Performing

Hee, ha, I love my job!  Earlier this month, my students performed their annual Halloween mini-recital for the residents of Sunrise Assisted Living.  The Activities Director had us set up in the cafe, a new performance space for us.  It was a more intimate space, easier for the residents to enjoy the children's performance.

It was a perfect performance.  The kids were happy to be there, enthusiastic to share their most recent repertoire, and they were well received.  They each played more than one selection; two girls had even composed their own creepy tunes.  I loved Opposite of Fun; Claire explained that it starts happy-go-lucky, but as the Halloween evening wears on, night begins to fall, and it gets scary. She did an excellent job,  and used most of the keyboard to describe the fright of the night.

The Sunrise staff is always welcoming, and treats the children and adult alike with cookies and juice after the performance.  The following week, we changed our focus to holiday music.  As musicians, we prepare to celebrate the holiday at least a month early, so by the time Christmas is upon us, we can play those carols with confidence.  Anyone walking by my house this month has heard many versions of Jingle Bells.  We're planning a Twelfth Night party to enjoy lots of Jingle Bells and other winter fare. Oh, I love this time of year!

 

Happy Halloween

My young students are gearing up for Halloween.  We are presenting a mini-recital at Sunrise Assisted Living next weekend.  The kids are excited; the music they have chosen is a whole lot of fun.  I even have one student who has written her own Halloween composition.  She calls it The Opposite of Fun, and she uses the whole keyboard to describe a spooky, not-so-fun Halloween night.

It's funny how different people respond to their assignments.  I told everyone that I was challenging them this fall.  I am pushing a little harder than in the past.  Some step right up to the plate, and conquer the tricky passages without much complaint.  Others look at the music and say that there's no way they can play it.  We approach it phrase by phrase, measure by measure if needed, and they come out claiming how easy it was to learn!

I am very proud of my students' achievements already this fall.  I'll write again after the mini-recital with a review of their performances.  I am looking forward to it.  Happy Halloween!