By Kathy L. Collins
Music Showcase hosted its 10th Annual International Piano Guild Award Ceremony in May.
Students performed before a judge in a closed juried event at Music Showcase. Five Music Showcase students received high marks. The students included Karishma Lukose and Jacob Cravens who received first place in the state level; Brody Ames and Isabella Ocasio who earned second place at the state level; and Kai Edwards who received a perfect score in the district level. Students who participate in the International Piano Guild must memorize and play scales and songs. It can be as many as 10 each.
“The International Piano Guild holds yearly auditions around the world with music professionals grading students on accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. The audition, open for students of all levels, is a yearly event at Music Showcase,” explained Debbie Evans, Director of Public Relations for Music Showcase. The Guild’s purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment of the piano. Auditioning students receive the prestige of becoming members of the Guild for a year and report cards which are evidence of their accomplishments. Students can also receive community service credit through the public school system and academic accreditation on college applications and resumes.
Lukose is an 11th grade student in the International Baccalaureate program at Strawberry Crest High School. She has been playing since she was seven years old.
Ocasio is a 14 year old 9th grade student at Bloomingdale High School. This is Ocasio’s fifth Guild performance, and her first time placing first in the state level. She has been playing since she was 9 years old.
Ames is a 13 year old 8th grade student at Randall Middle School. This is his third year participating in the Guild. He has been playing for four years. He performs with the Randall Middle School Chorus and plays for the residents at The Bridges in Riverview on Saturday afternoons.
Edwards is eight years old. This is his first piano Guild. He has been playing for a year and a half.
Cravens is a 13 year old 7th grade student at First Baptist Brandon Christian Academy. He has participated in the Guild for the last seven years.
The Music Showcase students take piano lessons from Jean Hackley who has been a music instructor at Music Showcase since 1999.
Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, please visit www.musicshowcaseonline.com.
