Friday, March 28, 2014

Raelyn at ODU Competition

Past weekend Raelyn Hoang participated in Old Dominion University Harold Protsman Classical Period Piano Competition. In this competition students ages pre-school to college were divided in 5 levels and required to perform two contrasting movements from Classical Sonata. Raelyn won the First place for her level. She also received a Helen and Warren Aleck Special Award of $500 for the most promising overall performance in levels 1 to 3! 

  After being chosen for finals, Raelyn wrote:
 "When the final competition started, I told myself not to worry, just do my best. That is what my mommy always says before competition. I was the third one to play. When they called my name, my legs started to shake. I know there were so many eyes looking at me. I tried not to look down  and then I thought about the music and I started to play. I felt very good afterward.
  After everyone in level 1 to 3 played, Mrs. Cardin came up the stage to announce results. Wow! I  got the first place in level 1. I could not believe what I heard, but I was so proud to walk up the stage to receive the prize. After all awards were given, Mrs. Cardin called my name again for the Helen and Warren Aleck Special award and gave me a medal. I didn't know know what is was at the moment, but I was happy to receive it. Later when I saw my mommy, she told me that I just got the award of $500 for the most promising overall performance in levels 1to3. I was so happy and could not wait to let Ms. Silva know."

                                             Raelyn with Lambert Orkis

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Spring Forward

Sun is shining brighter and days are becoming longer as we flip calendar pages to March. 
Take a look at the latest accomplishments:
NVMTA Judged- Charlotte HM
SMC Honors-Sophia, Jacqui, Angus, Maggie and Eli 
 Nicole at work!
NVMTA Concerto Festival
Grades k-3
Nicole- 1st place
Sophia-2nd place
Grades 6-7
Angus-2nd place
  Sophia and Ms. Silva

Students have worked hard, and I cannot say enough how grateful I am to all parents for all the support and dedication they have shown to make each event a success! Katherine and Jacqui played beautiful programs at the Concerto Festival. Sophia served as an accompanist for the first time to make her sister's debut more memorable, what a fantastic job you did together!

 On the other note, several students start preparing for different upcoming events, including important English Writing SOL for fifth graders in Fairfax County. After showing fast qualifying times, Charlotte and Lucy will be heading to Junior Olympics in swimming at the end of this week, swim fast!