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Dear Piano
Explorer,
In November 2009
I was chosen to participate in a piano competition at my school in
the U.K. and I had to play two pieces: "In Smyrna" by Elgar and "Birks
Works" by Gillespie, arranged by Peter Churchill. I won first prize
in my group for my first piece, "In Smyrna." I was quite excited
because the notice came only 3 weeks before the actual competition.
The small amount of time I had made me practice almost every
morning, before going to school. I'd like to share some of my
techniques of how to practice the piano.
I always keep a metronome with me in my pocket. It helps me with my
rhythm and my sense of pulse.
A lot of the time, people forget about dynamics of a piece when
practicing. I often focus on the dynamics more than other things
once the notes are right. Fingering is important too. Good fingering
makes life much easier!
Finally, I think that art and culture gives the music more color.
"In Smyrna" was composed in Western Turkey, so I think of the
weather, which must be quite mild and rainy. The art is Islamic;
full of elegant designs and Arabesques. I can see harbors, waves,
and dunes when I
play
the whole piece through.
Pawat S., 14, United Kingdom
Poems
Put It All Together
Get a staff.
Get a clef.
Get some notes
And a rest of two.
Put it all together
And now you have a tune.
Trevor F., Texas
Student of Debra Hadfield
Me and My Piano
The black and white keys are always there for me,
Happy or sad, down the stairs and to the left they will be.
The music flows through my soul,
Fast or slow, it makes me a whole.
I press down on the pedal to make the notes one,
But the song is soon to be done.
Even if the music has gone away,
In my heart it's here to stay.
Stephanie V., age 10, Pennsylvania
Student of Kerry Drombosky
I Wish
I was sheet music,
So that someone's feelings, expressions, ideas
Would be written;
Enveloping me like a blanket.
Who could enchant minds,
Young and old,
With the melodic tune that surrounds me.
And on my piano, my home, I'd sit
And wait.
For new minds to share my song.
Elizabeth G., age 14, Pennsylvania,
Student of Kerry Drombosky
Composing
Notes fly in the air.
The song is in my head and
It rings in my ear.
My hands tap the keys.
Easy to get lost in thought,
It puts me at ease.
It's finally done.
I hear it all around me.
The song comes to life.
Sarah H., age 17, Pennsylvania,
Student of Kerry Drombosky
Two colorful Keys
Black keys are black
White keys are white
I have a knack
For playing them right.
I love piano
I hope you do too;
Maybe right now
I can play for you.
This one is called
Two colorful keys,
I love piano
And I play with glee.
Guess what?
I know a famous pianist,
That's me!
Well, some day
...Just maybe?
by Bekah H., age 11, California
Student of Deborah Lagomarsino
Writing a Song
I'm at my keyboard,
Playing all my favorite songs,
Having a great time.
My mind goes crazy,
I start playing random keys,
I've composed a song.
I repeat my song,
Playing it repeatedly,
I'm a musician.
Genelle J., age 11, Pennsylvania,
Student of Kerry Drombosky
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