HONORS RECITAL - Winners are Alex, Lilia and Megan--congratulations! Winners are featured at the Honors Recital after M.A.P.
Alternates are Chloe, Sky and Gavin.
End of the Year Piano Updates & Summer Lessons
Happy Mother's Day 2018!
END OF THE YEAR: GUILD, RECITAL
The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and Guild/Recital/End of Piano Quarter is even sooner--three more weeks as of this coming Tuesday! I will be sending home Guild sheets this coming week which contain a summary of all required elements of the exam at the National level--10 items! I told many students that THIS WEEK is the week to get the pieces polished and memorized, so there is enough time to feel comfortable and focus on artistry and expression, rather than notes and memory. I am so proud of these kids, they have worked hard all year and really sound wonderful! Quite a few students have learned over 20 pieces this year; several are over 30 pieces, and one is close to 40! Families, wouldn't it be a great experience for students to put on a mini-recital for grandparents, neighbors, and friends? Please consider having them share their music with others! If any of you are interested in playing in a retirement center or nursing home or other community center, let me know, and I can help you set something up! They are so appreciative!
SUMMER LESSONS AND CAMP
Summer lessons are available these weeks on a limited basis. Please let me know which weeks would work for you. If your student is planning to do the Concerto Competition in November at the Intermediate or Advanced levels, 2 lessons *minimum* are required.
June 11
June 18
June 25
July 9
July 16 (also Ensemble Piano Camp at my home)
August lessons (TBA)
Music Artistry Program 2018 Update
The 2018 Music Artistry Program (formerly known as Adjudications) took place the week of March 15, with Sandra Mauchley as our adjudicator/Visiting Artist. Sandra was positive and encouraging and had helpful comments for everyone! Students all worked hard, showing excellent preparation. She selected these students for special honors:
HONORS RECITAL - Winners: Alex, Lilia and Megan--congratulations! Alternates: Chloe, Sky and Gavin. Good job to everyone!
WSMTA HONORS RECITAL COMPETITION -Lilia and Chloe received an Honorable Mentions and will receive a gold medallion on their certificates!
Chloe Performs for the Masterworks Chorale Ensemble Concert!
On April 14, our own Chloe was the featured "Youth Guest Artist" onstage at the Washington Center for the Masterworks Chorale Ensemble Concert. As the winner of the MCE Youth Competition last spring, Chloe was given this opportunity to perform, as well as a cash scholarship. Way to go, Chloe!
MCE's concert was all about Women Composers, entertaining the crowd with pieces by Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Libby Larsen, Fanny Mendelssohn, and others. Chloe played Polonaise 1 & 2 from Clara Schumann's Quatre Polonaise, Op. 1. Clara was the same age as Chloe when she composed these four pieces. Chloe played with a youthful energy that those listening could imagine Clara herself had!
Chloe smiling in front of her poster at the Washington Center. This must be after her performance, she looks so happy!
Biography from the concert program
Concert program cover art
Allen Studio Featured in National Piano Magazine!
Our entire studio was selected to be featured in the Spring 2018 issue of "Piano Guild News!" Especially mentioned are our 5-year National Winners, Eleanor and Luke. Congratulations to everyone! I'm looking forward to another great Guild Performance from each of you!
L to R: Hannah, Gavin, Lucas, Luke, Judson, Lucy, Eleanor, Makayla, Megan, Tyler, Lilia, Henry, Chloe, Isabella, Viveka, Ramona
Hannah featured in National Piano Magazine for scholarship!
Hannah has been featured in the Spring 2018 issue of the "Piano Guild Notes" as a recipient of the Gladys Smisor Memorial Scholarship. Read all about it below. Congratulations, Hannah!
Lilia and Chloe take on the Chopin NW 2018!
Two students from our studio, Lilia and Chloe, took part in the 15th Chopin NW Piano Competition. Featuring all piano music of Chopin, it was a day filled with beautiful music and incredible performances. There were 6 divisions according to age, from under 9 years old to 18 year olds and adults.
RESULTS: Chloe won the Silver Medal in the 10-11 year category! Congratulations on your hard work and exceptional performance, Chloe! You can see her competition performance: https://youtu.be/_xkC1QK_zLE; as well as her performance at the Winners' Recital here: https://youtu.be/fa89RkPE7rY
A message from the President of the Chopin NW, Allan Park, summarizes the event:
Dear Chopin NW Winners, RESONANCE Manager, teachers and board members,
WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY! Four rooms, four judges, 170 contestants, 32 hours of Chopin’s music and thousands of practicing hours brought us to this pivotal point to say CONGRATULATIONS to you all! You deserve the spotlight and I am certain that we will have a beautiful Gold and Silver Medalists’ Concert tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 pm (Gold Medalists) and 4:30 (Silver Medalists)!
Chloe and Lilia are all smiles after the Chopin NW!
Concerto Competition 2017 Results
Congratulations to Luke, Gavin, Viveka, Isabella, Sky, Chloe, Lilia, Megan and Alex for beautiful performances at the 2017 OMTA Concerto Competition! It was an impressive group of almost 60 young pianists from the greater Olympia region, performing concerti from Elementary to Advanced repertoire. The audience had a memorable time, as the above students played so musically and masterfully. Full results can be found on the olymta.org website in the next few days.
From our studio, special awards go to:
Isabella (2nd prize, Lower Intermediate);
Sky (HM, Upper Intermediate);
Chloe (1st prize, Upper Intermediate);
Lilia (HM, Advanced A);
Alex (2nd prize, Advanced B);
Megan (3rd prize, Advanced B).
Congratulations to all of you!
Viveka and Isabella played beautifully in the Intermediate A Division. Isabella received 2nd place!
Sky and Chloe performed in the Intermediate B Division. Sky received HM and Chloe 1st prize! Michael (student of Beecher who photobombed us and also was accompanied by Ramona), received 2nd prize.
Megan performed Rhapsody in Blue and was awarded 3rd prize in Advanced B. Lilia played Mozart #21 for an HM, and Alex was awarded 2nd prize for his Shostakovich #2!
Alex and Megan show off their hardware!
Fall Master Lessons & Classes
Dr. Oksana Ezhokina (PLU) has a knack for putting a new spin on our music! Fun(ny) and helpful phrases include: "Be a drama queen!" "Make it sound like melting chocolate." "Be surly! Show us your swagger!" "Have fun jumping! Feel like you're punching a cookie cutter."
Daniel Lebhardt, a young Hungarian pianist of YCA fame, came to St. Martin's Univ for a concert and masterclass. Mr. Lebhardt was extremely detailed, quietly listening for every tiny nuance! He urged the students to "Be strict with yourself! Ask yourself, was it good enough? If not, do it again until it is. Another quote of his: "Always remember, you play piano with your ears, not your hands!"
Summer 2017 Music Making
Summer Recitals by Chloe, Isabella, Lilia & Megan:
These four students performed recitals at local retirement centers this summer, much to the delight of those in attendance!
Chloe performed her first solo recital (at 10 years old!) and did a musical and masterful showcase.
Isabella and her two brothers, Ben (violin) and Jacob (cello) perform as the Swords and Shields Trio. They were very well received, especially an original composition by one of the brothers!
Lilia and Megan performed a duo recital to a lovely and appreciative crowd, pleasing them with their National Guild concert repertoire.
What a wonderful way to contribute to our community and to create a musical afternoon or evening for others!
Other summer musical activities included:
Lilia: Icicle Creek Piano Camp, Appletree Productions (piano)
Megan: Poomba in the Lion King (CTE), Appletree Productions (piano)
Alex: CTE and Appletree Productions--lighting, stage design, piano and violin
Chloe wins the MCE Youth Competition!
Congratulations to our own Chloe on winning the Elementary Division of the Masterworks Chorale Ensemble! She performed a Chopin Prelude and a Waltz for a panel of 4 judges. Competition was stiff, as the level of playing was very high! As a prize winner, she will be featured in a MCE concert for the 2018-19 season, along with the winners of the Middle and High School division, Maya and Caddie. Good job to all three of them, and to all who performed!
For information on MCE and their upcoming concerts, please go to mce.org.
Lucas and Alex are in the National Piano Guild magazine!
Check out this article on Lucas and Alex in the National Piano Guild magazine, a quarterly publication of the American College of Musicians. Both are 5 year National Winners. Congratulations!
Hannah and Chloe receive accolades at ACM!
On April 1st, Hannah and Chloe participated the 8th annual ACM Young Musicians Competition. Hannah played Liszt's Liebestraume No. 3 and received 2nd prize (Div. 4), and Chloe played Chopin's Minute Waltz and received an Honorable Mention (Div. 1 only receives HM's). The adjudicator was Dr. Balabanova. Congratulations to both of you!
Adjudications 2017
Congratulations to everyone on a successful Piano Adjudications 2017! Professor Jeffrey Gilliam, professor of piano at Western Washington University, had many helpful insights for all. Good job, everyone!
Quite a few of our students were selected as winners for the Honor Recital:
Upper Level Winners: Hannah, Megan (Alternate: Lilia)
Lower Level Winners: Isabella, Judson (Alternate: Viveka)
Honorable Mentions: Alex, Eleanor, Chloe, Gavin
Chopin Piano Competition Results: Lilia is the winner!
Congratulations to Lilia, the Chopin Piano Competition winner of the Intermediate Division!
As part of her win, she received a cash prize, gifts from the City of Lacey/Sister City in Poland, and a performance with the Polish pianist, Jacek Nazarczuk, along with the winner from the Advanced Division. The concert was held at SPSCC Minnaert Center on March 25.
This competition happened on the same day as Adjudications, so it was quite a full musical day for all the competitors! Each young pianist had to prepare 4 memorized Chopin pieces: 2 Preludes, 1 Waltz, and 1 Mazurka. A very impressive feat!
The other competitors from our studio were: Megan, Chloe and Alex. I'm so proud of all of you!
Lilia performs with the Olympia Chamber Orchestra!
Check out the video of Lilia's exciting performance with the OCO and guest conductor, Dr. Tigran Arakelyan. She rocked the house!
This performance is one prize of Lilia's win in the Concerto Competition in November.
Piano Pal Project Conclusion!
For the past 7 or 8 years, we have done a composition project called "Piano Pal". Every year, we are excited and impressed by what each student has to share. This year was no different! At our Jan. 31 Group Classes, we heard their original compositions.
Inspired by their friends, there were descriptive titles such as: "Star Wars Monkey", "Turmoil", "Two Points in a Volleyball Match (a Really Sad One)", "Puppies in the Snow", "Chana Masala", and "Ocean Night". Others were to the point and used the friend's name, ie. "Lucas's Song" and "Megan".
Ask them to compose you an original song!
Concerto Fest is a great success!
The 17th Annual OMTA Concerto Fest took place this past Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Washington Center. Over 50 young and talented pianists from Olympia participated. Our studio had 7 students represent us, and EVERYONE did a FANTASTIC job! It is incredibly inspiring to see and hear what these students are achieving. I am so proud of each of them, and boy, did they all work hard and stretch themselves. Hooray!
In the Elementary division, Lucas and Gavin did some of their finest work! In Intermediate, Chloe won 1st prize, yeay! Alex and Isabella earned an Honorable Mention! In Advanced, Megan and Lilia were amazing! Lilia won 1st prize! As the winner of an advanced division, Lilia will play with the orchestra (OCO) in the spring. More details will follow, as we would like to celebrate this occasion with the whole studio! Full results are posted on the OMTA website: olympiamusicteachers.org.
GREAT JOB, EVERYONE!
Emerald City Music: Concert Reviews by Isabella and Viveka!
A Review of the Emerald City Music Concert
By Isabella Shields
I recently went to an Emerald City Music Concert. It wasn’t what I expected. Some concerts can get dry, but these performers mixed it up by starting with a jazzy piece called Souvenirs, Suite for Piano Four Hands by Barber. It was inspired by the music you would hear at a 1900’s New York salon. Next, a violinist and pianist impressed the audience by playing a lively piece titled Birdsong for Violin and Piano. The music’s rapid movement of notes resembled a bird’s chirping. The third song they performed—and probably my favorite—was named Techno Parade for Flute, Clarinet, and Piano. It was an interesting piece because the pianist put paper on the strings on the inside of the piano and started tapping it like a drum. The modern and exciting tune kept the enthusiastic crowds on the edge of their seats, and the pianist out of his! Then a different group—an ensemble called Windsync—played Six Bagatelles for Wind Quintet. They explained that a Bagatelle is a short, unpretentious piece. I asked my mom what “unpretentious” means and she said that it’s when you’re not trying to show off. On the last piece Emerald City Music made a decision to do something a bit more traditional and performed Souvenir de Florence for String Sextet by Tchaikovsky. Some movements of the piece were slow others were faster. Over all, the performers were spectacular and it was a worthwhile concert.
Isabella is a spunky and sparkling 5th grader at Pioneer Elementary, who does her best in everything she puts her mind to! A totally creative type, she loves writing, composing music and reading great books. She and her two big brothers have formed a trio called the Swords and Shields Trio!
Emerald City Music Concert Review by Viveka
The concert was amazing in many different ways. The music was meticulously crafted and expressed different tones throughout the concert.
The Barber piece was a light and fun piece that had a big range of notes, and some notes that were faster and some notes that were a lot longer. I really liked that song because it wasn't fast enough that you couldn’t understand it or so slow that you would get bored. Overall, this was a great song.
The Birdsong was a piece that jumped from quick, short notes to long notes that led to suspenseful rests. While in my opinion, it wasn’t the most enjoyable song, it was well played.
The Techno Parade was very fast paced; sounded like it might be in an action and adventure movie. It looked like lots of work for the pianist to 1) learn the song, and 2) stand up and tap on the paper while playing the music. It was full of energy!
I really enjoyed the Six Bagatelles. The word ‘bagatelle’ means ‘a short musical piece in a light style’. This piece fit that definition well. It was played by and unusual ensemble consisting of flute, piccolo, oboe, bassoon, french horn and clarinet. These are not instruments I’d have expected in anything less than a full orchestra and yet they worked together so well in this piece.
The Tchaikovsky was a classical piece that was easy to listen to and enjoy. I really liked how when one instrument was done with their section, another instrument picked the tune up. Overall, it was a well crafter beautiful piece.
Altogether, this was a wonderful concert for the variety of musical styles they showcased.
Viveka is a vivacious 6th grader who excels at school, music, and at the gym! Besides piano, she also plays cello, dances and has been a competitive gymnast. She can even do splits on the piano bench!
New Chopin Piano Competition Coming to Town!
BIG NEWS! A brand new piano competition is coming to town, put on by the Lacey, WA & Minsk Mazowieki, Poland, Sister City Association! Below is the email from the Chopin Competition Liaison, Vicki Tobin.
Chopin Competition 2017
Hello Colleagues!! It is with great urgency that I send to you the necessary information for application to engage your students in our newest area competition. This invitation is only going out to Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Clark, Cowlitz and the southwestern counties. PLEASE send this attachment out to your area teachers as soon as you are able!!
The Lacey/Minsk-Mazowiecki (birthplace of Chopin) Sister City Association is planning a wonderful event during March 2017. It will not only include an art exhibit with a Polish Guest artist but also a Chopin competition with a culminating concert, Guest Artist from Poland and awards - located at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.
The purse is healthy, the opportunity is wonderful and the information is attached. Please, please disseminate this information to your area teachers as soon as possible. As we all know, it takes time to put together four Chopin pieces and we are getting close!
Feel free to email me with questions - vjtobin38@gmail.com
Happy Fall!!
Vicki Jardine Tobin
Competition Liason
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR VERY FIRST
LACEY-MINSK MAZOWIECKI SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION Sponsored:
CHOPIN FESTIVAL AND COMPETION!!
DATES: March 20-23, 2017 Competition Trials
Concert for Winners – Saturday March 25, 2017 @ 7:30pm
South Puget Sound Community College
Minnaert Center for the Performing Arts
Olympia, WA
Rules, Repertoire and Application fees:
- Intermediate Division application fee - $30
Ages – 12-15
First Place Prize money - $500
- Advanced Division application fee - $50
Ages – 16-23
First Place Prize money - $1000
WINNER OF EACH CATEGORY TO PERFORM IN THE CONCERT on MARCH 25 with our GUEST ARTIST from MINSK MAZOWIECKI, POLAND – Jacek Nazarczuk!!!
2017 LACEY- MINSK MAZOWIECKI CHOPIN FESTIVAL RULES AND APPLICATION PROCESS
1. The Application period will be between October 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017.
2. APPLICATION FORMS AND APPLICATION PAYMENT WILL BE BY EMAIL ONLY. Once you submit your application, there will be no changes allowed. Please submit: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL, and SELECTION OF PIECES TO BE PERFORMED to BOTH vjtobin38@gmail.com and clarkson9067@msn.com
3. The Lacey Minsk Mazowiecki Chopin Competition and Festival encourages applications from pianists (U.S. citizens or U.S. residents) of ages 12-23.
4. Application fees for accepted participants are non-refundable. There may be SCHOLARSHIPS available to help supplement fees on a needs basis. Please contact us ASAP.
5. The repertoire is limited to the music of Frederic Chopin.
6. Competition will take place during the week of March 20-23, 2017. Scheduling will be by both phone and emailed confirmation and once scheduled should not be changed.
7. 2017 Students are NOT required to be present other than 30 minutes prior to competing.
8. All students MUST register with the Chopin Check In Desk located in the SPSCC Minnaert Center lobby 30 minutes prior to assigned competing time.
9. Students will receive confirmation of their performance time both by phone and by email. These will be sent no later than March 1, 2017.
10. Students are NOT allowed to exchange time slots unless there is permission from competition staff. 11. Divisions: See below.
12. Warm up time should be allowed at the performance site.
13. Original scores of the music must be approved at the Festival registration desk. Photocopied music is NOT allowed per copyright law.
14. Measures must be numbered.
15. Music must be memorized
16. Any changes or omissions of the entered repertoire will disqualify the student from prize winning though they will still be allowed to play.
17. After performing, students are responsible to pick up their music from the room monitor.
18. The judges’ decisions are final. Please make every effort to stay for the announcement of winners of your division and pick up certificates and adjudication sheets. We will do our best to post the competition results in the Minnaert Center by Thursday afternoon March 23, 2017.
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS:
For the Intermediate pianists (12-15 years of age), please choose 4 (four) pieces from the following repertoire:
Any TWO PRELUDES from OP. 28(No. 4, 6, and 7 are considered a lower level Prelude but are acceptable for this competition when coupled with a Prelude of more advanced level)
TWO pieces from the following two categories:
MAZURKAS:
F# Minor, Op. 6, No. 1
Bb Major, Op. 7, No. 1
A Minor, Op. 7, No. 2
C Major, Op. 7, No. 5
G Minor, Op. 24, No. 1
B Minor, Op, 30, No. 2
F Minor, Op. 63, No. 2
G Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
A Minor, Op. 68, No. 2
F Major, Op. 68, No. 3
WALTZES:
A Minor, Op. 34, No. 2
Db Minor, Op. 64, No. 1
C# Minor, Op. 64, No. 2
Ab Minor, Op. 64, No. 3
Ab Major, Op. 69, No. 2
B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2
F Minor, Op. 70, No. 2, Op. Posth.
E Minor, Op. Posth
A Minor, Op. Posth.
Eb Major, Op. Posth.
Repertoire for the advanced pianists (16-23 yrs of age), please choose 4 (Four) pieces from the following repertoire:
1. Two Etudes, one from each group (a & b) indicated below:
a) From Op. 10: C major No.1, C-sharp minor No.4,
G-flat major No. 5, F major No. 8, C minor No. 12;
From Op. 25: A minor No. 11.
b) From Op. 10: A minor No. 2; C major No. 7,
A-flat major No. 10, E-flat major No. 11;
From Op. 25: A minor No. 4, E minor No. 5,
G-sharp minor No. 6, and B minor No. 10.
2. One of the following pieces:
• Nocturne in B major, Op. 9 No. 3
• Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 1
• Nocturne in D flat major, Op. 27 No. 2
• Nocturne in G major, Op. 37 No. 2
• Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1
• Nocturne in F sharp minor, Op. 48, No. 2
• Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 55 No. 2
• Nocturne in B major, Op. 62 No. 1
• Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3
• Etude in E flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6
• Etude in C sharp minor, Op. 25 No. 7
3. One of the following pieces:
• Ballade in G minor, Op. 23
• Ballade in F major, Op. 38
• Ballade in A flat major, Op. 47
• Ballade in F minor, Op. 52
• Barcarole in F sharp major, Op. 60
• Fantasia in F minor, Op. 49
• Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
• Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31
• Scherzo in C sharp minor, Op. 39
• Scherzo in E major, Op. 54
FOR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT :
Vicki Jardine Tobin, Piano Competition Liason at vjtobin38@gmail.com
Barbara Clarkson, Sister City Association Liason at clarkson9067@msn.com
Chip Schooler, SPSCC Orchestra Director at cschooler@spscc.edu
*NOTE CONCERNING AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
1. Cell phone and pagers must be turned off at all times in the performance or concert halls.
2. Use of cameras, video or audio recording equipment is not permitted in the performance rooms.
3. Talking is not permitted in the competition rooms during the performance.
4. No small children are allowed in the competition rooms.
5. Enter and exit the performance rooms only between performances.
TEACHERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME AT THE COMPETITION, AND THE CONCERT PERFORMANCES.