It seems the newly-built apartment buildings at Epworth Manor house more than just the residents. A particular apartment is home to a baby grand piano owned by Epworth Manor resident Annie Getz.
Getz started planning for the musical addition to her room before the construction of the new apartments was completed. Robin Maslanic, executive director at Epworth Manor told Daily Herald photographer Virgie Werner in an interview that, “She (Annie) could have anything in here that she could fit, and as plans progressed, she checked out the measurements, and started doing her shopping.”
The 91 year-old Getz created a floor pattern of the size of the piano that she wanted, and the Epworth Manor staff placed the pattern on numerous different apartment room floors before finding the right fit.
After months of preparation, Getz chose her piano, which was made according to the strict specifications of a Steinway, the maker of the instrument.
“I’ve wanted one all my life,” said Getz “And I thought, why not, even if I’m 91.”
The piano made its musical debut in Getz’s new room on Aug. 13.
Maslanic said, “The piano moved in actually before Annie did.”
The delivery men simply removed the legs from the piano, loaded it onto the elevator, and then quickly reassembled it in her room.
Getz started playing the piano at age 5 and taught herself to play by ear before having any formal music lessons. As a teenager, she went to boarding school and had a teacher who wanted her to move to New York to play piano, but instead Getz stayed in the area after marrying.
She also plays the organ but prefers the piano. Getz feels that her emotions are best expressed on the piano. Whenever she feels happy, sad, or angry, it reflects in the type of music that she plays.
“My piano is my sounding board… it’s great therapy, the best therapy there is,” she said, noting that she also likes classical music best.
Getz feels that playing the piano often keeps her mind active. On Sundays, she occasionally plays hymns at Epworth Manor. Even though she can only see out of one eye, she plays almost daily, and from memory. Residents at Epworth Manor have been seen standing outside of her doorway while she is playing.
Andrea Young, marketing director for Epworth Manor comments, “All of the personal care staff have heard her play.”
Getz’s music on the piano truly brings joy to all who hear it. And for the people who ask her if it’s too late to learn to play the piano, she offers this advice, “Age doesn’t mean anything.”
