Piano

At my UIL Elite 100 convention, I met a couple of people who could play by ear and once again, I was blown away. Never more have I wished that I had been endowed by the talent to hear music and play it instantly (well, relatively). I understand that that will be an ongoing wish that will never be quite granted, so I have taken to surrounding myself with those that can play by ear, so that I might live vicariously through them.

Background: I have played piano since January of my 7th grade year (which was 2006??). It was the best decision I have ever made. We did not have a piano, but my grandmother did, and as a result of her kindness we hitched it on a trailer and dragged it from Dallas to Houston. Best day of my life. I can still remember the excitement surrounding the whole "adventure". How did I decide I wanted to play? Well, I am not completely sure. Perhaps it was a calling. :) Anyway, my grandparents bought me this little keyboard when I was a kid (I've had it for as long as I can remember). It was a tiny thing, with 3 octaves and small keys. But it might as well have been a super computer for me. Not knowing how to actually play, I used to simply play the preset songs all day and press the percussion buttons. I remember I would get so excited when ever once in a while, my parents bought me the necessary 6 D batteries. They would die quickly (I never grasped the concept of conservation). As I got older, it sat under my bed a while, out of use, but I never quite forgot about it. I still have the little keyboard. Since I have a big one (meaning way more than 3 octaves and 20 preset songs), honestly I never use it. But on the several occasions I was required to consider selling it or giving it away, I could not, absolutely could not bear parting with my baby keyboard. Currently it sits under my bed in little use, as it most certainly will stay for a long time.

Okay, no more reminiscing. Also as a result of the Elite 100 conference, I have realized that I need to be way more technically proficient in my playing. In my fast pieces, I am ridiculously sloppy (yet everyone says how great it is, but pianists would probably dissent). That's why I stick with slower pieces but I yearn to play with verve AND clarity. So, THE PLAN. If I do not want to be embarrased in college, I must must must start playing Hanon. I always say that and do it for a few days...and then quit because it is boring. No more. Same with scales. Learn one every week, 4 octaves or more, major, the relative natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. Memorized.

And for my SENIOR RECITAL: I must memorize every song I intend to play. So here is the list so far:

1. Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum by Debussy
2. Clair de Lune by Debussy
3. Sonata in D by Scarlatti
4. Take Five by Paul Desmond (Dave Brubeck)
5. Pavane pour une infante defunte by Ravel
6. A popular song (haven't decided yet)
7. Return to the Heart by David Lanz
8. Agitation by Mendelssohn
9. Fantasy in D by Mozart
10. A Pride and Prejudice piece by Marianelli
11. Comptine d'un autre ete l'apres midi by Yann Tiersen
12. Barcarolle by Tchaikovsky
13. My composition

This list is by no means definite. And I have a few more that I have forgotten. Oops.

So yes, this is supposed to be a big deal. I am going to have invitations and a party too. I think it may be at my house. Get ready.