The CV Piano Society hosted a celebration of music at their year-end recital at the Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College June 1.
Twenty-four students, from 11 different studios, performed a selection on the piano to showcase their musical development for this year of piano study. The program was very varied – ranging from a little jazz number Cool Groove to Debussy’s Passepied, a tango of Argentinian composer Piazzolla Milonga del Angel and ending with Scott Joplin’s toe-tapping Maple Leaf Rag.
This final concert of the year is also an opportunity for the piano society to present their annual awards. Four CVPS Music Awards were presented to Claire Braunberger, Rafe Perry, Simon Formon, and Jasmin Urdahl. Music Awards, a cash award, are presented to students who have completed both the practical and theory examinations in each of the intermediate and senior levels.
Nine students received new piano books for their future studies and/or summer enjoyment. This annual award, The Shirley Fletcher Book Award was presented by Liz Friis (nee Fletcher). Shirley Fletcher was a founding member of the piano society and longtime piano teacher in the Valley. Each year, teachers may select a student from their studio and choose a book that the student would enjoy playing.
The Comox Valley Piano Society, established in 1990, was formed to promote piano music. To that end, they purchased a quality instrument, a Yamaha 7’11” grand piano, that would give local students the experience of performing on such an instrument. This is the piano that is used for examinations, many studio recitals and workshops.
For more information, see comoxvalleypianosociety.com.