The Master Piano Technicians' Convention 2008
was a fabulous success, and all its members wish to thank all
the local businesses and citizens of Watauga County for their
support and friendliness.
Among the convention's highlights were the incredible
Steinway, Boston, & Essex pianos kindly supplied by the Piedmont
Music Center of Winston Salem, and the presentation
of the Dampp-Chaser Electronics "Field Expert" Certification to 12 year old
Henry RayBould - the youngest Field Expert
ever! In addition to a lovely certificate and a special lapel pin from
Dampp-Chaser, Henry received a professional tuning hammer from Yamaha Pianos
and the Master Piano Technicians. It was mentioned more than
once, that Henry portrays the "new blood" of the Piano Technology Trade. Good
Work, Henry!
The wonderful teaching of Steinway's top
technician from New York City, Mr. Kent Webb, Chicago's
Don Komorski, MPT President Jack Hamilton of
Dayton, Ohio, and our local Master Technician Michael
RayBould, covered servicing on grand and upright pianos, wood
refinishing techniques, and string work. These instructors have over 150 years
of experience with pianos among them!
The ladies' program included gourmet hot chocolate and tea
tasting, lunches at Macado's and the Daily Bread, a shopping spree on King
Street, and a lot of laughs playing "Musical Clue." The ladies have named
themselves the "Boonettes!"
As dean of the Master Piano
Technicians' Institute of Piano Technology & Engineering, Michael
RayBould presented two Doctorate Degrees and three Masters Degrees to deserving
technicians. The receiving technicians listed below completed seven years of
study for the Doctorates, and five years for the Masters.
Doctorates:
- Gary Chamblee of Arkansas
- Roland Miller of Ohio
Masters:
- Don Komorski of Chicago, Illinois
- Tim Upton of Dayton, Ohio
- Jim Backells of Salt Lake City, Utah