By Jody Wells
and Bart Cummins
Jody Wells wanted her class project to communicate the power of music where words fall short. She also wanted the assignment to impact people’s lives in a good way, even if it was putting a smile on faces for a moment or two. Her Chopsticks to Chopin assignment for Dr. (Coach) Randy Radney’s Speech 1500 class accomplished that and more.
Borrowing the idea of placing a piano in a public space, Wells adapted what has been done in Vancouver, Toronto, and elsewhere to fit what would work at TRU.
Chopsticks to Chopin is a cheap piano bought online, that’s been repainted a bright lime green, and finished with fuchsia, white and blue polka dots. It’s located off the path connecting Old Main to the House of Learning and in the area designated for Fine Arts installations. Painted on the instrument’s lid is “Play” and the bench reads “Sit”.
The name Chopsticks to Chopin is meant to reflect the piano being there for everyone from those who have never played a note to seasoned veterans. Wells has received permission for the piano to be there until Aug. 31 and discussions are in the early stages for a permanent home at TRU.
“Creating happiness was always the motivator and I think the reaction it’s had is awesome,” says Wells, who is in her first year of a Bachelor of Arts after a few years in the workforce. “This piano is for absolutely everyone on campus, regardless of musical background. I simply want everybody to play this piano.”
The eye-catching colour attracts the attention of most. Others stray off the path onto the grass for a closer look. Still others approach with mild apprehension and place fingers on keys.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Wow, I wish that was real,’ and then it turned out to be real,” says Kuziva Mujakachi, pausing for a moment between chords to answer questions from an onlooker. “It’s really lovely, really attractive, and sounds really good. I’ve never played outside in such a serene environment. This was a very creative idea.”
Mujakachi’s words and more so her playing puts a grin on Wells, who is a short distance away using her mobile phone to video the goings-on.
A short time later, another student is on the bench and has a group of smiling, speechless onlookers. More camera phones appear.
“I took a measured risk and it was a risk worth taking. I believe the world is a better place when people engage with music,” says Wells, noting there were a few hurdles to getting the piano outside and says if it was not for champions along the way, she might have given up. Among her advocates: Duane Seibel, director of Student and Judicial Affairs, Robin Nichol, chairperson of Visual and Performing Arts, Les Tabata, director of Facilities, and her place of employment, Pan West Contracting, which donated the paint and bodyperson to colour the piano.
Classically trained and currently in Grade 10 of her piano studies, Wells leans towards jazz and gospel and particularly the music of Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, and Mark Hayes.
Wells describes herself as being shy, though Chopsticks to Chopin says otherwise.
“I’m back in school to do something I’m passionate about. I’m going to carve out a niche for myself because I want to wake up in the morning excited about what I do,” says Wells.
