Private piano students from our Melton campus showcased their exceptional musical talents at the prestigious Royal South Street Eisteddfod on Tuesday 25th of July, impressing both the audience and the judges with their performances. The students' hard work, preparation, and dedication paid off, resulting in a rewarding and valuable creative experience.
Leading up to the competition, the students underwent rigorous preparation and rehearsals. In their weekly private music lessons, they carefully selected suitable pieces for the different sections they planned to enter. They diligently learned the notes and rhythms of the music and added extra musical expression to ensure outstanding performances. To excel in duets and trios, the students practiced together extensively during the three-week school holidays, demonstrating their commitment to achieving a high standard.
Participating in the competition significantly contributed to the overall development of the students' musical abilities and confidence. Performing on a grand stage with a concert piano in front of an audience, including family members, strangers, and a judge, bolstered their self-assurance. In particular, the duet and trio sections offered valuable lessons in playing with others, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy among the students. Those who also entered solo sections learned to perform expressively with bold dynamics, mastering the challenge of playing in a large room.
The students found the competition experience both valuable and rewarding. Many expressed their eagerness to participate again next year, emphasising the growth and personal satisfaction they took from the event.
Looking to the future, Heathdale Melton’s private music tutor, Mrs Katie Apps, hopes that the performance confidence gained from the competition will inspire students to share their musical abilities for the glory of God in various venues, especially in their churches. Encouraging them to become well-rounded musicians, she aspires for them to collaborate in musical groups beyond their school years, equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.
The continued support and encouragement from parents and the broader school community play a crucial role in nurturing students' musical pursuits. The unwavering dedication of the parents, who travelled to Ballarat for the event and took time off work to be present, underscored their commitment to their children's musical education at Heathdale.
Families who are interested families can further foster a vibrant and thriving musical culture within the Heathdale community by attending the upcoming school Music Concert on the 24th of August and celebrating the students' musical achievements.
The Heathdale private piano students' exceptional performances at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod reflect their hard work, dedication, and passion for music. The competition experience not only enhanced their musical abilities and confidence but also strengthened their sense of camaraderie and joy in making music together. As they continue to receive support from their families and the school community, these talented musicians are poised to make a positive impact in various musical endeavours in the future.
Results:
2nd place in 8 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Abrielle Ylagan - "Morning Song" (Edvard Grieg arr. Gilbert DeBenedetti)
3rd place in 8 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Sierra Whitty - "Mini Toccata" (Eric Baumgartner)
Honorable Mention in 8 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Emma Rawlinson - "Viva La Rhumba" (Carol Klose)
Honorable Mention in 8 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Anastasija Djordjevic - "Misty Mountain" (Wendy Stevens)
1st place in 8 Years and Under Piano Four or Six Hands Duo or Trio: Abrielle Ylagan, Myra Shah, Sierra Whitty - "City of Light" (Lisa Donovan Lukas)
Honorable Mention in 8 Years and Under Piano Four or Six Hands Duo or Trio: Nithya Sangireddy, Marina Ishak, Evie Balazs - "In a Haunted Mansion" (Melody Bober)
3rd place in 9 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Caitlin Chinamasa - "Evening Rain" (Wendy Stevens)
Highly Commended in 9 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Theodore Kalajdzic - "Summer Sky" (Wendy Stevens)
2nd Place in 9 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Tanjira Rafoi - "Little Flower Girl of Paris" (William Gillock)
Highly Commended in 9 Years and Under Popular Piano Solo: Abrielle Ylagan - "Once Upon a Dream" (Sammy Fain, Jack Lawrence and Tchaikovsky arr. Chrissy Ricker)
3rd place in 9 Years and Under Popular Piano Solo: Emma Rawlinson - "I See the Light" (Alan Menken and Glenn Slater arr. Randall and Nancy Faber)
Honorable Mention in 9 Years and Under Popular Piano Solo: Myra Shah - "Super Mario Bros. Theme" (Koji Kondo arr. Chrissy Ricker)
2nd place in 10 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Lulu Riak - "Summer Sky" (Wendy Stevens)
3rd place in 10 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Isabella Balbastro - "Rainy Saturday" (Emma Lou Diemer)
Honorable Mention in 10 Years and Under Novice Piano Solo: Daniella Gonzales - "Plaintive Waltz" (Arthur Somervell)
Honorable Mention in 10 Years and Under Popular Piano Solo: Daniella Gonzales - "Beauty and the Beast" (Alan Menken)
2nd place in 10 Years and Under Piano Solo by an Australian Composer: Daniella Gonzales - "Reflections" (Daniel McFarlane)
1st place in 10 Years and Under Piano Four or Six Hands Duo or Trio: Isabella Balbastro, Elissa Balbastro - "Once Upon a Rainbow" (Robyn Fehrenbacher)
Honorable Mention in 10 Years and Under Piano Four or Six Hands Duo or Trio: Rebekah Gonzales, Daniella Gonzales - "Down a Country Road" (Ludwig van Beethoven arr. Jennifer Eklund)
Highly Commended in 10 Years and Under Piano Four or Six Hands Duo or Trio: Sharav Takkekar, Tyson Pham - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (Edvard Grieg arr. Dennis Alexander)