Recital

Every November we head off to a local nursing home for our kids' piano recital. This year was an extra special recital. Riane is a senior and this is her last. She has been taking lessons since she was 5 years old. She started out working with me and then a teacher I found in Sidney. After we moved, I found Mrs. F. This is one fantastic teacher -- her prices are reasonable and she works 45 minutes with each student. She is somewhere in her 80's and she is tough, but kind. Riane and Mrs. F have formed a great bond over the last 9 years and it is sad to see it come to a close.

Here they are warming up for the recital.

This year we were at a new nursing home, with a beautiful interior and a lovely baby grand.

Mrs. F teaches more than Riane -- Mary has been taking lessons.

 I took the above shot just to see her dress. Mary has grown up!

She had a duet with Riane.

Adela, has started learning.

And Ricky.....

Ricky played a solo, but in this picture you can see all three: Mary, Adela and Ricky playing a trio together. There were a little nervous about getting all their counting right and ending together. But they pulled it off fantastically. Now that's a family in harmony.

Nope -- this guitar player belongs here. Braydon took lessons from Mrs. F as long as we required him. Then he informed her that he was switching to guitar. She didn't take it lightly and he had to politely argue his case with her. She finally said that if he learned anything good enough he could play at the recital. She had to hear him play the song once before he could be added to the program,but he did it -- and he taught himself.

She was happy with his playing and has already been offering him guitar pieces that she has run across.  As for Braydon, he was very proud of his listing in the program former student, now plays guitar.

Riane played Brahms Rhapsody. I could hardly believe that this was the little girl that tinkered away on our ancient old upright 12 years ago. Who would have thought? This is a thundering piece that tried my patience during practice at the house, but rocked my socks at the recital.

The seniors traditionally exchange gifts with Mrs. F. She gave them a lovely musical picture frame.

Riane gave her a picture she had cross stitched herself and had Dad frame for her. She wanted the gift to be personal.

Here's a little better picture of it:

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1