The Ripon High music department has a grand opportunity to add to its program.

Adam Serpa, the school’s music / choral teacher, told the Ripon Unified school board Monday that a grand piano in excellent condition not to mention a good deal at $4,500 would make for a great addition to the program.

He came across the grand while looking around for  instruments for the Ripon Arts League.

“Grand (pianos) aren’t usually for sale,” said Serpa, who used to work in a music store. He described this one as being in “incredible and in great condition” for 25 years old.

Trustees agreed to bring his request back for next month’s meeting.

According to Serpa, a grand piano would be a great benefit to the music program for several reasons, including:

It would create a convenient space in which to conduct and rehearse the choir.

It would allow teachers to see all of the students while playing without obstruction.

The low height of a grand piano would allow the whiteboard in the music room to be seen when the piano is in the front room.

There would be a considerable improvement in sound quality in the classroom because of the brand and the construction of the sound board.

Serpa added: “We have a grand-piano cart in the Multi-Purpose Room that would be available to us so that we could move a classroom piano with ease,” he said.

The music department currently has a Cable Nelson upright piano purchased last year by the RHS Parent Booster Club. That piano could be relocated to the floor level of the Multi-Use Room for musicals, choir festivals and rehearsals, Serpa noted.

The next challenge would be to find the funding.

“I see it as a win-win for the district,” he said on the possible acquisition of the grand piano. “Something like this could really elevate the profile of RHS.”

The music program under Serpa is active in various community events throughout the year.