Thursday June 19, 2008

Regional Meetings

The morning started early with at 6:30am breakfast for the Regional meetings. This is a place for the RVPs to discuss what is going on in each region with the members of that Region. I was only at the Central East Region where we discussed the upcoming convention in Chicago and next year's annual convention in Grand Rapids, MI. The Western and Pacific Northwest Regions have been in disucussions about merging their conventions on a rotating basis. The breakfast was sponsored by PLC Insurance/SAFECO

Auxiliary Tour

The PTG Auxiliary members spent the day seeing the sites of Anaheim including a cruise of Newport Harbor and shopping at Fashion Island. While they were there at the beach they came upon this piano in the sand. Or maybe they made it.

Institute Team

It takes a huge amount of effort to put together a convention like this. We have a massive Institute Committee who have been working all year and have been here a long time before the rest of us got here. Melanie Brooks is our fearless institute director this year.

New RPT/New Member Lunch

The lifeblood of PTG is new members. This is a special lunch to get the new members to meet each other and meet some of the "older" members. This lunch was sposored by Brooks LTD and Abel Hammer Company.

Historical Instrument Concert

Robert Estrin gave a performance featuring vintage harpsichords and fortepianos.

Steinway Concert and Reception

Steinway treated the convention goers to David Benoit. What energy!! Notice the fingers that are too fast for the camera!

Accompanied by bass and drums he played many cuts from his new recording "Heroes" which are a tribute to the songs of many of the musicians he has viewed as his heroes. The Steinway D had plenty of power to hold up to his agressive playing and the elaborate lighting added to the evening. After an open bar and hors d'oeuvre, most attendees were ready for bed after a long day.