By Chris Shott
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Well, not really, but people who live at Brooksby are recreating magic similar to that generated by the late eccentric entertainer through the use of Clavinovas.

Clavinovas are a line of digital pianos created and manufactured by Yamaha Corp. for the past few decades. Similar in styling to acoustic pianos, Clavinovas boast features common to other types of digital pianos, including song-saving abilities, the availability of multiple voices, and the ability to be connected to computers.

Four levels
At Brooksby, the Clavinova program encompasses four levels of instruction, the last of which the residents created, says Fran Gerrior, Brooksby’s  community services coordinator.

“Clavinova classes are usually held at three levels, but people who live here have added a fourth level of instruction for their benefit and enjoyment,” Gerrior says. “Through Clavinova classes, they get together, learn about the instrument, and help each other in playing.”

How it works
A major attraction of many Clavinovas is the presence of graded-hammer technology, a mechanical system of small metal hammers which hit digital pressure sensors, producing specific sounds. A built-in synthesizer, which contains samples of actual instruments, produces the sounds in Clavinovas, which can include reproductions of acoustic instruments and additional sound effects.

During a recent instructional session, Gerrior directed residents Frank Conrad and David Balser in the finer points of the Clavinova and reviewed their progress.

As she played, Conrad and Balser accompanied her with backgrounds of  drums and other percussion instruments.

Discovering their musical side
Conrad and Balser both say their musical aptitude was minimal until moving to Brooksby and discovering the joys of playing the Clavinova.