A ‘Magnificent and Majestic’ Addition To Fine Arts At William H. Taft High School

SAN ANTONIO, TX — When the old piano at William H. Taft High School surrendered its final note, administrators in the Northside Independent School District turned to Deborah Sandoval Moore. It was not the first time they sought her expertise at the Steinway Piano Gallery of San Antonio.
 
With 103,000 students, Northside is the largest school system in south Texas. According to the NISD website, 77,000 students are enrolled in fine arts courses. Opened in 1985, Taft is one of the eleven traditional high schools in the district named after current or former Supreme Court Justices. “Deborah knows all of our schools very well,” said James Miculka, NISD Director of Fine Arts. “She knows the nature of the performance halls and matches our needs with instruments that work for institutional purposes.”
 
For Taft, the new instrument of choice is a Boston Model GP-215 grand piano, and its choir director could not be happier. “We love this grand piano! It is stunningly beautiful while the sound is magnificent and majestic,” enthused Judy Welch. “Students are respectful of its presence and appreciative that the district blessed us with this outstanding musical expression. We look forward to enjoying this piano for many years.”
 
Taft’s mission statement encourages students to strive for personal excellence and learn to function, contribute and compete in an ever-changing world. According to Mr. Miculka, the Boston validates to students the district’s commitment to a quality fine arts education. “Parents, faculty, and students at Taft High School are extremely excited to see the availability of this incredible performance tool on their campus. Feedback regarding this purchase has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
 
Glen Gough, Corporate Sales Manager for Steinway & Sons, applauded Northside’s ongoing dedication to the arts. “We are truly honored that the Boston Performance Edition grand was selected as the piano of choice for Taft High School,” he said. “We are dedicated to providing the finest possible instruments while our dealers remain committed to making professional representatives available to assist schools in choosing the proper Steinway–designed pianos. School staff, students, and indeed the entire community reap the benefits of this relationship through excellent musical performances,” Mr. Gough said.
 
With designs by Steinway & Sons, the Boston offers versatility demanded by a dynamic and diverse fine arts program. “We knew it would be a perfect fit for the huge choirs, but it blends with our large orchestras and jazz ensembles as well,” Mr. Miculka observed.