About Lipscomb
Lipscomb's Steinway Initiative
Accomplished! A Steinway for Collins Auditorium
The beautifully renovated Collins Alumni Auditorium now hosts a stunning piano making it one of Nashville’s finest performance venues. The early 2010 placing of the 9' Steinway piano in Collins Alumni Auditorium emphasizes that for “today, tomorrow and forever” Lipscomb University is committed to quality and excellence in music and the arts.
Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium has been the center of campus life at Lipscomb University for more than half a century. Since the auditorium opened in September 1947, theatrical productions, concerts, lectures, worship and more have come to life on its stage. From Secretaries of State to Beautiful Day … from country music stars to The Music Man to Singarama … from the famed Pruned and Primed Prejudiced Project Promoters to daily chapel — your fondest memories of Lipscomb probably include special moments in Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium.
Robust academic programs in the performing arts are essential to the highest quality liberal arts university experience. An inviting, intimate location to showcase such programs and allow the university to serve students and community at the highest level is equally essential. That’s why the donor funded Steinway gives new life to the auditorium – creating indelible new memories for future generations of students – and was central to the Lipscomb 2010 Initiative.
A Steinway for Collins Auditorium:
A top-to-bottom reinvention of the auditorium expanded stage to support 21st Century theatrical and musical productions, an enlarged lobby, barrier-free access and new seating throughout the facility. This project was completed in summer 2008, and the piano was added in January 2010, increasing opportunities for musical performances in the space.
Concert Kicks-off Steinway Initiative:
A concert by internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Beegie Adair’ on April 11, 2009 kicked off Lipscomb University’s Steinway initiative campaign. The Beegie Adair Trio performed on the very 9-foot Steinway piano Lipscomb later purchased for Collins Alumni Auditorium. This instrument has a wonderful glossy finish and a perfectly bright sound for the hall. Thanks to all who helped us make this dream come true! Gifts to “purchase” piano keys and pedals prior to the concert were acknowledged that night. Continuing gifts to the Steinway Initiative will add pianos for studios and practice rooms as we move forward to becoming an All-Steinway campus.
Sponsor opportunities:
| Keys | $200 | |
| Octaves | $1,600 | |
| Pedals | $2,500 | |
| Bench | $5,000 |
You may make a gift or pledge by visiting the Office of Development, by calling 615.966.5720, or by completing the online form.