstrated the slide😊
The second floor balcony led to the medical center, the health club, and the beauty salon for the store's 2500 employees.
View of the game/arcade area from the balcony.
Special ladies💖
sorry, Idr who gets photo creds for that one. Clearly it wasn't me
Downstairs again - games
puzzles and talk
arcade
and more!
By 5:30 we were in the piano room. ready or not!
This particular piano was my favorite. It was digital, with beautiful sound in the headphones; at the touch of a button it was a traditional acoustic piano. The thing was, even the digital didn't sound/feel digital. I've never been a fan of digital pianos/keyboards because they don't have the sound/feel of an acoustic one - this was an exception. It was pretty much the same for both. Not that I speak in respect of want 👀- but it was a really really nice instrument.
*creative ceiling*
News reporter interviewed Hope and Anne! Exciting stuff.
Pretty special to have four generations of Steiners participating. UHarold&AKaren, UCloyce&ACarol, AShirley, and AVelma were first generation. We cousins - 16 of 25 - were seconds. Ben&Suzy, Brittany, and others were third generation. And Gabe, Isaac, and others were fourth generation. Very cool.
This is about where the piano party started and I stopped taking pictures because I was rather busy. It was really, really fun.
If you ever get such a chance - by all means take it...and let me know. I just might crash the party😊
The store closed at 7:00; we were diligent to be out of the store by then so the employees could close up. A quick picture of all 43 of us (one non-Steiner but who's counting?!) and our van was heading back west.
Thanks again Anne and Hope and all kin who participated. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. As I'm playing various hymns/gospel songs at home now I keep thinking, "This would be a good one for next time!" I don't know if any of my cousins will even see this - but if you do - that's my vote.
Lets do it again!
#blessed #family #memories #musicalheritage #thankful
