An ambitious fund-raising effort has been launched by the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation to replace the district’s Steinway Grand Piano, in memory of longtime and highly respected Choral and music instructor Dennis Bowen. Bowen passed away last February. The effort hopes to raise several hundred thousand dollars to update the music program’s entire piano inventory, as well as replacing the ‘centerpiece’ piano in the high school’s Performing Arts Center.
Details of the project are outlined in a statement from the SJPS Foundation:
Last February, hundreds gathered at a memorial service to say goodbye to Dennis Bowen, retired faculty member, SJPS Foundation Board Secretary and proud member of the first class of the St. Joseph Public Schools Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
Dennis enjoyed a successful career doing what he loved as St. Joseph High School’s Director of Choral Activities, musicals, and variety shows from 1960 to 1987. His shows and concerts were legendary and to this day, most alumni can sing the jazzy opening theme song to Showtime, which Dennis co-wrote with colleague Bob Brown. In 1961, Dennis wrote the school’s Alma Mater, which is still proudly sung today. He was a beloved teacher, mentor and counselor to thousands of students, many of whom kept in touch over the years. Dennis affectionately called them “his kids,” and he was always “Mr. Bowen” to them.
Inspired by the outpouring of love and desire by Dennis’ kids to commemorate his extraordinary life, a small group of Dennis’ friends led by Bill Marohn embarked on a mission to find an appropriate memorial project that would benefit the district, while making Dennis proud. After numerous brainstorming sessions the group landed on the perfect project – a new Steinway concert grand piano, fitting for the beautiful John and Dede Howard Auditorium at the Performing Arts Center at St. Joseph High School.
Dennis spent countless hours at the current piano which was donated to the district in 1964. Used for every choral, band and orchestra concert, musicals and community concerts, the piano gets heavy use. Although well maintained by local expert Andrew Thiessen, the instrument is beginning to reveal its age. The group enlisted help from Thiessen, as well as current Orchestra Director, Burke Lokey, and researched many options including refurbishing the current piano. After careful consideration, the group decided to push forward with the purchase of a new Steinway D Grand Piano, one that will fill the auditorium with its exquisite sound!
Fundraising efforts are underway to purchase a new concert grand and have it delivered in time for the district’s holiday concerts in December. It’s an ambitious timeline, but doable, according to project chairs Bill Marohn and Bob Ehrenberg.
According to Marohn, “interest in this project has been high, not only to honor Dennis, but also to upgrade the current piano which has been thoroughly assessed by two certified technicians.” Ehrenberg added, “ The SJPS Foundation has always been encouraged to dream big by President Sam Abdelnour. We’re taking that to heart and have done a thorough assessment of all the pianos in the district which have an average age of 56 years. Our ultimate dream would be to raise enough funds to replace our aging piano inventory with Steinway practice pianos in addition to the concert grand. “ The cost of a Steinway D Concert Grand piano is upward of $200,000. Additional Steinway practice pianos would be purchased based on the amount of donations received.
Donations to this project can be made to SJPS Foundation, 2580 S. Cleveland Avenue, St. Joseph or online at sjpsfoundation.org.
Contact Sue Riemland, Executive Director, with any questions at sjpsfoundation@sjschools.org or 269-926-3252.
The SJPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation.
