I'm trying something new. My girls are not able to have piano recitals right now. Their teacher is on the road touring & performing a lot, as he should be. Obviously can't support his family with piano lessons alone. (http://www.william-joseph.com/) With his schedule he's not able to put together a recital. Anyway...I still feel the need to provide them with some type of opportunity to show off their developing talents. I think they need to have a goal to work for and then an accomplishment to show for it.
My idea is to have a "virtual recital." I've video taped them playing their 2 favorite songs each and you can view them here. If you are so inclined....maybe send them a note of congrats or encouragement? You can post something here on the blog or email it to me at osmondfreak@cox.net. I'll make sure they see all the comments. I think it will help boost their confidence a little. They both play really well and I think they should have a way to show off a little.
This first song is Emily playing "French Children's Song"
Our next song is Emily playing Jingle Bells. I have to mention that Emily taught this song to herself within the last week. She mastered 2 other Christmas songs that William taught her and was bored so she looked through the book for another one to work on.
Next is Ally. Her first song will be "Come Thou Fount". She brought this song to William and asked him if he thought it was one she could learn to play. He looked at it and simplified it a little and then started teaching her how to embellish and create her own arrangement. This is the arrangement that she did on her own.
Our last song is Ally playing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." I told her I would mention that she is still working on this one. She just started playing it, hands together this week. I really should give her another week to work on it before showing it but we are leaving town and time is running out. It's not an easy song, it's pushing her a little. Still she wanted to do a Christmas song. I knew you'd understand.
Thank you so much for viewing our special piano recital!! I hope you enjoyed it. I am very proud of my girls and all of the time and effort they put into their practicing. Again, if you would like to send them a note, they would love it. Thanks!
WOW! What talented pianists! Emily, you did a wonderful job. I look forward to your first CD! And Ally, I especially enjoyed "Come Thou Font". I loved your original arrangement. It won't be long until you'll be on tour with William Joseph! Keep up the good work and I look forward to next year's concert!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is "Wow!" Great job girls!!! Emily, I am so impressed you taught yourself Jingle Bells. I would never have known! It sounded so great. Ally, "Come Thou Fount" was beautiful. Your arrangement was amazing! Good for you girls. I know your teacher would be proud. And I'm sure your mom LOVES listening to that beautiful music around your home. Keep up the hard work and practice. You'll never be sorry. :o) And Amanda, thanks for sharing your talents with us. What a great idea!! Merry Christmas to your whole family.
ReplyDeleteAllie, I'm going to have to get Jonathan to listen to this because one of his favorite songs that he goes around the house singing is "Come Thou Fount"! You did a wonderful job on both songs! Excellent! I give you an A+! Now I need to go listen to Emily.
ReplyDeleteEmily, you did a wonderful job too. You girls are impressive! A+ also. Amanda, thanks for sharing. I felt like I was sitting in the house with you! Merry Christmas. (Wendy)
ReplyDeleteThey both do an awesome job! I can't believe Ally has that song memorized! I loved it. They both have such great talent. They are really lucky to have such a good teacher and that they seem to like to play. I hated my lessons growing up and totally regret today that I didn't want to play more. I can play now, but not that well! So tell them to keep it up because they will be grateful later.
ReplyDeleteWow, way to go, girls!! I loved Jingle Bells, Emily!
ReplyDeleteAnd Ally, holy cow...great stuff. It's awesome that you're creating and memorizing your own music. I love "Come Thou Fount"...great song and you played it well . =)
Keep it up, girls!
Wow you girls are amazing! I loved all of the songs. I wish I could play the piano like you. Emily I didn't know you could play so well you are fantastic. Ally that is the most beautiful arrangement of Come Thou Fount I have ever heard. That is one of my favorite songs. If you put that on a CD I would buy it. Keep up the good work girls. I am super impressed!
ReplyDeleteSister Smith
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful concert! Both Ally and Emily performed beautifully. I am so happy that they work so hard to improve their talents. I enjoyed their songs very much. Keep me posted on future performances.
ReplyDeleteWow!Wow!Wow! They are amazing! I sincerely cannot imagine making my brain work like they do! Your girls are extremely talented. I know William is so proud of them! As I am sure you are too! We will be excited to see the next "recital"!
ReplyDeleteWe are so impressed here in the Esquerra household. Emily, we loved both your songs, especially 'Jingle Bells". Jocelyn is always singing that song and we have grown to love it too. I can tell how hard and long you must have practiced to play it so well. Emily--I love "Come Thou Fount". It was so beautiful. We will enjoy listening to all your songs again and again as we visit your piano recital page. Thanks for letting us enjoy your talent with you.
ReplyDeleteAlly and Emily I am so impressed with your piano playing! I can tell you worked very hard, and it shows. I wish I could get my boys to practice as much as you two, because it makes all the difference. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Aunt Jenny
I am one of your biggest fans! Your talents are remarkable and I am so very proud of you two! Those songs were great. WE MISS YOU!!! My kids still often say how much they miss seeing you guys each week. I miss seeing how hard you work to be great at something you've been blessed with as a talent. Keep up the AWESOME work, you two have so much to offer.
ReplyDelete