Smooth, crisp music flows through the Beit Midrash, capturing the attention of anyone within earshot. The notes dance from black piano in the corner of the room, harmonious and crystal-clear.

The newest addition to Shalhevet’s musical arsenal is a Yamaha C3, donated by board member Mrs. Dawn Arnall just in time for Chanukah.

“I found the piano and thought I’d like to give it to Shalhevet for someone to enjoy it, if they wanted it,” said Mrs. Arnall.

In its previous life, the piano was played by professionals at the U.S. Embassy in The Netherlands, where her late husband, Roland Arnall, served as ambassador from 2006 to 2008. When the Arnalls returned to Los Angeles, it was placed in storage at their residence, and Mrs. Arnall was surprised to find it after her husband passed away. It had been boxed in a very sturdy wooden crate which took movers more than an hour to de-construct in the Bet Midrash Nov. 30.

David Weaver, Shalhevet’s piano tuner, could tell from the piano’s serial number that it had been manufactured in 1985. But there were no grooves in the hammers, meaning it had hardly been played — so it sounds new.

“It’s a world class piano,” said Mr. Weaver. “Those Yamaha C3s are in lots of studios. They’re stable, sound great, easy to tune.”

Students can’t keep their hands off it, and the Beit Midrash is filled with anything from Glee to lush classics during lunch, free periods and after school.

“Keep drinks and food away from it because that’s not good for it,” Mr. Weaver.  “Crumbs get between the keys.”

“David Weaver has been tuning our pianos for years and has seen all kinds of shmootz in them, so he knows what he’s talking about,” agreed music teacher Mrs. Keene.