The Piano Recital

We had the privilege of hosting Will's piano recital at our home this weekend.
When Will's teacher asked me if we would be willing to do it, I asked him if he had seen our piano!

I never would have dreamed when I painted this 1970's hand me down in my garage nine years ago, that the old girl would come through so well for us in a recital!
It is a relic for certain, but when I get it tuned, they always tell me that the piano is a good instrument in a beat up body.
I must admit that I was nervous that the E in the last octave that sticks a little, would act up every time the advanced player's left hand worked it's way down the keyboard! But we came through just fine!

I have to throw out the disclaimer that while I was proud of how the piano performed, it by no means eliminates my desire for a grand piano! Ha! Del reminds me of what a pain it would be to move it one day, but I think that we should cross that bridge when we come to it!

The group we hosted was made up of some really quality, good people! It was nice mingling with them over refreshments. I was thrilled that everyone felt comfortable staying to eat and talk and didn't feel they needed to run off right after.

I loved the elegant feel that the beatiful music brought into my home! That is one of the reasons that I was so happy to host. It was a pleasure to sit and listen to music played by sweet children, and dedicated teenagers. Good music truly does bring the Spirit of God, and I felt that during the recital. That was nice after the rush and stress of getting everything ready in the minutes before the participants arrived. I loved the memory of accomplishment in our home it created for my children.

Some pre- recital collaborating among the beginner players.

I went to buy flowers at Trader Joe's and they had so many pretty choices, I left with a few more than I probably needed. I was able to put together a nice sized arrangement for impact on the top of the piano, and two smaller ones for tables. Flowers are a weakness!

We filled every chair and then some! Good turn out!

When it was Will's turn to play, he stood up, set his book down on his chair and announced, "I am going to play without my book!"
Followed quickly by me whispering an anxious, "Are you sure?"
He got up there and played both his pieces so well from memory!

The humble/proud walk back to his seat in the middle of the applause.

Will's teacher, Mr. Steurrer, had some of the very advanced players he has taught, come to the recital to show the smaller ones what they can do one day. One of them played the theme song from "Pirates of the Caribbean" for fun after his serious piece. The kids liked that. Those students also have students of their own. So some of them came and joined in our recital.

Mr. Steurrer has small children, and he had his oldest, just seven, come and play the violin as an introduction at the start of the recital. His two year old son also plays! Crazy!

His daughter was so cute, and very good! He is a big believer in the Suzuki Method. After reading "Battle hymn of the Tiger Mother," I am also very interested in trying this method. (That book is another post of it's own! I really enjoyed it, but wow, that woman is intense!)

Georgia was fascinated by his daughter's violin. She held it up to try it out with Mr. Steurrer's instruction.
He said she has great natural form. I asked her if she is interested in taking lessons because we are starting her in piano this Summer, but she said that she wants to do it. Mr. Steurrer doesn't teach violin, so we would have to find a Suzuki Method instructor.
 Something to look into for sure!

I decided to do a selection of different muffins and juice for refreshments. The families all brought a treat to add to the table.
I got asked about nine times how I make the raspberry punch. It was a big hit!
(Thanks for the recipe Aunt Sandy!)

We had to try to get a decent shot of the family! Walker fell asleep on Del in the middle of the recital, so he was off napping though!

Here he is!
He was disappointed he had missed the party when he woke up. He told me as I put him to bed that night, " I missed the food, and the people."

I loved what one woman said while we were talking about staring kids in music. She said that it is a good idea to start them young, because then they learn that they can play an instrument, as well as all the other activities and interests they have as they get older. It helps them learn to fit more quality activities in because they are already in the habit of practicing. Rather than the mentality that there is not time that sometimes comes with age.
The recital renewed my level of commitment to encouraging my kids in music. It is such a rarity to play something so well! I know I wish I played the piano better than I do! With all the lessons I took, I have no one to blame but myself!

Hopefully we have many more recitals in our future!