Students perform at National Piano-Playing Auditions

Students presented pieces from the programs they had prepared for the National Piano-Playing Auditions, at an awards recital held recently at The Regency at Puakea. All were national winners, playing a 10-piece program from memory for the judge.

The National Guild of Piano Teachers, of which Joyce Anglemyer is a member, sends a qualified professional judge to Kaua‘i every year to evaluate the students. This year’s judge was Dr. Duane White, who is head of the Piano Department at the University of South Carolina in Greenville. The Guild, founded by Dr. Irl Allison in Austin, Texas, gives students an opportunity to strive for his or her individual excellence in a non-competitive environment, as well as giving them a goal to work toward each year. Programs consisted of pieces by baroque and romantic composers, as well as more modern/contemporary composers of music.

All students were recognized by receiving a certificate, a pin and a statuette of a famous composer. Kyle Balisacan received the “Practice Makes Perfect” prize for the most hours of practice. Christyann Clement received special recognition for receiving a perfect score from the judge. The “Most Improved” award went to Ryenn Taogoshi, and Beatice Wu was given a plaque for being at the Guild Auditions for nine years, and receiving a Superior rating every year. Wu won third place in the Mokihana Music Scholarship Competition, and was the Valedictorian of her senior graduating class at Island School. She will be attending Stanford University in September, and plans to continue her study of the piano and music. Miss Filipina Kaua‘i 2007, Maggi Celebrado, a student of Anglemyer, played “Etude Brillante” by Margaret Goldston to conclude the program.

A reception for the families and guests was held immediately following the recital in the Activities Room at The Regency at Puakea.

Anglemyer will have a limited number of openings for new students in September. Anyone interested in taking piano, voice or organ lessons can contact her at: 245-2903.