News Release
October 27, 2004
Bruce Rockwell's Baby Grand Piano To Be Donated By Rockwell Family To East High School Friday, Oct. 29; Keyboard Carriers Donates Cost Of The Move, Too
The family of Denver leaders Bruce and Virginia Rockwell will donate the family Baldwin Baby Grand piano to East High School on Friday, Oct. 29.
The Rockwell children Sarah, David and Jane are donating the piano in honor of both their parents' long-time dedication to public schools. Leading up to their graduation, all three were active participants in the music program at East High School.
"My siblings and I are big believers that a piano should not be sitting around; it should be played," said Sarah. "We agreed that our old school was a perfect home for the piano."
It's an exciting time for East High School's music program. William Taylor, vocal music teacher at East High School, is busy getting ready for the new instrument.
"It was quite a surprise," said Taylor. "It's such a generous gesture on their part. The piano is something that we use every day, and having a new piano will make the experience that much better."
Sarah added, "I think the beat-up old piano they have at East is the same one I played when I went there. I'm just thrilled we can provide Mr. Taylor with a new piano."
In addition, Denver's Keyboard Carriers has graciously volunteered to transport the piano from the Rockwell family home to East High School (1545 Detroit St.).
"Our organization has always been interested in musical education," said Jay Thorndyke, manager of Keyboard Carriers. "It is an important part of a well rounded education to have access to quality musical education. The donation of this piano gives us our opportunity to make a contribution to such a worthy cause."
About The Rockwells
Bruce Rockwell was a graduate of East High School and a long-time Denver resident and civic leader. He was celebrated for his work with former Mayor Quigg Newton and for serving on the board of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority. Rockwell's contributions to Denver were diverse, extending from his work as a board member and CEO of Colorado National Bank to his efforts to fight for the rights of minorities during the time of desegregation and after.
Virginia Rockwell was elected to the Denver Board of Education in 1975 and served with distinction for six years. She was a prominent and dedicated leader in the Denver community through a lifetime of work with a variety of civic organizations. Virginia Rockwell was, and remains, one of the most prominent and influential individual members of the Denver Public Schools community.
For more information, contact East High School at 303-394-8300.