Congratulations Cassy and Aidan

In the studio I have the "wall of fame." This is where framed 8 x 10 glossy photos of the kids who have graduated from Book Seven go, along with a copy of their recital program.  So far there are four faces there, soon there will be more.  Cassy and Aidan are both on the wall.  Today I will add the framed program of their joint sophomore recital to the wall. What a lovely event we had.  The pianists had some very exciting, lovely, and moving moments.  The chamber music was a nice addition, thanks to Christina and Anne-Sophie.  Friends came as well and the studio was very well represented thanks to Grace and Alec, and Solomon and Nehemiah.  Extra points for y'all on the chart!  "Most favored student" status to all!  Wink.

During the recital, I couldn't help but glance up the steps at the portrait of Cassy at three-years-old.  I remember that dress.  I was there.  So, we grow up together, and our kids grow up together.  I happen to think that is pretty special.  All the kids are special.  It is a privilege for me.  I don't take it lightly.

One of the cool things about knowing someone for a long time is that you have the same memories.  When Bill and I started dating--10 years later after we were in school together--one of the coolest things was that we both had the same memories.  It is good to have friends who share the same memories.  Families are like that too.  I guess that is why sometimes I feel like these kids are part of my family.  Cassy and Aidan are probably pretty sick of me by today--after all the extra rehearsals and practices.  They were at my house quite a bit in August.  I hope they will look back and be glad for the milestone. Here is the program.  I'm very proud for them.  (I've taken out the last names for web security)  Bravo!!

Sophomore Recital of Cassandra and Aidan

August 21, 2011 at the home of Steve and Linda 

Prelude & Fugue in B-flat Major, BWV 866................................................. J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Fantasy in D Minor, K. 397.................................................................... W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)

Waltz.............................................................................................................. F. Poulenc (1899-1963)

Intermezzo in E-flat Major, Op. 117, No. 1................................................ J. Brahms (1833-1897)

Romance in F Major, Op. 118, No. 5

Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque.................................................... C. Debussy (1862-1918)

Rêverie

Cassandra, piano

Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15.......................... F. Chopin (1810-1849) arr. McMichael

Cassandra, piano    Anne-Sophie, violin     Christina, cello

Notturno, Op. 54, No. 4....................................................... E. Grieg (1843-1907) arr. McMichael

Misty................................................................................... E. Garner (1921-1977) arr. McMichael

Aidan, piano    Anne-Sophie, violin    Christina, cello

Prelude in C Major, Op. 12, No. 7.......................................................... S. Prokofieff (1891-1953)

Mazurka in A Minor, Op. 17, No. 4................................................................................. F. Chopin

Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 69, No. 1

Sonata in G Major, L. 79............................................................................. D. Scarlatti (1685-1757)

Sonata in D Minor, L. 58

Sonata in C Major, L. 104

Sonata in D Major, Op. 28.............................................................. L. van Beethoven (1770-1827)

     Allegro

     Andante

     Scherzo, Allegro vivace

     Rondo, Allegro ma non troppo

Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65, No. 6................................................................... E. Grieg

Aidan, piano

Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F-sharp Minor...................................................................... J. Brahms

Cassandra and Aidan, piano