Ayer Collection 0002

Cathy Church's Senior Recital makes the news....

...twice!

Photo, Cathy Church Senior Recital

Newsprint

February 1984

© 1984 The Daily Chronicle

Collection of David and Rebecca Ayer

I was photographed performing in the scored demolition of an old player piano during this guest appearance of the ensemble at Cathy Church's Senior Recital. Speculation followed about the impact this photo had on the NIU School of Visual and Performing Arts' reputation and fundraising programs after concerned Daily Chronicle readers assumed we had destroyed school property. In fact, the piano had been liberated from an Illinois barn and had to be cleansed of layers of straw and bird droppings before making its final appearance.

Hat tip to Tim for getting permission to publish from the Chronicle and for having a much better memory than I about the preparations. He also furnished a copy of the poster and provided the image of the Chronicle's follow-up clarification.