The Red Piano, Corpus Style

Last week my piano students had their Spring Recital. I arranged with a local piano store to have the performance in their showroom. The staff at the store are very generous about setting up some chairs and letting us use a beautiful piano for the special night.

The day of the recital I called to check on any last minute details. The lady helping me paused for a moment then asked if I would hold a minute. As I waited in the silence (where was the tinkling piano music?) I felt the panic rise. I had 25 people coming - what if the store backed out on me?!?

Then a voice on the line asked if I would be alright with using the red piano they had on display. With a relieved sigh I happily said "Of course!" and moved on with my day. What I did not know that that moment was that the piano was not just A red piano, it is THE Red Piano. From Elton John's Vegas Show! I am sure he used many pianos during the run of the show but this one was here in Corpus and signed with a flourish in gold pen.

When the kids walked in and realized that they had the chance to perform on the showy piano in the front they were so excited. Mix that in with a few pre-recital jitters and they were all pinging off the walls - in a polite way - if that is possible.

Each one of the students did such a great job. They had worked hard, practiced hard, and it really showed in each of the performances. Here is Ayke rocking her song.

Here is my neighbor and Parker's best friend, Brady Henderson. I think he was shaking in his boots but never missed a beat.

Many of the students prepared duets with me. I love playing duets with the kids. Here I am with my best teacher face saying, "You are going to do great, just listen to each other and play slowly."

Our last recital Whitney chickened out on playing her song. This year she had "Old Clock" rip-roaring-ready. Look at that face! Does that say it all?

Spencer LOVES the color red. Everything he owns if it is possible to have it in red. This piano was like a dream. He also nailed his songs. Totally perfect. I felt every note with him! I never knew that performances were so nerve racking as a parent.

Parker also playing some gorgeous tunes and with such feeling! If you know him at all you know that the fast and furious music he played suited him to a tee. He was kind of terrified too but made it through and out the other side to feel the triumph of a job well done.

Here is my motley crew. We could not get a shot with everyone's faces but this is most of them. Here they are all finished and feeling that great relief. At this point I was bursting. Pride, relief, happiness, and all tinged with a bit of sadness. The last time I would do this with this group of great kids.

The past couple years of teaching my students have taught me a few things also. I understand that patience is a virtue and it can be sorely tested by no practicing and low wrists. That every teacher can tell when you are not prepared and can tell when you have truly put in the time to do your best. Students never really get away with what they imagine they do. I understand how much I do love music, that I am more passionate about music in my life that I would have considered myself three years ago. I love to teach. I don't care what it is. Sunday school, water aerobics, kick-boxing, activity days, piano, whatever. I love to share knowledge, to give and receive the lessons shared between students and teachers. How fortunate I have been to share this little slice of life with these extraordinary people.

Especially these three.

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