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Mendy Smith

T-1 Days to the "Big Day"

January 12, 2008 at 5:00 AM

My piano arrived today. It is really quite fascinating to watch the movers bring in a large black box and turn it into a piano within an hour. I guess it is customary to play something once it is set up. I played "Chopsticks". It is ALL that I know how to play on piano. I don't actually play piano at all.

After the movers set it up, I went back to work for the rest of the day, and ended up thinking about this big black shiny thing in my living room. After work, I came come, warmed up (on viola), and played Bruch through 3 times. First time as a "performance", second time to work a few technical and stylistic details, and one last time to put it all together. 45 minutes tops.

My pianist called to confirm our 11th hour final practice session at her house, tommorrow 11am. "I have another option. I live 1 mile from the church, why don't we do this at my place? You can be the first to play on my new baby grand." I said in response. "You what?!?!?!" She replies. "You actually did it and bought a piano, and it is there, sitting in your music room? I'd LOVE to come to your house for practice. Give me directions!"

So there we have it. This is why I bought a piano. Not necessarily for myself to play, but to open up the door a little further to welcome others into my space to make beautiful music. My quartet group is seriously pondering now making us a quintet with a pianist.

A side note: I did discover that I know enough about the piano to play my viola part on it, with my right hand only. This may come in handy when I pick up a new piece for the first time and have "intonation issues". :)

Pictures will come later. I have a competition to get ready for tomorrow.



From Neil Cameron
Posted on January 12, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Congrats on the piano Mendy. And the very best of luck in the comp!

Neil

From Donna Clegg
Posted on January 12, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Go Mendy! You are well prepared and I predict an excellent, inspired performace. Grats on the new "strings" in your home.
From Ruth Kuefler
Posted on January 12, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Yay, a piano! How awesome! Good luck with your competition!! Let us know how it goes. : D

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