Southern Miss School of Music donates piano to Hurricane Isaac victim | Arts & Culture

When pianist Monica Echols surveyed the damage caused by Hurricane Isaac to her Hammond, La., home, the loss was extensive. However, the loss of her piano and life-long music collection was even more devastating.

Seeing her mother’s despair, University of Southern Mississippi alumna Carmen Echols returned to her roots to see if there was anyone who could help. There was.

When School of Music Director Michael Miles got word of the situation, he was able to put two plans into effect. Family members of Dana Ragsdale, who recently passed away, had mentioned that they would like to donate one of her pianos to a worthy cause. One phone call later and Echols became the proud owner of a piano with a treasured history.

For more on this article, click HERE to go to the USM website.