History

The Mobile Piano Ensemble is a non-profit organization that performs a fall concert every year on multiple pianos. As many as 10 pianos have been on stage at one time with 20 pianists performing at once.

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The concerts include a selection of pieces ranging from classical standards to popular show tunes. Concert membership includes approximately 30 highly trained pianists that are willing to devote many hours of practice and rehearsal time each year to make every concert a great musical experience.

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The Mobile Piano Ensemble Club was founded in 1951 by Dr. Dorothy Tonsmeire. The first program involved 13 pianists and was held at the City Recreation Center on Spring Hill Avenue. Concerts were held there until the Mobile Civic Center Theater opened.

Dr. Dorothy Tonsmeire
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Founding members were Frances Garner, Frances Martin, Judy Roberts, Ruth Bankester, Ruth Drago, Thelma Perkins, Mary Jane Scruggs, Margaret McAllister, Rosemary Crawford, Richard DeNeefe, Wesley Ellis, David Brady, and Dorothy Tonsmeire.

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From the beginning there have been hurdles to overcome. The concert hall had to be large enough to hold all the pianos. Practice sessions had to be held at music stores where there are a large number of pianos. And pianos had to be moved to the concert location and tuned for the concert. The original budget of $60 has increased many times over and therefore supporting members are not only important but are vital to keeping the Mobile Piano Ensemble performing these yearly concerts