Elizabeth had the opportunity to do the Guild Audition this year in piano. The
Piano Guild (a division of the American College of
Musicians) was founded in 1929 by Dr. Irl Allison. Forty-six entrants
participated in the first audition (then called a "tournament") at
Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Since that time, the Guild
has grown to more than 850 audition centers where thousands of
students enroll annually in international auditions, which are
held throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Their primary function is to establish definite goals and awards--in noncompetitive auditions--for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. Teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. Their purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.
Their primary function is to establish definite goals and awards--in noncompetitive auditions--for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. Teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. Their purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.
Elizabeth's teacher and her picked out 3 different songs that she then memorized and performed for this judge. The audition was up in Midvale and Elizabeth was SO nervous. She picked out a dress to wear and we of course fought about wearing tights and how much she hates shoes. But that is just a regular day at our house.
Elizabeth fought us throughout this whole journey to get to these audition about practicing the piano and how she didn't want to do this anymore. She even tried to pay me off at one point to get out of it. (Because it cost me money for her to do this) I of course wouldn't let her out of it and she is now happy she did it. So much so that she says that she wants to do it next year...and I am sure that when that time comes she will fight me over practicing again and try to pay me off!
I am SO proud of her, we got a quick look at how she did after the audition (we were not permitted to go in with her so we waited outside with her piano teacher who also was not permitted to go in). She got 31 C's (which you would think is not so good but that is the best you can get!) and only 2 A's (which is where you messed up or made a mistake!) I was just holding back tears, so I wouldn't embarrass her, but I was so happy that she did so well for her first time doing this. Some of the comments from the judge was that she had great petal control and that she had great hand positioning.(those are what I could remember) She took the 2 A's pretty well and told us that she maybe needs to practice those things that the A's were in. Which made Josh and I just stare at each other with amazement that she is volunteering to practice! I am sure that she will be back to her old self soon! She will get her certificate and report card on this audition on May 24th when they have their Spring Awards Recital! She will have to play one of her pieces as well. Here is a picture of her right before going into her Audition...
This morning while Elizabeth was practicing she reminded me that I was going to video her playing her pieces for you Trudy, so this is for you!
Way to go Elizabeth! I am totally impressed with how well you are playing. That is a lot of memorizing and you did a fantastic job. I just might need piano lessons from you someday! Keep up the good work.
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