Practice for Pets takes place with Asheville Area Piano Forum (AAPF) throughout the month of February. The event encourages students to practice the piano daily and to keep track of their practice time for the entire month. Each student then solicits donations for their time from family and friends. The money they collect goes to the Asheville Humane Society (AHS).
Declan McAusland ready for his remote lesson. Photo by Karen Blair
“We in AAPF chose to support the Asheville Humane Society because we love animals and AHS is a wonderful organization that helps lost, abandoned and injured animals to get vet care, foster homes and permanent homes through adoption,” says AAPF treasurer Marilynn Seits.
Participating students compete for prizes for the most hours of time practiced in February and the most money collected for the AHS. Students of all ages are eligible to compete and prizes are awarded in each age division. Certificates are presented to all who complete the contest requirements. Last year, the event raised more than $3,000, and AAPF hopes to raise even more this year.
“Students tell me they enjoy participating in this program because it gives them an extra incentive to practice the piano,” says Seits. “Many of them have pets themselves and their parents, families and friends are happy to donate to such a good cause.”
AAPF is comprised of professional performers, teachers, store owners, tuners, technicians and piano movers. The membership also includes school-aged and adult students, amateurs, afficionados and businesses that support the arts. The organization hosts presentations, roundtable discussions, benefit concerts, student recitals and an annual piano competition for students 18 or under who live in the greater Asheville area.
Visit AshevillePiano.org for Practice for Pets information sheets and sponsorship forms. For more information, contact AAPF president Karen Boyd at 828.669.4869.
