Today was Ashley’s piano recital! She was nervous going into it because she had 3 challenging and longer pieces. Two of the pieces were her own choice, the third was more of a teacher/parent choice which made it more challenging. She was the last solo performer of the day, followed by 2 high school aged ladies that performed a piano/vocal duet.  What made this recital a little different was that the first two performers were complete beginners (one hand at a time pieces), then a medium level, then a 7th and 9th grade pair of sisters who are fairly experience, then Ashley.

Ashley’s first piece was Canon in D. This was the one that her teacher encouraged her to do. It’s a staple piece that she felt all pianists should know because it is familiar to so many people in your audience.

Ashley’s second piece was her choice, “I Dreamed a Dream” from the Les Miz book. She has been working extra hard on things like dynamics and using those dynamics for emotional effect.

Ashley’s third piece was also her choice, “Fur Elise”. She wanted a harder version than the beginner one she play so long ago. So I went online and found it for her, and she learned it. She plans to continue practicing it so that she can enter the Solo and Ensemble context next February with it. I think she stands a good chance of a high mark at contest given what it sounds like already!

We have a choral concert on Tuesday, and that will wrap up our musical week!

On a sad note, today Kevin said a final goodbye to his friend Jon, who passed away on Mother’s Day at the age of 42 from colon cancer. Kevin was not able to attend Ashley’s recital, but he did reconnect with so many of his friends who all came out for the service. Jon lived locally, and Kevin spent many a gaming day playing with him. Kevin got to see him last weekend several times before he died, and Kevin was able to be helpful to Jon’s family, who he has known for decades as well.