April went by in a flurry of activity as we prepared for our annual Spring Recital.  As this was our 15th annual Spring Recital, we thought we would share a few “blasts from the past” and many of the students were excited to play their very first recital piece followed by their newly prepared piece from this year.  It was a special way to show just how much they’ve grown over the years.

In addition to the lovely piano solos, we had fun ensembles using keyboards, rhythm instruments and even just using our hands and bodies to do a lap, tap, clap, snap rhythm…even the audience got to participate!

Slipped into each program was a recital compliment exchange sheet that was inspired by fellow teaching colleagues, Swan Kiezebrink and Wendy Stevens (ComposeCreate.com).  Audience members were asked to listen to the solos and leave meaningful compliments for each performer.  This was embraced by most of the audience and in the end I had dozen of sheets of beautiful compliments to share with the students.  These compliment pages have now made a “Great Wall of Encouragement” in our studio for the students to read as they come to lessons this week.  I think they have all left the studio this week with an extra glow about them!

We wrapped up our lovely evening with what every celebration must have:  cake!  A huge thank you to all of you for so generously bringing the supplies we needed for this!  The Elliott family provided cake, the Sedore family helped me blow up balloons, and you all brought plenty of juice and water and treats and napkins and plates.  It was a truly beautiful night and I could never have done it without your help!  The only downside was the few pictures and videos, I managed to get.  I would love it if you would share some of your photos and videos with us!