I had my Spring piano recital last night in a small hot room filled to capacity. Normally I split my students into two recitals because there isn't room for everyone. I probably should have done that last night, but two recitals is the death of me! Especially when I was handing out 19 trophies (only two kids didn't finish a level last year) after it was over.
I like to have a theme for my recitals and this time it was music from movies, musicals, TV or operas. When I still thought I would have two recitals, I allowed a record number of the boys choose Star Wars Main Theme for their song. In an effort to force people to listen even when it wasn't their turn, I created a puzzle on the program where the audience had to guess which movie/TV show/opera/musical some of the songs were from. I sat next to three of my cute little girl students and none of them recognized the Star Wars music. "This song again? What IS it?" Poor things had no chance at winning the awesome prize. (My Mom and
Melissa did, though! Rock on.)
It was a proud moment for me to see each of the kids perform. I've had some of them for almost five years now and I remember thinking they wouldn't last a week (hee!) and there they were playing pretty difficult songs that they'd chosen themselves. I love seeing the little ones get up and power through their songs when I can tell they are an inch away from tears because they are so nervous.
Probably my favorite part, though, was performing with my Dad. Years ago he worked on a piece from the opera Don Giovanni. I loved how fast the accompaniment was, so I "learned" it... my way. ("Thank you, Vizzini.") I started learning the accompaniment again and it turns out I was wrong about a lot of things. BUT! It turned out well and it was great fun. No encore, but I think people enjoyed it. Who wouldn't enjoy a piece full of 16th notes and hand crossing and sleazy Italian talk?! (And check out Harrison trying hard to be cool about his trophy. He doesn't fool me for a second - it's got his name on it and it's gold! I bet it was under his pillow last night. :))
And now? Cheers to a month off! (Thanks to Brian's parents for the Thai food after the recital. They saved my life by sitting with Bridget during the whole recital. They sat in a hot room with a 2 year-old jumping up and down all over them, listening to Star Wars for an hour and they still bought us dinner!)
I had my Spring piano recital last night in a small hot room filled to capacity. Normally I split my students into two recitals because there isn't room for everyone. I probably should have done that last night, but two recitals is the death of me! Especially when I was handing out 19 trophies (only two kids didn't finish a level last year) after it was over.
I like to have a theme for my recitals and this time it was music from movies, musicals, TV or operas. When I still thought I would have two recitals, I allowed a record number of the boys choose Star Wars Main Theme for their song. In an effort to force people to listen even when it wasn't their turn, I created a puzzle on the program where the audience had to guess which movie/TV show/opera/musical some of the songs were from. I sat next to three of my cute little girl students and none of them recognized the Star Wars music. "This song again? What IS it?" Poor things had no chance at winning the awesome prize. (My Mom and Melissa did, though! Rock on.)
It was a proud moment for me to see each of the kids perform. I've had some of them for almost five years now and I remember thinking they wouldn't last a week (hee!) and there they were playing pretty difficult songs that they'd chosen themselves. I love seeing the little ones get up and power through their songs when I can tell they are an inch away from tears because they are so nervous.
Probably my favorite part, though, was performing with my Dad. Years ago he worked on a piece from the opera Don Giovanni. I loved how fast the accompaniment was, so I "learned" it... my way. ("Thank you, Vizzini.") I started learning the accompaniment again and it turns out I was wrong about a lot of things. BUT! It turned out well and it was great fun. No encore, but I think people enjoyed it. Who wouldn't enjoy a piece full of 16th notes and hand crossing and sleazy Italian talk?! (And check out Harrison trying hard to be cool about his trophy. He doesn't fool me for a second - it's got his name on it and it's gold! I bet it was under his pillow last night. :))
And now? Cheers to a month off! (Thanks to Brian's parents for the Thai food after the recital. They saved my life by sitting with Bridget during the whole recital. They sat in a hot room with a 2 year-old jumping up and down all over them, listening to Star Wars for an hour and they still bought us dinner!)
7 comments:
The recital went really well! My kids got a kick out of all the Star Wars because they at least knew that song! Don't let your parents fool you, I was sitting by Bridget the whole time and I actually couldn't believe how well behaved she was. I was jealous. She only asked for a drink a few times and that was it. Wonderful little angel you have there, Nicole!
I also wanted to let you know that I went on your sister Melissa's blog and I only missed 4, too - 2 if you don't count the extra points ones! I had to let you know because she bragged that she "schooled the whole room" - HAH!!
I DO count the extra points ones, Rae! Raise your hand next time.
Harrison was poker face because he didn't feel he did his best on his songs. We assured him he did very well and after he watched the video, the healing began.
Thanks for a fun evening and for teaching him so well.
It was awesome! Even though it was hot, for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to make it through all the 80+ people to get to the thermostat! Sorry I picked such a bad spot to sit! Your students were very good and I loved the Movie theme recital. I have had that room packed to capacity a number of times and it seems to be always hot. Star Wars was great, Quinn wants it to be HIS song next year. Here's to a month off!
Good, good job!
so sweet. what's up with all the recital interaction? that is so fun, i can't believe you put so much into it. and who doesn't want thai food afterwards?
may the force be with you!!!!
That is so great! I love it! You are so talented. And that picture in the trees is so cute!
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