It’s that time of year again…my chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs’ Junior Festival! As a member, I have the opportunity to invite my students to participate; I’m super excited for the 9 who will be playing in the piano solo category on Sunday. I kept the group small this year being a relative newcomer (this is only my 2nd year as a member), but I plan to enter most of my students in 2012.
Last year was a learning experience for both my students and I — in fact, I’m pretty sure that I was more nervous than they were. (For the record, each of them received a superior rating.) But now that I know what to expect, I’m looking forward to two weekends full of beautiful piano playing. I have the best job as auditor, since my work happens after each performance.
My studio has been Festival-focused since October, and we are all ready to move on to new music. But all of the hard work will be 100% worth it when I have lots of new pictures on the bulletin board of my students holding their certificates and wearing big smiles on their faces :)
I used to participate in Jr. Festival when I was taking piano lessons. It was a wonderful experience for me, and my favorite of all the festivals or competitions I ever did. Good Luck to you and your students!
Thanks so much, Carol! It is an excellent experience for students, especially the younger ones who haven’t played in public yet.