On Sunday, September 21, the Tinora community came together for a truly special moment: the dedication of a new grand piano at the Tinora Performing Arts Center. This project, years in the making, represents not only an incredible addition to Tinora’s music program but also the power of community, generosity, and legacy.
The event was especially meaningful for Emilie Parsons, Director of Marketing, Grants, and Fundraising for Tinora. Emilie shared the story of her late mother, Becky Buchhop, whose lifelong dedication to music inspired the project. In just nine months, more than $90,000 was raised through the Northeastern Local School Fund, with over 100 families, businesses, and organizations contributing, including a major donation from the Defiance Moose Lodge.
The dedication featured musical performances from alumni, students, and community members, including Andrew Varner, Colin Stein, Matthew Wachtman, Angela Tonjes, Patty Wiemken, Kamden Stollsteimer, Ryan Mays, Vicki Helmke, Eric West, Brett Grime, and Emilie Parsons. Each performance honored the spirit of Tinora and the lives of loved ones, including memorial tributes to Loren Plassman and Tim Weible.
Perhaps the most moving moment came when Becky Buchhop herself was the first to “play” the new piano, thanks to its modern player-piano technology. Her performance of Safe in Thy Loving Arms filled the Performing Arts Center, symbolizing both memory and legacy.
“This piano is more than an instrument,” Emilie reflected. “It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and the power of music to bring us together. And to me, it was a celebration of my mom, Becky Buchhop, whose love of music and dedication to Tinora inspired this project from the very beginning.”
The Tinora Performing Arts Center looks forward to featuring the new grand piano at upcoming concerts, including a November 23 performance by the world-renowned Irish Tenors. Tickets can be found HERE!
