Simple Gifts: A Spring Recital - Grace Notes Music Studio

Twice a year, my students put on a show.

I do kind of make them do it. But in the end, they are so glad to have performed. And they are more inspired.

Inspiration

Why, before the recital one young man had asked his Mother why he had to take these sax lessons. But after the recital, he went online and downloaded 5 new pieces of music that he wanted to learn to play. He was inspired.

L-R: Yvonne, Alex & John playing Beethoven

Stage Presence

My students always impress me with their skill and stage presence. This Spring’s recital was no different.

Six of my students prepared solos, duets, and trios by a variety of composers including Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and John Williams.

Flowers!

L-R: Marcus, Zach, Mary Ellen, Ally playing Dona Nobis Pacem

And this year, they surprised me with a colorful bouquet of flowers and a thoughtful card! We had just finished singing Happy Birthday to the wife of one student, when up walks Yvonne with flowers and a card.

I wish I had thought to take a photo of those flowers. They dressed up my studio for two weeks at least. Delightful!

Photos!

These photos by Liz Campbell are beautiful. She went above and beyond what I expected. Thank you, Liz!

Video was recorded of each performance. Here is the video playlist of all the individual performances from the recital.

Program

Allegro by Handel
John Richter & Mary Ellen Grace, clarinet

Dona Nobis Pacem – Traditional
Ally Shuell, Zach Mann, Marcus Matsumura, alto sax  Mary Ellen Grace, clarinet

Maggiore by Beethoven
Alex Karbowicz, John Richter, Yvonne de Maat, clarinet

Can-Can by Offenbach
Marcus Matsumura, alto sax

Morceau Characteristique by Klosé
Ally Shuell, alto sax

Meditation from Thais by Massenet
Yvonne de Maat, Mary Ellen Grace, clarinet

Star Wars Theme by John Williams
Marcus Matsumura, alto sax

Mary Ellen & Zach play Bach on ukulele and sax

Simple Gifts by Elder Brackett
Yvonne de Maat, Alex Karbowicz, John Richter, clarinet

March by Bach
Zach Mann, alto sax; Mary Ellen Grace, ukulele

Rondo by Mozart
John Richter, Yvonne de Maat, clarinet

Andante Cantabile by Dancla
Alex Karbowicz, Mary Ellen Grace, clarinet

The Courtyard

We were fortunate once again to perform for the residents of The Courtyard at Mt Tabor, a retirement facility that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care.

The residents enjoy our shows and we enjoy having them in our audience.