Barry Manilow Donates Yamaha Piano

Singer Barry Manilow is sharing some of his success with Conroe ISD by donating a Yamaha piano to launch a local instrument drive for Houston-area schools.

Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will receive two free tickets for Manilow’s May 19 concert at the Pavilion. Instruments may be dropped off between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday through May 19.

“I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” he stated in a press release.

The instrument drive is part of the The Manilow Music Project and the The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, formed to assist local charities and programs to get musical instruments in the hands of high school and middle school students, as well as to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

Conroe ISD was selected to receive the piano because the Pavilion is located in the school district. Conroe ISD Superintendent Don Stockton said he supports Manilow’s efforts.

“We are thrilled that the Manilow Music Project is working with the Cynthia Woods Pavilion and the community to contribute to the enrichment of our students’ lives through music,” Stockton stated. “The donated instruments will greatly benefit students throughout the district.”

No decision has been made as yet on where the new piano and instruments will go, district spokeswoman Lisa Meeks said.

“Our Fine Arts department will access the needs of our intermediate campuses to determine where the instruments, including the piano, will be placed,” she said. “Conroe ISD begins orchestra and band in fifth grade, so the instruments will help give opportunities to more students.”