The piano students of Joyce Anglemyer recently played an awards recital, which included part of the programs they had earlier prepared for participation in the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions. Every year, the National Piano Teachers Guild sends a
The piano students of Joyce Anglemyer recently played an awards recital, which included part of the programs they had earlier prepared for participation in the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions.
Every year, the National Piano Teachers Guild sends a qualified judge to Kaua‘i to judge piano students of Guild members.
This year’s judge was Denver Oldham, a graduate of the Juilliard School and a concert pianist in New York City, currently residing in Georgia.
Anglemyer said she likes to have her students participate in the auditions because it gives them a goal, making a ladder for each and every pupil to climb from his or her first year at the piano until they have finished college and beyond — even as a professional pianist acclaimed as an artist.
The guild was founded by Dr. Irl Allison of Austin. Texas. The American College of Musicians is part of the Piano Guild, and cosponsors the Van Cliburn International Quadrennial Piano Competition and donates a grand prize of $20,000.
Getting the program off to a good start was Ivana Wu, at 7 the youngest person on the program. Ivana was followed by Sierra Ota, a first-year student. Katy Talvi made her debut after taking lessons for a short period of time. Katy was followed by Kyle Balisacan and Jaimelynn Dela Cruz.
The repertoire ranged from lively elementary pieces to works of Mozart, Beethoven. Pachebel, Gretchaninoff and Bach. The beautiful “Romance” by Mozart was artistically executed by Stacey Shinagawa and her “The Prowling Pussy Cat” by Gillock enabled listeners to visualize the scene she so masterfully created, Anglemyer said.
Beatrice Wu performed the “Dance Pastorale” by George Fredrich McKay and closed her program with “Pomp and Circumstance.” Maggi Celebrado lovingly performed the “Sonatina in G” by Attwood and set the audience’s toes to tapping with her rendition of “El Conquistador” by Catherine Rollin.
Mallory Fernandez performed Beethoven’s “Ecossaise” and gave a sparkling presentation of “The Magic Fountain” by David Carr Glover, followed by Jaymee Wakumoto’s performance of the well-known Pachebel “Canon in D,” and ending her program with the spirited “Toccata Vivo” by Dennis Alexander.
A lovely interpretation of Offenbach’s “Barcarolle” was given by Angela Semana, who ended her program with a Spanish flair, playing “Tango Pizzacato” by Alfred Cahn.
For the last section of the recital, each student played a duet with Anglemyer, and the grand finale was Beatrice Wu and her sister Ivana playing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” as a duet.
Immediately after the recital, Anglemyer and parents presented Guild Certificates and embossed pins to those who participated in the auditions.
Making his debut in the guild auditions this year was Kyle Balisacan, a first-year piano student who received a perfect score.
Kyle, 9, is a student at Wilcox Elementary School. He was presented with a statuette of Johann Sebastian Bach, in addition to the certificate and pin.
Stacie Shinagawa, 11, was presented the “Top Talent” award for her high score. She received a dictionary of music and biographies of composers.
Jaymee Wakumoto and Mallory Fernandez were awarded five-year pins and statuettes for having prepared 10-piece programs for five years.
Beatrice Wu was given a special award for having prepared a 10-piece program in auditions for six years. Maggi Celebrado, Jaimelynn Dela Cruz, Angela Semana and Shelcie Takenouchi were awarded certificates and pins for also preparing 10-piece programs.
After the presentations, students, families and friends enjoyed refreshments in the Anglemyers’ garden.
Anglemyer said she is very proud of the accomplishments of her students, and said she believes that private piano lessons give each student the opportunity to develop his or her natural talents.
“Piano lessons are a lifetime investment for the student, but taking piano lessons is a three-way proposition requiring the support of the parents,” Anglemyer said.
“The overall goal is to develop a love and appreciation for music.”
For information about piano lessons with Joyce Anglemyer, call 245-2903.
