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Crane School of Music to Host Third Annual Crane Piano Monster Concert

SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music Welcomes Pianists of All Ages for Crane Piano Monster Concert on Feb. 3

Potsdam, NY (01/30/2026) — SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will once again bring together pianists from across the North Country for its annual Crane Piano Monster Concert, taking place Tuesday, February 3, at 6 p.m., in the Washburn Rehearsal Room (C143). The event is free and open to the public.

Co-hosted by Crane faculty members Tracy Lipke-Perry and Heather Wheeler, the Crane Piano Monster Concert is an energetic and community-centered performance featuring up to eight pianos on stage and dozens of pianists performing together in ensemble arrangements. Performers will include musicians of all ages and skill levels -- community piano students and teachers, Crane students, faculty and staff.

"This will be our third annual concert, and we had a very positive response in our last two years," Wheeler said. "In February 2025, we had 35 to 40 community student participants, 10 faculty and staff performers, seven local teacher participants and performers, 14 Crane student performers, seven pianos on stage, and our audience topped 140."

The Monster Concert concept -- which layers multiple pianos and performers to create a rich, immersive sound -- celebrates collaboration, creativity and the vibrant connections between Crane and the regional community.

Audience members can expect a joyful, high-energy program showcasing ensemble works arranged for many players at once, demonstrating both the versatility of the piano and the enthusiasm of all involved.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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Media Attachments

Heather Wheeler (second from right) joins fellow pianists of all ages during the Crane Piano Monster Concert. SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music will host the Crane Piano Monster Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Washburn Rehearsal Room.

Crane School of Music Associate Professor Tracy Lipke-Perry directs pianists during a past Crane Piano Monster Concert, which she organizes along with colleague Heather Wheeler.

The Crane Piano Monster concert highlights musicians of all ages and skill levels -- community piano students and teachers, as well as Crane students, faculty and staff.

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