Pianos are the foundation of every music program. They touch every student - from the piano students who need instruments to practice and perform, to the vocal and instrumental students who need accompaniment, to the choir and orchestra that need pianos for rehearsals and performances. They are, as Dr. Martin Camacho calls them, the "cornerstone instrument of any music program."

This spring, the Department of Music at MSU Texas will begin the process of replacing most of the university's piano inventory and the department's electronic piano lab. "Most of the pianos will be traded while we will retain a couple of the more meaningful Steinways provided by private donors," said Camacho, Dean of the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts.

The pianos purchased will be a mix of Steinway and Yamaha to provide different experiences for the students' studies and development, said Camacho. The electronic piano lab provides an additional 15 instruments for non-piano major classes and also will be used in the newly formed Piano for Children program that began in January.

The acquisition of approximately 25 new electronic, upright or grand pianos is made possible through the generosity of the Perkins-Prothro Foundation and Dale and Joe Prothro, longtime donors to the fine arts programs. The Prothros established the Music Series at Akin in 2011, the premiere chamber music concert series for the city and region.

"Dale and Joe's support through the years has made the single biggest difference in our ability to enhance the performance of music in this region," said MSU President Suzanne Shipley. "Their support of the piano replacement project has created a much-needed opportunity for progress and growth."

The couple's gift is part of the Campaign for MSU Texas, a seven-year, $50 million comprehensive campaign for the University. The "Boundless Opportunities" theme reflects the outlook of the students, the university and the community.

Midwestern State University's ambitious comprehensive campaign, currently in its early stages, will fund projects to enrich the lives of students, enhance teaching and learning, and invest in the university campus and the Wichita Falls community.

"It is difficult to imagine the landscape of the music in our community without the support of Dale and Joe Prothro," said Camacho. "This project, coming from them, crowns their efforts and is the single largest support specifically dedicated for the music program to date."

For more information on MSU's campaign, contact Tony Vidmar at 940-397-4782.

For more information about the piano replacement project, contact Camacho at 940-397-4243.