Board Approves $553,000 To Buy Steinway Pianos

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Bowie State University's Fine and Performing Arts Center will be an all-Steinway piano program.

The Maryland Board of Public Works voted 2-1 on Wednesday to approve $553,000 to buy four concert grand pianos and 28 Steinway-designed pianos, for a total of 32 pianos.

Comptroller Peter Franchot voted against the contract. He says "it's out of touch" for the board to approve paying for top-of-the-line pianos during tough fiscal times, when a cheaper alternative could be found that would sound just about as good.

But supporters of buying the Steinways say making Bowie State an all-Steinway school will help attract the highest quality professors, students of music and performers.

Gov. Martin O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp voted for the contract.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)