UM Center for Performing Arts
Receives Piano Donation

Christmas isn’t the only time for surprises that come in big packages. The University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts faculty helped uncrate a white grand piano on Wednesday, a gift from Texas attorney David Middlebrook.

The piano belonged to his mother, the late Melynda Kaye Middlebrook, and he decided to donate it to the University of Mobile after hearing about the Center for Performing Arts from CPA Director Roger Breland.

“Lots of praises to the Lord have been lifted up through that instrument and the delicate fingers of Melynda Kaye Middlebrook,” Middlebrook said in discussing the donation with Breland.

Becky Fox, associate professor of music and chair of piano studies in the Center for Performing Arts, was the first to play the Kawai piano after helping to uncrate it.

“It’s beautiful,” Fox said. “It has a bright tone and good action, and it’s in mint condition.”

“It’s really a nice instrument,” agreed Dr. Al Miller, senior academic fellow and assistant professor of music in the Center for Performing Arts.

The piano, which piano tuner Ron Nolan valued at approximately $30,000, is in Moorer Auditorium in Martin Hall on the UM campus. Fox said it will be used for teaching and performance at the Christian university.

Assisting with uncrating and setting up the piano were Fox, Miller, Nolan, administrative assistant Lisa Normand Davis, and UM student Kinga Rybarczyk.