The DOHS piano recital was held in the theater on November 15th; the 23 students from both intermediate and advanced classes play their pieces for anyone who is interested in going. The students have been practicing for a few weeks, while some have had their music pieces for a few months. The piano students explain how they get ready for big performances in front of the large crowd.
“I would like to think I am ready. I prepared as much as I could throughout the weeks leading up to the recital, and while I’m really nervous to perform for such a large audience, I do think I am ready to perform.” Victoria Martin-Vera, one of the intermediate students explains, sharing her thoughts before the performance. She continues to share, “I’ve been practicing my song for the recital for around two months. However, I’ve been playing the piano for about a year. I think my piece choice reflects the level I’m at, and was challenging enough to help me improve throughout the months I’ve worked on it.”
Both intermediate and advanced classes have been working on their pieces for a while, and express how learning certain things can be difficult. And while learning how to play notes and accents are slightly challenging, one of the biggest challenges that many of the piano students face is on stage jitters. Many of the students share how they try their best to not be so nervous when going on stage and what they do to feel comfortable while playing.
“I’m confident in my ability to play with fluidity and emotion, however emotional preparation is the last thing I’ll need to practice.” Florenze Faith D Bordador tells us, she states how she calms down during the performances, “Before performing, I tend to imagine myself not in front of a crowd, but opening the doors to my cozy bedroom and settling in front of my small keyboard at home. Imagining myself in an environment with no one other than myself helps me to not succumb to the pressure of a crowd just feet away from me onstage. This way, I can really allow myself to feel the song instead of my mistakes.”
Many of the students share how hard it is to feel confident when going on stage, explaining how they feel like they might mess up during their performance. During their classes, the students play their entire piece in front of the class for peer review, then the students are able to give feedback to help the other students find mistakes. Improving their performance is what the players strive for.
“If I mess up I will take a breath through it and continue on with my piece. I just have to believe in myself and keep going” Kiara Enriquez, one of the Advanced students, ends off with.
