~ News phhceo Terry Seters Bb piano is a major purchase. You'll want to consider. 898, condition and size. Jj OIN THE WEST” VAN COUVE! - REGISTRATION: TION: © Wednesday, Sept. 8th “ 6:20 - 8:30 pm Thursday, Sept. Oth 6:30 - 8:30 pm .. IRWIN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2455 HAYWOOD AVE. WEST ¥ VANCOUVER in’s THE ability to play the piano is one that will have lasting bene- fits throughout your child’s life. But a piano is a major urchasc, one you should look into carefully. If this is the first piano you’re planning to buy, says Howard MeMahon, of Howard’s Pianos, it’s a good idea to ask for a full trade-up allowance. Then, as your and your child's playing ability advances, you can upgrade to a better piano without depre- ciation en your first one. McMahon alsa says to ensure that the piano you are considering for purchase is being represented accurately by the dealer. “Reconditioned” means the original parts have been refurbished, while a ‘rebuilt’ stument of ch piano has had most of its major paris replaced.” A good reconditioned beginner piano from a dealer costs between $1,400 and $3,000. Rebuilt ones start at $5,000. Regulating means reset- ting the the piano action to play as it did when it was hew, According to McMahon, there are many trade-offs between new and used. Beginners will learn to play just as well on good used pianos, as they will on new oncs. The “playability” on a newer piano is better than'‘on an older one, so if you're at « higher level of playing you'll want to look at one less than 20 years old. Lately, says McMahon, there’s been some controver- sy about used Yamaha pianos _ Pre-register: 980-4424. SuperSunday at the * Vancouver Art Gallery, Every _ third Sunday of each month from noon to 5:30 p.m. the gale is transfurmed into a n-filled hands-on !carnin, environment for families wit children aged 5-12 years, For more information call 662- 4700. a TUESDAY International Fairytale and Craft: For 6-9 year olds ar 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 21, at the N.V. City Library. ” The - featured country this month is Brazil. Pre-register: 980-4424. - Library Clab rocets. every three weeks for Grades 4, 5, 6” at the North Var. City Library. This months mecting 1s - Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 3:45 p.m. Drop-in Babes Storytime: For 0-24 months at the N.V. City Library. Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Info: 980-4424. Seymour Services; Weekly parent’ and child. drop-in for 0-5 years. Coffee, play and parenting dis- cussions. “Luesdays at 6:30-8 p.m., and Wednesdays at 9:30- il am., 1055 Premier St. N.Y. Info: Sue McDonald e 383-6700. WEDNESDAYS _ junior Stamp Club: For Grades 4-6 at 3:30 p.m. every second . Wednesday of the month: This month’s meeting is Sept 8 at the North Van City Library. Pre-register: 980- 4424, Drop-in Toddlers Storytim=: For 2-3-year-olds at the N.V. City Library. Wednesday and Friday at. 10 a.m: or 11 a.m. . Professional. - VOICE Training classical » pop + jazz maUsits CASTE ‘ Welcome Professionals . & Beginners M.A. Pedagogy of Voice & Piano Limited ce ; 999-0575. i North Shore De) Music Academy OFFERING: * violin © cello © guitar * piano .© flute @ all levels of music theory * Suzuki piano/violin & prep class for piano St. David’s United Church 1525 Taylor Way, West Van Com:nunity imported from Japan. The company has con- cerns that the used pianos may have action problems, loose screws or separation of glued joints. “can only tell you that I've been importing used * Yamaha pianos from Japan for 10 years without ... inci- dent.” Be sure to buy your used piano from a reputable deal- er who offers a full warranty. If you still have concerns, get it inspected by a registered member of the Piano Technicians Guild. The size of a piano is probably the most single most important factor influ- encing its tonal quality, says McMahon. The space a piano takes up is also a factor in what you choose. Uprights can be classified Info: 980-4424, Drop-in Summer Storytime: A half hour of stories, songs, fingerplays and puppets for the whole family. Wednesdays and Fridays to Sept. 3, at 10:30 a.m, WV. Memorial Library. For more- information call 925-7408. Exo-Explorers | Program: Five- and six-yeas-olds explore the outdoors every Wednesday throughout the. summer at the Lyna Canyon Ecology Centre. To register call 981-3103. THURSDAYS | Kindergarten Storytime: For é 6-year-olds at the North Van City Library. Every Thursday (Sept. 16, 23 23, 30) at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. "A six-week series commences Thursday, Sept 16, Pre- “register: 980- 4424. “AInteraational Fairytale and Craft: For 6-9-year-olds. at : 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept .23, at the N.V. City Library." § into four sizes: spinet (36 to 40”), console (40 to 44”), studio (45 to 48”) and fuil size (48 to 56”). Grand pianos range from baby grand (44 to 5%’), medium grand (5°6" to 7°4”) and concert grand (774” to 9°6”). McMahon recommends huying a piano you’re happy to look az. Chances are, you'll be looking at it more often than you'll be playing it. Most piano warranties are subject to climate condi- tions. Do not place it over a: - heater, or too close to the. fireplace. And definitely keep it out of direct sunlight. As a general rule, he says, : put it ina spot you'll be © comfortable in for long peti- ods of time. - — Deana Lancaster 980-4424. FRIDAY Beach Bonanza: Art in the. ° Park craft workshops. each... Friday this summer. Build toys! to use at the beach. For ages 5-.’ 8 from 10:30 -a.m.-noon, at . the Lynn. Canyon Ecology Centre. $6 per session. To pre-: : register phone 981-3103. : SATURDAY — Drop-in French Movie: For all ages at the N.¥V.. City. Library, 11 a.m. on the: last.” Satur ay ‘of.-.every, month: intin’ 4: Le Crabe Aux Pinces ‘or will be featured on Sep’ oS. For more information: call 980-4424: French’ for. Fas. Seoryting The featured country this =! month is Brazil. Pre-register: ; Nout Ke | Acarlomy ott -.1825 CAPILANO KOAD (3 BLKS. N. OF MARINE DR.