March 21, 2014 at 1:38 p.m.
Piano recital showcases local musical talent
Piano recital showcases local musical talent
Piano students from around the area performed a variety of songs to demonstrate how far they've come in learning the instrument.
The players performed on a restored Steinway Model B piano coordinated and funded through the efforts of the Hodags Schools Foundation and a gift donation provided by Dori Brown.
The Hodag Schools Foundation provided information about the Steinway Model B and said the students were playing on a piano of the highest quality.
"Over 1,600 prominent concert artists and ensembles across the world bear the title Steinway artist," they wrote in the program handed out at the recital. "No artist or ensemble is a paid endorser of the piano. Steinway remains the choice of nine out of 10 concert artists and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world."
The young piano players also enjoyed several other upgrades to the auditorium. Both the sound and lighting systems were upgraded, and the stage was extended. These upgrades were gifts from the Hodag Schools Foundation.
The recital started at 2 p.m. and lasted for about an hour and a half with each student performing one song.
There were pieces by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Lorrie Line and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as jazz, blues and boogie songs.
Samantha Smith said the recital was a fun way to showcase what she's been working on.
"A long time ago, my grandma put me in piano and I've loved it ever since," she said. "I started playing about seven years ago. I played "Dance Brillante." I chose this piece because I did it last year for solo ensemble and I really liked the feeling it has. I really like the upbeat, ballet-like feeling it has."
While most of the performers played classical music, a few branched out. One student performed "Say Something" by Christina Aguilera and "A Great Big World."
Students have practiced for months to prepare for the recital.
Smith said she's been looking forward to the event.
"For this concert, right after solo ensemble, which was in February, I started practicing for today," she said. "It's been a month or two. I was really nervous but I thought it went pretty well."
Donations for the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry were accepted at the door.
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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