Memories of Christmas Recital

This past Christmas recital was an extra special event for the Schupbach Piano Studio. We all knew it was the last event that we would have together, as I was moving to Colorado, leaving my wonderful students behind in Virginia. Excitement rose as we prepared our pieces that would be played on Warrenton’s best piano, a 9 foot Bosendorfer Grand. This would be the first recital for Miles, Arielle and Jennifer, and they were serious about getting their pieces ready. I was serious about helping them be emotionally prepared, so that they would finish strong, without fear. Daniel surprised me by having his piece ready the first week in December, while Annalise struggled and then conquered a piece that was a bit above her level. In the ranks of my intermediate students, it was all about style, as I taught Joshua the difference between baroque, classical and romantic in his crowd pleasing arrangement of We Wish you a Merry Christmas.  Carter had chosen one of my favorites, O Holy Night, and we had long talks about how to get the emotion of the words into the music itself…”A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on you knees…” Every time I heard that, a chill would go up my spine. A discouraged world dares to believe the truth that a baby, God’s son, could change everything.

Finally the day arrived. It was cold. It was rainy. However, the Christmas lights were reflected in the raindrops, and old town Warrenton was tastefully decked in its holiday finery. Just before recital started I took all my participating students to a room just off the foyer. We prayed together, reminded ourselves where the right and left sides of the bench were located, and lined up in order. Looking at their eager, nervous faces, I thought about all that we had learned together. Each one was so unique, so special, and I knew right then that I would miss each of them dreadfully. The 26 of us filed in, and a hush fell over the audience.  After a short welcome and prayer my bravest student, Miles, played the first notes. Student after student played, each finished strong. Some students surprised me by playing from memory. (Memory is not a requirement for this recital.) No one played perfectly, but they all played with heart, talent, and confidence, which is in my opinion far more important. As the last notes of my Chopin Nocturne died away, and I rose to face the audience, my heart overflowed with gratitude for the successful recital, but even more for the opportunity of knowing such a wonderful group of people.