Greensboro, Ga. (August 22, 2011) – The performing arts program at Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) recently took a giant stride forward with the installation of the first-ever student piano lab in Greene County Schools.  The addition of the piano lab to the academic offerings for LOA students was made possible by EYELEVEL INTERACTIVE™ LLC (EI™), a MADE Company, based in Lake Oconee.

The LOA piano lab consists of ten student pianos and one teacher’s instrument.  Made by Yamaha, these Arius keyboards are top-of-the-line instruments utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide groups of students the ability to learn to play the piano in a classroom setting.  Each instrument features a full 88 key weighted keyboard with damper, sostenuto and una corda pedals.  The pianos also have multiple sound voicings, record and playback ability, headphones for individual practice and teacher instruction, and coupling ability to be able to hear other students within a group and to partner with one or more instruments for ensemble practice.  Mrs. Amy Reber will lead piano instruction in addition to music classes for grades Pre-K4 through 4th.

“Music and music performance is an area of interest for many students. Too often these opportunities are not afforded to children. We feel strongly that music education is a major component in the educational process. It stimulates the senses and impacts learning in all other subject areas,” explains Dr. Otho Tucker, CEO of Lake Oconee Academy. “Having a piano lab that will benefit all students coupled with a thriving arts program is a dream of mine. EYELEVEL INTERACTIVE™ has made a dream come true that will positively impact every student at LOA.”

Mark DeMattei (CEO and Co-Founder), Blair Enfield (President and Co-Founder) and Jason Tyne (Executive Vice President of Sales and Co-Founder) of EI™ and the MADE Company have made community support a mission of their new company headquarters in Lake Oconee.  The school’s vision of a piano lab for all students to have access to musical instruction offered them the opportunity to make a difference in an area that is of personal interest.

“Music has always played an important role in all of our lives,” said DeMattei.  “When we heard about Dr. Tucker’s vision of creating a piano technology lab in our community and the ability to bless every LOA child’s life through the gift of music education, there was not even a question of us getting involved. The lab turned out incredible and the students and teachers are so thankful, and so are we."

In addition to the piano program, the LOA music program launched another component this year with a band program for all 5th grade students.  6th grade students may choose between piano and band for the continuation of their musical education through 12th grade. Other electives such as chorus and drama are in the planning stages for implementation as the school expands.

Photo Caption: Jason Tyne(left), Mark DeMattei (second from left) and Blair Enfield (right)of EYELEVEL INTERACTIVE ™, a MADE Company, join LOA piano teacher Amy Reber and Dr. Otho Tucker, CEO of LOA at the presentation of the LOA piano lab. 

Photo Caption (top):  Mark DeMattei observes a LOA 6th grade student during her piano instruction.

Click here for photos of the LOA and EYELEVEL INTERACTIVE™ Piano Lab.

Photos courtesy of Heidi Kalpak.