Today was Amanda's debut performance as a pianist!
If you remember, Amanda had a few short lessons last year... but I soon realized that her fingers just didn't have the strength to push the keys down so we put lessons on hold.
A few weeks ago, Amanda came running up to me and excitedly asked if she could have a piano lesson. She had set her piano books up on the rack and was ready for me! I figured,"What the heck? Let's give it another try."
And this time, things went much better! Her fingers still aren't very strong and she has a hard time keeping a round hand shape, but we can work on that. After her first "lesson", I overheard her teaching Eva about
forte and
piano. (By George, she was actually paying attention!)
Last week, she declared that she wanted to play in this year's Costume Recital, held during Halloween Week. She chose a song that would work well with her Fairy costume called "The Magic Tree House", which was about make-believe and rainbows. The chosen piece contained single notes as well as note clusters (playing 3 keys simultaneously) and moving to four different octaves. After hearing her play it for a few days, I decided that she was indeed serious enough about it to actually perform at the recital.
So this afternoon while Eva napped, she played through the piece one last time and got dressed in her fairy costume, complete with fairy wings and a rainbow-colored headband. She was ready! I lost track of how many times she said,"I am so excited to play in the recital!"
I had eight students performing, two of whom were playing in their first recital. I always start with the beginners and end with the most advanced, so that meant Amanda was first.
She did a great job and I was bursting with pride. However, I can't believe I stopped filming before the applause and her bow! What was I thinking? I guess I wanted to make sure I clapped for her... and I needed both hands for that. Poor planning on my part.
I have to say that this was probably the best recital in recent memory! I only had one student who was a bit shaky in her playing due to counting issues, but even that was minor.
My students: All girls this year!(Amanda's strange expression is actually due to a mouthful of apple slices!)
My students arrived dressed as Tinkerbell, a gnome, a wizard, two cats, an angel, a doctor...and of course, the fairy. Each student had to play at least one piece that corresponded to their costume, so Tinkerbell played a piece from "Peter Pan; the wizard played the theme song from "Harry Potter", etc.
After the performances were finished, we ate red velvet cupcakes decorated with candy corn, apple slices with caramel dip and pink party punch. Each student also received a small goody bag on the way out the door.
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Also today, I secured a date, time and place for our Holiday Recital in December! We will once again be using the church next door, which is incredibly convenient, not to mention a fantastic facility with great acoustics. Next week my students will begin learning Christmas music, which is always a lot of fun!
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Last night was our third meeting of Piano Club, and all five of my adult students were in attendance this time. It was another fun-filled evening with great conversation and delicious appetizers/desserts. Such a great group of women... and to watch the camaraderie and friendships grow is pretty exciting.
The theme of the evening was "Minor Music", meaning music in minor keys. As I sat in my wingback chair, the farthest seat from the piano, I couldn't help but feel like a proud mama as I watched my "children" walk up to the piano one by one and perform their pieces.
Each and every one of them performed at least one piece, and quite well, I might add! Even the so-called beginners played with poise, confidence and feeling. By the end of the night, I watched with amazement as my most advanced adult sat at the piano with my newest adult peering over her shoulder. The two were engrossed in conversation, discussing the various signs, symbols and notation in the music. It was a pretty neat thing to witness.
Each and every one of them is at a different skill level, but the support and encouragement is equal across the board. Even if I have to give up teaching for a while after the baby is born, we hope to continue getting together for Piano Club. When I came home and gave Dave a recap of the night, it struck me how much fun I have been having at these meetings!
The decision as to whether or not I will continue teaching after January has been weighing on my mind a lot lately. Last night, my students let me know in no uncertain terms that they are hoping for my quick return. In fact, the peer pressure was pretty overwhelming - and the abundance of compliments made me feel guilty about ever stopping. I guess only time will tell...
As I drifted off to sleep last night, I couldn't help but think "This teaching gig is a pretty cool thing."
We are completely ready for Christmas in our home.
Fascinated by the nutcrackers
Christmas dresses
