Lauren, Anais and Ayden joined together to give their Book 1 violin recital. Here are their thoughts about the experience:
from Lauren
First I was nervous but once I played it more smoothly I got more confident and I played it better.
I can improve more on following Aidan the leader and making Gavotte more staccato.
I enjoyed playing the songs I learned with my partners. What’s special about the recital is I can show my hard work and now I moved on to book two.
from Anais
First of all, I would like to say that the experience is unforgettable because the rehearsals were fun but involve a lot of hard work. The rehearsal and recital were also a great opportunity to learn how to follow and cooperate with others through the music. This recital was about Ayden, Lauren and I so when I was late a few times, I learnt that you have to make sacrifices because you are not the only person involved.
All the practices for the Book 1 recital also taught me that you do not just pass and interest others by only enjoying but by dedicating hard work into this.
The recital had begin with an extremely nervous feeling. My hands and legs were shaking uncontrollably which almost made my bow fall from my legs between my pieces. Slowly, as the recital almost reached the end, the relief had taken over and I was no longer sweating like crazy. When we finally last played Gavotte, I felt extremely comfortable with following Ayden because I finally realised that there would be nothing to worry about.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this Book 1 Recital experience has taught me many things. I really enjoyed this and found interesting. The main essentials to this experience are cooperation, teamwork…and fun.
I would also like to thank Ms Diane for helping and devoting her time and Ms Yuko because she fortunately replaced Ms Shoko when sick and accompanied our recital with the piano.
from Ayden
I thought my book 1 recital was only need to play a few songs on my own and a few songs with my partners at all. However, I knew I need to do more than I thought during the first rehearsal. I actually have a few roles to accomplish during my book 1 recital. I need to perform as a follower, solo performer and also a leader! Wow!
As a follower, I managed to follow my leader, Lauren all the time while we were playing twinkle variations together.
As I played my solo, I started with a little nervous. I didn’t play as good as I normally did at first. However, I paid more attention from my third solo with using my thumb and elbow energy as well as dynamics that Ms Diane always reminds me. I then felt more confident and enjoy to perform more.
As a leader, I was leading Anais and Lauren to play Gossec Gavotte to end the recital. I felt a bit nervous since I need to remember all big cues to lead my partners so that we are able to play well altogether. After the recital, my mom told me that she was proud of my accomplishment as a leader even though I knew I played a few mistakes.
I have been practicing book 1 song everyday, so I felt so delighted to play successfully in my first violin book recital. Now, I have more confident to my future violin journey.
