Larry and Jane Droppa have committed a generous gift of $100,000 to support technology initiatives at the Peabody Institute. The largest gift of its kind, it will provide direct support for the Recording Arts and Sciences Department, recording initiatives across the institute, new online course development, the development of the New Media curriculum, and related technology upgrades.

These funds have been critical in allowing Peabody to update and improve its technical capabilities throughout the entire campus. In 2016–17, the Recording Arts and Sciences Department was able to completely update the wiring infrastructure of Miriam A. Friedberg Hall. “This has given us even more flexibility in the use of the newly renovated space, particularly with larger projects like the recent Naxos recording that we did with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra,” says Edward Tetreault (MM ’05, Recording and Production), manager of recording services.

Tetreault adds, “We work really hard to make sure that the Recording Arts facilities are utilizing the latest technology available, and, because of support like that of Droppas, we will continue to stay on the cutting edge.”

Larry Droppa is the president of Automated Processes Inc. (API), the leading audio broadcast console manufacturer for radio and television networks and high-profile stations.

— Leslie Procter