Our daughter tried the Young Musicians Auditions in West Liberty University. this year. It was held last April 8th. It is an annual audition conducted by WLU to test young musicians of their piano playing ability. This was our daughter's first time so she was a bit a nervous. Luckily, her friend was there so she calmed her nerves down. Her friend have done this in the past so she gave her some pointers.
We have never been to West Liberty University so we did not have an idea where it's at lol. We punched the address to the GPS but for some odd reason, there was a street that the GPS wanted us to turn but it wasn't there so we had to turn around and find our way. Talking about our poor navigation skills lol. Gladly, we left earlier because we always anticipate for stuff like this to happen.
The university was big and we couldn't believe that it was located far from the city. I think if you would have to commute going to this school, it would be hard especially during the winter. I got dizzy because of the turns and narrow roads.
Anyway, after we registered, there were rooms for practicing so Rylie and her friends practice while waiting for their numbers to be called. The ratings to be given includes (Superior, Excellent, and Very Good). We were making jokes about it because our daughter was saying "I hope I don't do very good as it is the lowest score you can get" . In my opinion, I think they should change the ratings because no mater what you do, even you messed up so bad, you still get a very good rating .
The rating is to be based on actual performance and the quality thereof. The entire composition is to be performed from memory. The points of judgment for piano solos are tone, rhythm, technique, phrasing, attack and release, interpretation, memorization, stage presence and pedaling.
For the required composition, she played the Bach: Prelude in C Minor BWV 999. The comment made by the judge was "Good job! All the right notes, rests, dynamics, and at a nice quick pace!" For the choice composition, she played the Summer's Nocturne by Rollin. The judge's commented "Real promising pianist!" and he took note of the repeat that she made. She had to start over when she missed one key.
Anyhow, her friend got an Excellent rating and I feel bad because she cried. She played before Rylie so that made our daughter really nervous. She had to repeat a line because he missed one key so we were so surprised that she still got s Superior rating after the evaluation.
She wants to try it again next year. Her goal is to be able to control her nerves and not to crack to the pressure. In a way, this is a great learning experience for her to be able to conquer stage fright. She is a brave little girl. I don't have the courage to do what she does lol. So great job Ryestein!
