Hope's First Piano Recital and Competition

February 9th: Hope's very first recital in a big hall with lots of people dressed fancy. Thanks to the Kators for coming to encourage Hope. She had to properly bring her music to the front, give it to the judges, bow before the recital, play, and bow again. Mom was more nervous for her than she was. The recital was at 2:30pm. Two judges sat in the front. She got a medal after playing. Later, she read the evaluation form. Very impressive work.

Lisa had her FIRST recital in 30 years as well. Both females in the family started taking piano lessons from September of 2012. The piano teacher thought it would be very therapeutic for Lisa to go before an audience and play again. The last time she played in front of people was more than 30+ years ago, and it was a disaster. She forgot her music then. So, this time, it was a chance to prove that it's OK to play in front of people and survive without any trauma. Definitely less trauma, but to go through that voluntarily is pretty tough.

Then, March 2, Hope played not just this movement but two more movements, called the Salty Sonatina by Peggy Noona before a judge for placement. It was so nerve wracking for mom. Hope did have a last minute melt down before the competition, saying she never wanted to play piano again. Mom said OK, but Hope had to pay back the competition fee if she didn't want to play anymore. After careful thought, Hope rescinded her comments and said she'd get back to work on her pieces.  Saturday, 2:40pm, she went into a small room where only she and the judge could sit. Mom stood outside and watched through a small window. She really did the best job she could, and we were so proud of her. She got a big hug and a big frozen yogurt with all the toppings for putting her best effort forward.  We didn't care if she won.

Later that night, the piano teacher, Mrs. Remtema called and said that Hope won and she had to play again Sunday, the 3rd, in order to get her trophy - her very first trophy.

So, back to the crowds to play her sonatina before lots of people. And she got her cool trophy.

Hope with her trophy. Her friend, Gabriel and Michael also competed and got honorable mention. Very proud of these kids. They worked hard!!!