As CultureMap reported a few weeks ago, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has lost its 18 pianos after a partnership with the Fred Forshey Piano company ended. Officials launched a plea to help replace the instruments and have raised $16,450 in funds from alumni and community donations, according to Piano Department director Rodolfo Morales.

Although the figure is impressive, it still falls way short of the school's goal to replace 12 pianos — 10 uprights and two grands.

To give you some idea of the funds remaining to be raised, a grand piano runs around $12,000.

The school is currently operating with only three pianos to serve the entire student body. The instruments are used across disciplines for rehearsals by the dance, drama and vocal departments and must be replaced.

"They are the life blood of what we do here at HSPVA; to have a school without pianos is inconceivable," Morales says.

Donations are tax-deductible. If you'd like to help, checks can be made out to: HSPVA Friends (Piano Project) and sent to HSPVA Friends, 4119 Montrose Blvd., Ste. 210, Houston 77006.