One of the best things about the Steinway Society of Riverside County (SSRC) is that it’s not just about classical music, despite its “high-brow” name.
When it was established in 2002, Ruth Moir and her founding group of community leaders received permission to use the Steinway name, but never received any funding from the famous grand piano company. The name still conjures up images of serious pianists poised at the keyboard of a shiny black grand piano the size of a football field playing complicated classical music.
SSRC is all about kids—learning to play music, learning to love music, and learning to become musicians, on keyboards and ukuleles, leading to any instrument that sparks their connection to music, rhythm and soulful expression.
For the past 20 years, SSRC has brought music and inspiration to children in schools with in-person piano and ukulele labs, live age-appropriate concerts, music education and appreciation programs for all school-ages.
During the past two years, when COVID-19, shut down schools and afterschool programs, Steinway was unable to provide its music programs—but they are back this year. New piano and ukulele labs have begun in the Palm Springs Unified School District, and SSRC is looking to expand to every elementary school in the Coachella Valley.
To help make that happen, this year’s fundraiser, Bravo Children in Music, will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. at the Classic Club, 75200 Classic Club Blvd., in Palm Desert. It honors one of the Coachella Valley’s most respected musicians, radio show hosts, and music event producers, Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald.
“For many years, Fitz has put the spotlight on local musicians and produced music events like no one else,” said Moir. “His work has encouraged and inspired young musicians to pursue their careers, which is what Steinway is all about.”
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from The Steinway Society and to call attention to the wonderful work they do to inspire and motivate up and coming musicians,” said Fitz.
Adding to the fun and festivities, singer/actress/radio host Joey English serves as mistress of ceremonies. Special musical entertainment will feature Steinway’s “Ukesters” (youngsters on ukuleles), led by Jeanie Cunningham, Steinway’s school music program director, as well as piano performances by several of Steinway’s Festival Piano Awards winners—along with other surprise entertainment.
Tickets to the event are $160 per person, or $1,800 for a VIP table; they are available at www.steinwayriverside.org, or by calling 760-341-4130.
In addition to in-school programs, SSRC hosts its Festival Awards Piano Competition each spring for talented young pianists from throughout Riverside County who are currently working with qualified piano teachers. This year, the festival is on March 5 for juniors and March 12 for seniors, held at Xavier High School. Winners of the festival perform in concert on Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m. at the Rancho Mirage Library. The competition and concert are free and open to the public.
This piece was submitted on behalf of the Steinway Society of Riverside County by Pamela Bieri. This piece was updated on Jan. 20