By Kathy L. Collins
Music Showcase hosted its 6th Annual International Piano Guild Award Ceremony on Sunday, July 28. Students performed before a Guild Adjudicator in June. 29 students who take piano lessons at Music Showcase participated. Three students, Amelia Fong, Zane Topper and Mauli Bhogade were standouts at this year’s recital.
The International Piano Guild holds yearly auditions around the world with music professionals who grade students on accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style and technique. The audition, open to all students who take lessons from a registered Guild Piano Teacher, is a yearly event at Music Showcase.
The purpose of the Guild is to encourage growth and enjoyment of the piano. Auditioning students receive the prestige of becoming members of the Guild for a year. They also receive a report card, community service credit and academic accreditation on college applications and resumes.
Amelia Fong, 14, a student at Strawberry Crest IB High School received the highest marks. Fong has been taking piano for 10 years at Music Showcase with Jean Hackley. Fong has participated in the International Piano Guild for several years and is currently in the National Level and was required to memorize ten songs.
Fong said, “Through the years I’ve really enjoyed the experience and I like the challenge of memorization.”
Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information on the Piano Guild Program, please contact Debbie Evans or Lisa Pierce at 685-5998. For more information on Music Showcase, please visit www.musicshowcaseonline.com.
