Gardendale High School Jessey Coley plays a few notes on the school’s new piano. It was donated by former Gardendale Mayor Kenneth Clemons and his wife Rhonda.

When the Gardendale High School choir takes the stage for their Fall Concert next month, their newest addition will steal the show.

Former Gardendale Mayor Kenneth Clemons and his wife Rhonda donated a brand new grand piano to the high school’s music program.

“We’ve had our three children and five grandchildren all go through the music program,” said Clemons. “We’ve gotten a lot out of it, and we felt like it was time to put something back into it.”

The piano was donated in memory of the Clemons’ daughter, Kerrie, who was killed in a car accident in 1989.

Gardendale High School music teacher Ginny Hughes, who has taught  the Clemons’ grandchildren, said the piano would be used in every function possible.

“It was amazing when they asked us what we needed,” said Hughes. “It can only enhance our performances.”

The choir’s Fall Concert will be on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the school’s theater. The concert will be the first time the piano is played at a public performance.