Charlotte's Piano Recital

After many years with the same teacher, I moved both Charlotte and Jacob this year to a teacher in our neighborhood.  She is part of the Minnesota Piano Teachers Association and offered competition opportunities.  We have now almost completed the year with our new teacher.  In February, I allowed Jacob to quit formal lessons and move forward taking lessons from me at home (this event is an entire post itself so look for it soon).  Charlotte stayed with our current teacher.  I must admit I have missed our old teacher who lives in our ward and was comfortably familiar if you know what I mean.  I worried that the new teacher focused too much on competition and performance (yes - I know what you're thinking - didn't you just say above that's why you moved the kids??????  Of course it is, but then I wasn't sure it was the right thing . . . second-guessing yourself is a killer!).  Charlotte, however, liked her new teacher and really grew under her direction.  And after attending the recital, I know we made the right changes for our family.  The recital pieces were inspiring to say the least.  Our teacher's students can really, really play and play well.  And Charlotte was impressive.  She surprised us all by memorizing her piece, Hedwig's Theme from the Harry Potter movies.  She also received a trophy for earning the most music bucks over the year.  You must do something above normal practice to earn a music buck such as composing a piece of music or playing for a group of 5 or more who are not in your immediate family.  Charlotte composed two pieces this year, Bumpy Road and Laurel's Tree in the Breeze.  When she was practicing these pieces, I thought they had been assigned by her teacher because they sounded so good.  Thanks to our extended family in the area, Charlotte also received a ribbon for the most public performances.  A couple of weeks ago, Charlotte accompanied our Primary as they sang the opening song, I Am A Child of God.  People thought I helped her (I sat with her on the piano bench).  I didn't touch the piano - she's just truly that good at that song.  I'm glad we had the recital and I wish I knew how to download the video of Charlotte playing so you could hear her piece.  The recital helped me realize how far we've come this year and all Charlotte has accomplished.  And it showed me where we can go.  It was a nice way to wrap up the year.