Amplify one, then amplify all.

Last night was the final round of Greeley's version of the Kiwani's Stars of Tomorrow competitions.  We had three students from our piano studio make it into the finals and they all played quite well, but none of them won.  Nonetheless, it was a very positive experience for all.  Furthermore, all of the winners played well and deserved recognition.  Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions were all awarded to pianists all from the same family.  The Best in Show award went to a high school violinist.

O.K., here is the gripe.  This is a talent show that accepts any kind of performer.  Singers and dancers are very popular and are always amplified.  In between singers, there are young pianists that are not amplified.  They sound like they are playing in another zip code.  The only way to compete in this situation is to resort to theatrics and banging the piano to smithereens.  Therefore, tasteful, polished performances don't stand a chance against loud, crass, and sloppy playing.  This is especially true in the elementary and middle school divisions because of smaller hands and smaller sounds.  If everyone were amplified then the pianists would be on equal footing with the 7 year olds singing something cute, the middle schoolers singing something country (and flat!), and the High-schoolers singing something inappropriate.  Not only that, but the expressive players would be on equal footing with the pounders.

It would be nice if they would have the piano tuned as well.  Maybe that's why they won't amplify the pianos...

Piano Olympics

In August, our students began the tenuous track many Olympic athletes have to endure.  Long hours of practicing, and many more spent studying music theory.  The last Saturday of each month, our students who are in Kindergarten - 5th grade, have had a heart pounding, edge of your seat competition brewing with the  "Gould and Fall Piano Olympics".  

Each class came up with their own team/country name. The boys class came up with the "Do Re Birds" vs. the "Musical Demented Doom Chamber" or MDDC for short.  The girls class has a heated competition between the "Egyptian Tones", and the "Bass States".  So far, the "MDDC" is in the lead for the boys class, and in the girls class, the "Egyptian Tones" have a hefty lead over the "Bass States".  We have one Master Class left this semester and anything can happen!

WINNERS COMPETITION

The winners from the GIRLS class will compete against the winners of the BOYS class on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00am - 1:00pm.  We will know which teams will compete after April 25th.

The winners competition will be a non stop hour of fun activities including:  Note naming, rhythm bee, animal antic improv's, do re mi watch your step, and more....

PIZZA PARTY FOLLOWING THE FINAL COMPETITION!!!!!!

Achievement Day

On Saturday, April 18th, many of our students will take part in the annual Greeley Area Music Teacher's Association Achievement Day.  This is open to students of all levels, and from Kindergarten to 12th grade.  They have the opportunity to hear feedback from another teacher, polish and prepare 2 pieces, and complete at least 2 music related options.  Our students receive positive feedback from their evaluator, as well as suggestions for improvement.  Once all the requirements are complete, students receive a Colorado State Music Teacher's Association certificate of participation.