Sam Hamra, chairman of Hamra Enterprises, has given a significant gift to the Missouri State University Foundation for the purchase of a Steinway grand piano.
The piano will be placed in the recital/lecture room at Ellis Hall, which will soon undergo renovation. The room will be named for his wife, June Hamra, who was a member of the Board of Regents from 1979-85 and is actively involved in the arts community.
“We are so pleased to be able to support the great things happening in the music program at Missouri State,” Hamra said. “June and I hope this gift will help music students achieve the goals they desire in life.”
Every music student who performs a junior degree recital or takes part in a master class will be accompanied by this instrument. MSU music students’ lesson fees have already purchased ten Steinway-way built Boston upright pianos and one Boston seven-foot grand. As the music department continues to replace its piano inventory, both students and faculty will have access to the best quality instruments in achieving their maximum technical and artistic priorities.
“The Missouri State University music department is so excited to receive this wonderful gift from Sam and June Hamra,” said Dr. Julie Combs, head of the music department. “With this gift, we will have the ability to purchase our first new Steinway Grand piano as we move closer to attaining All-Steinway status as a school. Mr. Hamra’s generosity will provide the industry standard in grand pianos for not just our piano majors to perform on, but also will help recruit the very best music and musical theatre students.”
“Our music faculty and students have performed successfully for many years,” said Dr. Gloria Galanes, dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “This gift helps us provide them with the outstanding tools that will match their talents and enhance their already outstanding performances.”
Leave a Reply