Bach on Wood

Check out this huge wooden xylophone playing a part of Bach’s Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben in the middle of the forest. The video is made by Japanese mobile operator NTT Docomo to promote their Touch Wood phone.

And behind the scenes....

Make Note...

I will not be giving lessons on the following dates:

• December 24
• December 25
• December 26
• December 27
• December 28
• December 29
• December 30
• December 31

Lessons will resume January 2.

New Medalists!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

 

The following students received medals in the recent Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) Student Affiliate State Theory Test

Receiving Gold Medals: 

Victor L. - Grade 3 

William L. - Grade 7 

Samuel H. - Grade 10 

Receiving Bronze Medals: 

Corey H. - Grade 4 

Savannah N. - Grade 5 

Let's have a thunderous ovation for these students!

Enjoy!

Double Bravo and Congratulations!

William and Victor (brothers) both received Superior with honor ratings at the Richardson Music Teachers Fall Festival. The Fall Festival focuses on different music from each historical period of music. This year, twentieth century styles of music were featured. William played the first movement of Bela Bartok's Sonatina, and Victor played Dmitri Shostakovitch's A Funny Story. 

After performing in the Honors Recital that evening, Victor received his 15 point trophy, and William received his 30 point trophy. In each Festival the boys have entered, they have always received the highest rating of Superior with honor. Victor has played in 3 Festivals and William has played in 6 Festivals. Five points at each Festival was awarded towards their trophy accumulation of points.

Congratulations, Victor!

Victor received a first place trophy and ribbon in the Dallas Piano Solo Competition held this past Saturday, November 5, 2011. The competition, hosted every year by the Dallas Music Teachers Association, was held at the Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

Students enter according to divisions which are based on their ages. Victor entered Division 1, which is for students who are 8 years or younger as of September 1, 2011. Division 1 contestants were allowed to select one piece from Dmitri Shostakovich’s collection of children’s pieces in his opus 69 Children’s Album. Victor chose to play the piece, “A Funny Story” - a brisk comical piece. 

This is Victor’s second competition in which he has been awarded a top prize. He took second place in his age division in the Hubbard Piano Competition earlier this year. 

Christmas Around the Corner

Recently, I was privileged to join some of my colleagues as a reviewer of new Christmas music for piano students. Each reviewer had 12 minutes to showcase some of the new Christmas arrangements available this year for teaching. About 35 piano teachers in the area were present. I found some great collections which I will be sharing with my students in the weeks ahead.

Pender's Music Company has a rich history of providing music for band, orchestra, choir, piano teachers and more since 1967. The original store is still in Denton with branches in Oklahoma City and Carrollton, which is the location where I purchase most of the music for my piano students.