Festival. Is hard to describe, so I'm just quoting a blurb from their website.
SYAMF.org
The Festival was launched in 1970 as a forum to help young musicians better understand music and enjoy performing without the pressure of being measured against their peers. Students perform individually or in small groups before professional music educators whose mission is to nurture confidence and guide students toward improved technical and musical performance.
Sixth months of preparation boil down to a 10 minute block of time to perform, and a 10 minute block of time to get feedback from the adjudicator.
Over the years it's really helped me grow as a musician. But not only that, it signifies the end of my time with Kate, my piano teacher.
I played my Mazurkas better than I feel I've ever played them, but thus ends a chapter in my life. Time to move on to better things.
As a bit of an ironical twist, one of the other students in my class was playing a Scherzo, No. 2 Op. 31 in Bflat minor by Chopin, that is of significance to Kate. The description is lengthy, so I'll spare you, but basically Kate attended Stanford and the head of the piano department used to think she was no good. He ended up eating his words when he heard her play this piece.
Usually I'd be intimidated by a piece of that size, but I wasn't all the impressed with the girl's interpretation of it ^^
Anyways, SYAMF is done for, and I can start playing some new pieces. I've already picked out a Chopin Waltz, No. 1 Op. 18 in E flat major, and I'm going through some Debussy pieces. There's a Bach suit that we looked at earlier in the year that'll probably pick back up again. We'll see.
Moving on.
