Residency Description North Carolina Piano-To-Go: 88 Keys Across 100 Counties is a project of Piano Connections, featuring pianist Greg McCallum. The beginning of the new millennium coincides with the 300th anniversary of the invention of the piano. Since its conception 300 years ago by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Florence, Italy, the piano has played its way into the hearts and homes of music lovers around the world. It has inspired composers, inventors and performers. It has made a place for itself in palaces and concert halls, in parlors and honky-tonks, in churches and jazz clubs. The piano has revolutionized the way people play and experience music. For North Carolina Piano-To-Go, North Carolina native pianist Greg McCallum plans to take his Yamaha C7 grand piano to every county in the state over a four-year period beginning September 2001. Events are being planned that will bring North Carolina communities together around the piano to celebrate the role this instrument has played in our society over the years. This community residency can include the following activities. Activities A CONCERT PROGRAM of The Piano’s Greatest Hits: Celebrating 300 Years of Piano Music, a performance which celebrates some of the finest music written for the piano over the past 300 years. These compositions were made popular by such famous pianists as Rachmaninoff, Rubinstein, Glenn Gould and Gershwin. The Piano’s Greatest Hits will include Greg McCallum’s interpretation of works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Joplin, Gershwin and Rachmaninoff. In addition, it will include McCallum’s informative commentary, which entertains and enlightens audiences. Rediscover these wonderful masterpieces and learn interesting trivia about the world’s most popular instrument and its music. ARTS IN EDUCATION PERFORMANCES in schools that trace the development of the piano and its music, and relate these events to history studies. A study guide will be provided for teachers. (up to 300 students per performance). COMMUNITY PIANO JAM - Concert featuring local piano students and piano players of all styles of music (classical, blues, jazz, gospel, original composition, etc.). This is a time for the community to gather and celebrate the impact the piano has had in your area. MASTER CLASS for piano teachers and students lasting approximately 1 ½ hours (6-8 participating students, depending on level and length of compositions) Reviews of NC Piano-To-Go Mayme Tubbs, Chair - Music Committee of the Robeson County Public Library: The local arranger of the residency of Piano Connections in Robeson County has been overwhelmed with the positive response of individuals to the experience. There has been praise for both the artist and the concept of such a residency. The residency, including the Piano Jam, brought together both musicians and music lovers who were appreciative of Greg and each other. Greg McCallum is a pianist of great talent. His performances display both technical proficiency and emotional connection to the music. He entertains with his music and educates with his commentary. The Piano Jam was well attended and allowed the community to discover talent that many people did not know existed in the immediate area. The audience was enthralled. Greg inspired several young people to become piano students. Patsy Conoley, Counselor - Flora Macdonald Academy, Red Springs, NC: Last week, I had the privilege of listening to Greg McCallum present concerts here at Flora Macdonald Academy. I was overwhelmed with his musical ability and with his skills in working with students. Your program is a wonderful opportunity for North Carolina's students to hear good music, as many do not have that opportunity at home. Thank you for giving our students and me an enjoyable experience. Danielle, Grade 2 – Flora Macdonald Academy: Dear Mr. McCallum,         Thank you for coming to the school and playing the piano for us. We liked it very much. We hope you come back to see us. You were great! We miss you very much. We love you plus you were the best. Alex, Grade 3 – Flora Macdonald Academy: Dear Mr. McCallum,         I really liked it. Some people said I was falling in love with the piano. I loved the facts you told us. I hope you come again next year. Thank you very much. Ethan, Grade 2 – Flora Macdonald Academy: Dear Mr. McCallum,         I liked your music. Some day I want to learn to play the piano too. Thank you! TOP GREG MCCALLUM - E-MAIL - mccallumpiano@gmail.com