any news from Raymond?

Dear all,

I am delighted to report that the book is nearing completion and we hope the first copies to be on sale within the next fortnight.

Apologies for the time it has taken to finish but Raymond and I hope that the result will be worth the wait. There has been much to do, including getting back-cover reviews from distinguished musicians (Raymond has done a great job here including one from David Dubal would you believe), designing a cover (by email correspondence), formatting the text, learning how to publish a book and just recently proof-reading.

I have a printed copy of the book in my hand which I have proof-read. I need to order another proof copy containing the resulting corrections and check it before I can sign it off. That should take about a week to arrive and check after which I can make the book generally available if all is well.

[Robert, if you're reading this please can you confirm the book's sale price is okay with you? I've tried mailing you.]

Can I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed profiles, to Raymond who has worked extremely hard on this and kept us on track, and to Julia Froschhammer who provided a brilliant cover photograph.

Please watch this space and I'll let you all know the moment it is available to buy.

All the best,

Peter

Dear all.

I am very exited about this book, since it has turned out to be far better than I would have ever have imagined! This is due mainly to the remarkable work of Peter Bispham, who has done all the typing, most of the proof reading, designimg the arrangement of the text ( which you will see is extremely attractive) and the gorgeous book cover using Julia's lovely photograph.

We all owe Peter a great debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts to make this book what it is.

Raymond

Can't wait, Raymond. Thanks to you both!

Dear all

The book is now available to order online at http://www.lulu.com/content/5404007
There is an online preview where you can read the contents pages, foreword and back cover.

All pianists who submitted profiles for the book will receive a complimentary copy as thanks for your contribution. Raymond will be in touch if he hasn't already.

For many of you, reading your profile will be a nostalgic experience and I apologise for the time it has taken to finish.

As it is published by a print-on-demand service, the book takes about 5 days to arrive as the copies are printed to order. This was the best option for getting the book published of those we considered. The book will be available to buy on Amazon in approx 6 weeks but the Piano Society gets more revenue per copy for orders from the link above.

Tell your friends and family and spread the word online if you can. Hopefully the book will generate a decent amount of revenue for the Piano Society to continue its great work.

Robert, I will post you some images of the book to create a proper fanfare on the main site.

Finally, special thanks to Raymond, the inspiration behind this effort.

Peter

The book really looks great and we (that is me and Raymond) will send a copy to all participants in the project!

I have also created a top banner on the main site, linking to a page which briefly explains the project and from where it is possible to buy the book.
See: http://pianosociety.com/cms/index.php?section=2392

Hooah
Great job
I have sent my address to Robert to receive my complimentary copy!!!

Robert,please let me know when you have sent the book

I will also add the product on my site at http://avgusteantonov.com and on facebook(including the piano society group/page). I will link to the page here

Hmm
I just thought that I don't recall at all what I wrote.....

Maybe we should have a forum for the pianists who participated in the project to update on what is in the book

I just received my copy and the book is great
Read it cover to cover

Thank you to Raymond and Peter!!!!

I just got my copy today too!!!

Thx you guys ... I can't express how cool it is for little ole me to be a part of it! Awesome job!

Agree with you Nathan.
It is a pleasure,an honor and privilege to be part of it.
Thanks to Raymond for contacting me about it.

Robert,would it be possible to have a regular update on how many books have been sold and such?

Maybe a 2nd volume with the current profiles(updated) and new ones?

Nathan - I really enjoyed your bio. Very interesting!! And btw - I also went through all the John Thompson books.

Thx Mon, yours too ... I loved the story about playing with Dad. It honestly made a tear come to my eye.

And I still love those bks! I know how old and passe they are, but i still found some copies to teach kids. I love the instant emphasis on the classical composers ... really builds appreciation for music. And the kids get a kick out of hearing music they play (albeit dumbed down) on the radio.

I just started re-reading the book(this time taking my time) and I just realized that pianolady is Monica Alianello
I just finished re-reading your profile Monica and it is exciting to read about all of your experiences.
I love the fact that you were a band member playing flute and piano.
Quick question.Why didn't you major in music performance?

Beats me! Really - I don't have a good answer. I should have majored in music. Ah well....

I enjoyed reading your bio too. Was it fun being the pianist at an African-American church? If it was gospel music, then I bet it was. Probably hard to keep still, though. I'd be boppin' around on the bench a lot.